The Interview I Almost Skipped

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and at the right time.

When I didn’t get my visa at my first interview, I felt like a loser. Whenever people asked about my plans, I felt ashamed, and it triggered me a lot. I honestly hated everyone who said, “It will happen next time.” Bruh, how? Are you going to be my visa officer? I hated everyone who made me feel like a victim. Please, just move on and let me live my life. I couldn’t stand people adding so-called motivating lines. Please don’t. I didn’t need any of your wisdom at that moment.

Haha, that’s how I felt after my first visa interview.

Then I started my undergrad in Nepal, and I was honestly a good student, always in the top 3. I can’t believe how full of energy I was. I used to wake up at 4 a.m. and study whatever was going to be taught that day. Now I just smile and think about it, because I don’t even feel like waking up at 8.

I was still applying for the USA, though, and my second interview date was getting close. I was in my second semester with board exams in a week, and my interview was scheduled exactly one week before them. The rejection rates were so high that I had almost made up my mind to just focus on my exams. Nobody except my parents and my sister knew about my interview date.

Then the interview day came. I skipped college and went to the embassy. (As I write this story, I can say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.) I carried a bag full of documents, and I had filled out my DS-160 by myself this time, which shows how unserious I was about the day. I had to leave my bag at a shop outside and pay 250 rupees for it, which reminded me how few people I had to rely on. I went in wearing a sweater and pants, with about 10% preparation. I had prepared a lot for my first interview, so I already knew most of the answers.

While standing in line, I noticed my surname was misspelled on my I-20. Bruh!!! Still, I felt no stress at all. I had no expectations, and I planned to visit my exam center after the interview so it would be easier to find on exam day.

Then it was my turn:

Me: Hi, how are you?

VO (a Black American lady): Hi, I’m doing well. How are you today?

Me: I’m fine, thank you for asking. (I handed her my documents.)

VO: (looking at her screen) Is this your first time?

Me: No, ma’am, it’s my second time.

VO: Really? What happened the first time?

Me: (smiling, because she was such a nice lady) To be honest, I was so nervous that I couldn’t answer any of the questions.

VO: You don’t look nervous today! What do you want to be in the future?

Me: Becoming a software developer and working at a big tech company in Nepal has been my dream since childhood. (A typical answer that just came to my mind.)

VO: What does a software developer do?

Me: (I knew everything about this question, and I answered so well that even I was impressed.) Software is a vast term, but in general, it’s simply the apps we use in our everyday lives. The app open on your computer right now is software, and you’re seeing its frontend. When you type something and save it, the backend stores it in a database so it’s available in the future.

VO: (smiling) Wow, I learned some new terms today.

Me: (smiling) I used to build websites and do freelancing, and I want to continue that, but professionally.

VO: I hope you achieve your dreams. What are your plans after this interview?

Me: I’m in Kathmandu just for this interview, so I’ll return home early tomorrow morning.

VO: Oh, you’re here just for this interview? How far is your home?

Me: It’s around 6 hours by bus from here, ma’am.

VO: Okay, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Me: I see myself as a full-stack developer, working at a big tech company after I receive my bachelor’s degree.

VO: And where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Me: I’d be in a senior position as a full-stack software developer at one of the tech giants of Nepal, like Info Tech (a random name), with my parents by my side.

(Fun fact: “Info Tech” was completely random, and she actually Googled it. I was saved because a company with that name happened to exist.)

VO: I have to approve your visa. I hope you have a safe journey tomorrow.

Me: (numb) Thank you so muchhh! (I think I said it multiple times.)

Then I walked outside like it was nothing, and nobody was waiting for me, haha. At my first interview, my mom had been waiting outside, and I still remember what she said: “Ma ta khusi chu, nalageko ma.” I grabbed my bag and went to the bus stop. My father called, and I told him I got my visa. A relative also called to say he’d pick me up from the bus stop, and I told him I was already on the bus and halfway to my hostel, and that I’d call him back later.

Now it’s been 2 years since that blessed day. I have a job, I’m paying my own tuition, and I don’t need to ask anyone for anything. God has really been great to me. While others earn $10 an hour working so hard they can’t even sit down, I get to sit in a rolling chair like a manager, fix phones all day, and likely earn more than they do. Back in Nepal, I used to imagine myself working at a gas station, but look at what God did for me.

Thank you so, so, so much for everything.