I can feel myself tensing up so I did some breathing exercises. When I felt myself slowing relaxing, I gave myself a short pep talk. You can do this. You have it in you. Just believe in yourself. It doesn't matter that you are dressed like their old maid auntie. You also have what it takes to be hired in this position. I kept telling myself that until I felt better.
I started humming to ease my tension while waiting.
"When you get a funny feeling way down low
Just stop what you're doing and go, go, go.
What are you doing? Where did you go?
What are you doing? I want to know!
I went to the potty, and washed my hands too
I went to the potty like the big kids do!"
"Really? Cocomelon? What are you? A toddler?" The voice made me scream like a banshee.
"Hey! Stop shouting!" Ashton said. He and another lady were looking at each other and was trying their best not to laugh.
"How do you expect me to react? I knew I was alone and I was just humming the song. So what if it is for toddlers? That song explicitly tells how I feel right now." I said in a petulant voice.
"So do you want to go? Are you really feeling funny way down low? If you are, you can go to the rest room first." Ashton said in a mean voice with a smirk in his lips.
God, I wish I could kiss that smirk away. Wait! What did I just say? Kiss? No way in hell will I do that. No way.
"I am fine Mr Kempt. Thank you for your misguided concern." I said.
The lady beside Ashton came up to me, extended her hand and said, "I am Jessica Greene. Mr Kempt has told me what happened. Lucky you, the assessment has not started. So if you don't mind, you can take the assessment first and have the initial interview after your done taking the assessment. Is that alright with you?"
I felt like hugging her. I can see why Sheila said that she doubts I will be accepted for the interview because Ms Jessica does look like she is strict. She has this don't you dare mess with me and waste my time aura.
I took her hand and said "I am Helena Smith. I do not see any problem with me taking the assessment first. Is there anything that I needed to prepare before taking the assessment, Ms Jessica?"
"Oh none dear. Just you sit and wait outside like the others." she said in a warm voice and left with Ashton.
I went out and waited with everyone else. I can feel their curious eyes on me but I just ignored them. Opting to close my eyes and do my breathing exercise so as not to be nervous. After a short while, we were all called and were asked to proceed to the room at the end of the hall where we will be assigned to a computer. We will be taking a series of assessment that would measure the extent of our knowledge with our chosen language.
After 1 hour of grueling question and answer, reading and translating, I was finally done. I was the first of the few people who were already done. Since I still have an initial interview, I decided not to linger and headed out of the room. I met Ms Jessica and she led me into a conference room. She asked me some basic question like tell me about yourself and why did I choose the company. I answered with all honesty and sincerity.
"I said that EasyLanguages Corp is the best when it comes to offering services that had something to do with languages. And I want to work under and with the best set of people to motivate me to become a better version of myself in the future." I responded.
She seemed to be satisfied with my response since she just smiled and nodded her head while scribbling something on my score sheet. I was so nervous that I can even feel my palm sweating profusely. This is just nerve wrecking. Can she not just tell me of what the result is?
When I felt like I was about to faint from tension, I felt her tidying her things up. This gesture made me think that I did not make it so I also stood up and prepared to say goodbye. But I was taken aback with what she said next, "Alright, Ms Smith, please wait outside for the announcement of the assessment scores. Once you made it, you will immediately be endorsed to the final interview. Final interview is no longer one on one but instead you will be having the interview with the hiring board. Understood?"
"Yes Ms Jessica." That was the only response that I can come up with.