THE STORY OF NEHA PATEL

One evening the whole family was relaxing after dinner. Our backdoor neighbor dropped in. He was at our place to invite us to a party. He was migrating to Canada. He was hopeful of making a good living in Canada.

Few weeks later my wife came up with a thought. Shouldn't we hope for a better living? Shouldn’t we try for Canada? I told her, I will think over. Aware of my procrastinating attitude she kept reminding me time and on but I on the other hand was thinking, with food in the stomach, grains in the store, cash in the bank and a job on hand, is Canada worth trying for?

She believed in the quote “Persistency pays” not only by words but by spirit also. Her questioning continued, finally to calm her I approved it. The next day we were in Neha’s office. Neha is one of the directors of Marconis Institute. It facilitates immigration and overseas studies. Of all the things I was required to furnish with the application, two things which required personal efforts were English and French. She explained all who aspire to migrate and study in English speaking country should take the IELTS Test. While this is mandatory, a certificate in French would be an added advantage.

I provided all things she needed and asked her to lodge an application. Few weeks later I received a mail asking whether I knew French; I gave a call to Neha informing her about the mail and asked the reason of inquiry. She said I have mentioned in the application form that THE APPLICANT KNOWS FRENCH. I told her but I don’t, she said “Impossible is a word found in the dictionary of fools” and ………  I know you can manage it and you will manage it”. I ended the phone.

“THE APPLICANT KNOWS FRENCH” a statement in the application was to be transformed into reality and the sole responsibility lay on my shoulders.The same day, Friday afternoon, the notice board at the Department of French, M S University read, admissions available in the morning session, the office remains closed on Saturday and Sunday. Monday morning, no sooner did the office opened I entered it and requested for an admission. Quick came the reply “No vacancy”. I pleaded and succeeded. That was not all. 

In my quest for firstly meeting the requirement and later on of learning French through level one, level two and then the Diploma has taken me through different experiences; experiences of being through adverse conditions, being focused, public relations, time management, office and family management.

Sometimes you are pushed to the wall, does it mean the end or an opportunity.

Once a riot torn city lay disturbed for days together, the administration struggled to restore normalcy. Isolated incidence of violence continued to happen. In one of the incidents a boy running to save his life was followed by a violent mob carrying weapons; it was a question of life and death. At a point of time he found himself nearing a dead end. He mustered energy and pole vaulted the wall. Standing safe on the other side of the wall he looked at the wall and then to himself in awe, he wondered,  how could he do it?

Just like that boy, I too was pushed to the wall, the absence of clarity created the wall which did not allow me to see through, the real benefits, it was not only about getting the certificates, it was much more. Thanks Neha for putting me in front of the dead end. The rest was for me to exploit the situation and get at the receiving end. See you next time with THE STORY OF NARESH IYER.