The Big Day
“Wow! Congrattions! You’re all grown up now…” the auntie replied as she patted me on the back.
“You should save the congrattions for when I get the job,” I said as I began looking around the store.
After trying on a couple of options that the shop owner rmended, I decided on a matching set of
ck suit and skirt and a simple white shirt. I quickly paid and thanked the auntie before heading
straight for home. The written exam was in two days so between now and then, I must study for it as
much as possible.
...
The night before the test and interview, my mother and I kneeled in front of my father’s photograph as
we prayed for luck and sess. My father died from illness when I was very young. To be honest, I
didn’t remember him very well. Any memories that I had of him were blurry at best, but I could sense
that he must have been a good and kind man.
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I got to know my father based on my mother’s words. She always had so many wonderful things to say
about him like how he was a very responsible man who really loved and worked hard for his family. She
would praise him for always putting us first.
Dad…please keep on watching over us from above. Please do your best not to worry, mum and I are
doing well. We’re both doing our best to be happy. I’ve always worked hard and will continue to work
hard to protect my mother. Tomorrow is a big day indeed, so…please wish me luck.
I prayed silently as I kneeled next to my mother with closed eyes. My mother said her prayers silently
as well. When we were both done, we smiled at each other. For once in quite a while, our eyes were
filled with hope for the future.
If I get the job, I will have to move to live in the city. That would mean leaving my mother behind in this
town but hopefully, with the money that I will earn, I can give her a better life. My mother is getting
older, and it shows in her ever-increasing backaches and lower stamina, although she tries her best to
hide it. I wish that I could work and send her back enough money so that she could finally retire or take
on fewer or less intense work.
That night, after making somest-minute preparations, I went to bed early. Tomorrow, I had to catch
the train super early to head into the city where I will take my first written test and then if I pass that, I’ll
have the interview in the afternoon.
I squeezed my eyes tight as Iid on my bed. Tomorrow, will be my day…
…
Finally…I have arrived at what hopefully would be my future workce!
I stood in front of a beautifully decoratedndscape with trees, bushes, flowers, and a veryrge water
fountain. Beyond this was one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, the headquarters of Jessen & Hills.
This ce is the dream workce for countless souls of my generation that have been captured by the
art of advertising and film production.
I bit my lip with a mix of nervousness and excitement as I looked up at the shiny skyscraper looming
over me. The building was made almost entirely of shiny silver ss that reflected the light, making the
building seemed like a shiny diamond twinkling in the sunlight.
Everyone who walked by were dressed in smart-looking suit. Everyone looked so well-aplished
and qualified. Everyone looked like they belonged here. I looked around until I found a small bench
where I hurriedly sat down. I was already dressed in my suit, but I haven’t worn the proper shoes that
auntie had lent to me yet. Since I wasn’t used to wearing shoes like these and they were a little on the
small side, I had decided to change into them right before entering the building.
I took off my shoes and slipped on the leather shoes. It hurts a little when I walk but I should be able to
manage for the day. I breathed in deeply as I headed for the entrance of the building.
Here Ie…
The written interview was conducted in a veryrge auditorium and the tension in the air was
suffocating. I knew that this job application waspetitive, but I never thought that there would be this
many people here. I pped the sides of my cheek softly to bring my brain into focus.
I spent the entire morningpleting the written test along with the other candidates, silently in the
auditorium. Then came lunch break where we were provided with box lunches. I was too stressed and
on edge that I couldn’t taste the food at all as I quickly gulped it down. Next was the interview in the
afternoon.
…
“Sir, with all due respect, there is no need for someone like yourself to join in the interview of new
recruits. I could understand if you wanted to interview executive-level applicants but…we’re talking
about fresh graduates here…” an old man said with a shaky voice.
“Is that all you’ve got to say?” another man spoke through the phone, his voice was cold.
“Umm…yes, Sir,” the old man replied in fear.
“Good. Then noted but my decision stands. I want to participate in some interviews for the fresh
graduates,” the other man spoke as he smiled on the other end of the line.
“Sir, the interviews are already going to start this afternoon…” the old man said hesitantly. How was he
supposed to move all hundreds of interviews? It would be such a disaster…
“Then move it to tomorrow afternoon instead. You can do that much, right?” the younger man said with
a clear challenge in his voice.
“Yes…Sir,” the old man was forced to reply. If he couldn’t do ‘that much’ his job would be at risk for
sure…
“You’re probably wondering why I’m doing this. Well, since I’ll be taking over thepany soon, I want
to experience firsthand how ourpany is viewed by the newer generation. After all, they hold the
key to our sessful future in their hands,” the younger man said matter-of-factly.
“Yes…Sir. Very well, Sir…” the old man replied in resignation.
“Good. Good luck,” the other man said emotionlessly before killing the line.
--To be continued…