My Biggest Disappointment Ever

"You can not enter the examination room," said the receptionist ." I was stunned when I heard the statement made by the lady at the reception of the examination hall. I was not ready to take her response, so I asked, What? My voice amplified as I re-stated my question. Instead of getting a response, the receptionist asked me to wait. While waiting, my heart sank, and I felt like my dreams were falling apart. As her words were filtering down, I inferred, I may miss this opportunity. However, I mustered the courage to face the adverse situation, now I asked hesitantly," why can't I take the test?"  

My passion for becoming a certified counselor in the USA was not new. In India, I was a counselor. Being a counselor, I had the privilege to help students and parents because I would reach out to the root of the problem to find permanent solutions. It did help many students and parents resolve students' academic, social, and emotional issues.

When I moved to the United States of America, my employer awarded me a scholarship for Masters in Educational Administration. I thought it was a Godsend chance, so I asked if I could change the major to Guidance and Counseling instead of Administration. Nevertheless, my request to change the major was not approved. Despite this, I decided not to give up. I always believed in my motto, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” So I decided to wait for the right time and right opportunity to fulfill my goal. 

Further, I remember the story of The Spider and King. In the story, King Bruce was inspired by a spider when he took refuge in a cave after losing the battle. He hid in the cave where he saw a spider, who was repeatedly falling to climb the web. Despite many unsuccessful attempts, the spider did not quit and finally succeeded in his endeavors. This story always gives me the strength to never give up.

 Meanwhile, I continue pursuing my efforts. Moreover, I always believed when one has a pure and strong desire to pursue a goal, God always helps, even though it takes a longer time. The same thing happened to me as well.

After a few years, I learned that I could pursue my dream to be a certified counselor in the USA. I applied for the program and got accepted. I met all their requirements and did an internship in one of the schools under a school counselor. I was almost so close to fulfilling my requirements, and I was allowed to take the test. I registered myself by paying a considerable fee and prepared for the state board certification. I was nervous but happy that if I passed my test, I would be a USA-certified counselor.

On the day of the test, I reached the center. As I was showing my ID, I could not take the exam. Upon hearing that, I was disappointed. As I was waiting to hear more from the examiner, the clock was clicking. Once the exam starts, I won't be allowed to enter the examination hall. By that time, all the candidates went inside the examination hall. The lady called me again, and I asked her why I was not allowed to take the test?" She asked me," Did I read the instructions on the examination ticket?" I said," yes" she pointed out the instructions and asked me to read one more time. I realized my mistake, and I was supposed to bring two identification cards to the examination hall. I got only one ID, so I was not allowed. My home was about 45 minutes away from the examination center, and 15 minutes were left. The lady said if I could produce a second Identification card in 25 minutes, I could sit for the examination. 

 That day I could not write the test, and I was disappointed. I went home like a loser but learned the essential lesson to read directions carefully. 

The following examination window was after three months; I followed the instructions and took extra IDs and took my test, and became the USA-certified counselor.

 Every disappointment teaches us life lessons, so I learned mine.