When we're at work and a special task comes up, and we're fabulous, what are we to do but do that special task fabulously?
That was exactly what Christian Sandoval, a US Navy Airman for the past two years and an active TikToker, was thinking when he was told that a series of jets were on the way, and he needed to guide them in their landing on the assault ship's deck.
With Madonna's "Vogue" playing in the background, Sandoval looked at the camera, applied some shiny pink lip gloss, and then turned toward the landing strip, executing a perfect fashion-model strut.
You can watch the viral video here:
"When they call and say jets are inbound and I need to land them."
In the viral video, Sandoval struck the perfect balance between doing his duty and being his authentic self.
Sandoval is originally from Dallas, Texas, and he came out as gay at 16 and enlisted two years ago.
Sandoval frequently uses his TikTok channel to express himself, explore fashion and makeup, and practice being his most authentic self.
That's especially important to him now while working in the Navy.
"I was studying theatre and fashion design [at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas]. I ended up joining the Navy because I also wanted to follow my dreams of being a pilot."
"On TikTok, I’m trying to intertwine all that, and show people that you can be a pilot and you can be an actor, you can do all that.”
Everyone was so taken with the first performance that Sandoval created a second video.
TikTok loudly applauded Sandoval's performances and commitment to being himself.
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
@itschristiannoel/TikTok
Sandoval even got Paris Hilton's attention!
Sandoval's account very quickly grew after the series of viral videos, leading to a celebratory catwalk.
Sandoval was endlessly pleased that the videos resonated with so many people.
"I actually had that video in my drafts for about two months and I wasn’t going to post it because I didn’t like the way I looked. But I posted it, and I went to sleep because I didn’t have any service after I posted it."
"And I woke up the next day to a million views. That was pretty mind-blowing. I was getting so much love and support."
"And then Paris Hilton followed me!"
This is such a great reminder that it's important to be true to ourselves, and that we'll never know what's waiting for us if we don't put ourselves out there. Even though Sandoval waited two months, he eventually posted a video that led to many new followers, friends, and opportunities. We should be inspired by that!
@sama/X
