The Interview

Long long time ago, 
Blossoms Public School
Rampur

My first interview ever and I don't remember much of it. I was appearing for the interview for admission in nursery. I went to the Principal's office accompanied by my father and the next thing I remember was that my father and I were scolded by her because I was chewing gum during the interview. I don't remember what followed but I got selected for admission.

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1999
Kendriya Vidyalaya
National Security Guards, Manesar

Another important interview for admission in first standard. ( No chewing gums this time). I could be easily mistaken for a boy - short hair and dressed 'formally', except for the earrings. I am a little scared this time, for I am aware that this is important - the beginning of school, class 1. I go before the interview panel which had two teachers, very amiable teachers. They ask me questions related to days of the week and colours. I quickly answered each question, correctly. On the table was a bowl of toffees, the candidate could pick one at the end of the interview. I picked one, the teachers smiled and told me that I could pick one more. (Imagine a child's happiness on getting an extra toffee, that too the one who has a big sweet tooth!) Those two toffees, were my reward and at that point of time it was no less than being honoured by a Padma Shri. I got admission and there was a considerable discussion among the teachers to decide who will my class teacher be, i.e. which section of the class I will join. I was an instant favourite I guess.

I used to accompany my mom to her workplace before I started going to school. I liked it, but now I had an even more interesting place to go.
( For the people who are surprised by the fact that I know about so many medicines, this is the reason. I went to medical store before I went to school!)

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4th July 2011
Delhi

(Background : I have been selected for interview in the college I dreamt of attending since 11th standard. Trying to get things in order so that everything goes well on the D-Day.)

I get up early. Couldn't eat properly, which happens before every examination. I know how important it is and inevitably, I am nervous. My parents are with me and their expectant eyes leave no option for me but to perform well enough to get through. On the positive side, they are there with their good vibes, hopes and love for me. We hire a cab and set out for the college. 'The College'. Everything was going good until...
Until we realised that the driver was not quite familiar with the way to college.
My heart sank and I was almost in tears.
WAS I ABOUT TO BE LATE FOR THE INTERVIEW?
The time was running out. My parents hadn't given up yet. After a halt resulting from uncertainty of our position, we made a move on hope of finding our way. Though the saying goes around that its futile to ask for directions in the city, we still asked for help and finally found our way to the college. We made it on time.
Reached college - not many people were around. It was like coming to Sunday school. Though I was not able to see the whole college, I loved it and definitely wanted to come back. After all the paperwork, I sat outside the Principal's office, waiting for my turn. ( Did I mention I was nervous? I was!).
The tension was perhaps visible on my face and then a kind stranger ( who was one of the parents accompanying their kids to the interview) said to me , " You have such good marks. You need not worry." I don't know how he knew about my marks, or maybe he didn't, but those kind words came well in time. I was next to be interviewed. I went inside. Didn't count the exact number of professors, so I'll say that there we're SO MANY of them. Took a seat and the interview began.
Principal sir : So where else did you apply?
Me : I didn't apply anywhere else, Sir.
He : Any other course in Stephen's?
Me : No
He : What if you don't get through? Moureena, my friend, you'll remain uneducated! (He said laughing)
I blushed and smiled.
He looked at my marksheet and asked : What is your favourite subject?
Me : Economics
He looked at the marksheet again. I got a mark more in Hindi (and geography)than what I got in Economics. He handed it over to the Hindi HOD.
Hindi HOD : What did you study in Hindi in 12th?

I go blank. It was like I forgot all the languages which were known to me. This wasn't expected. I thought they would be asking me questions related to economics!
I listed the things that I read in 12th ( which also included some of the chapters I read in 9th!). I gradually gained back my voice and answered all the questions.
After that, I had my wish granted. The economics professor started asking questions.
He : Do you know what is reverse repo rate?
( Damn! I didn't! It was something I read, but couldn't recall!)
Me : No.
He : Do you read newspapers?
( How I wish I could say yes! But.)
Me : No.
( Very good. The interview and my chances to get in go down the drain.)
He : Repo rate?
(Yes! I know this one! Yes!)
I answered. The interview was over. I came out disappointed and was remotely hopeful.


But miracles do happen.
The list came out. I got selected. I even got residence. I blinked my eyes many times, looked at the list, it was still the same. My parents said that they knew I would get through.

My only thought : Phew! I won't remain uneducated!

Sometimes, the valley is not as dark and deep as it seems- the situation is not as bad as it looks. The things work out in their own way ( which is funny at times). The silver lining is there, just don't give up :)