Chapter 1: The Interview
The sun hadn't fully cleared the horizon when my alarm went off.
At 18, most of my classmates were dreaming about parties or sleeping through their morning BBA lectures. But my life was a race against the clock. By 7:00 AM, I was in the front row of the lecture hall, my notebook filled with marketing theories. By noon, I was swapping my backpack for a professional blazer.
I wanted more than just a degree; I wanted a career.
I remember the glass doors of the office reflecting the midday sun. My heart was thumping against my ribs—a rhythmic reminder of how much I wanted this job. I smoothed down my skirt, checked my resume one last time, and stepped inside.
The office was quiet, smelling of expensive coffee and fresh toner. I was led to a small waiting area, my hands slightly cold.
"The manager will see you now," the receptionist said with a polite smile.
I took a deep breath, pushed open the heavy wooden door, and stepped into the room. And there he was, sitting behind a wide mahogany desk.
He didn't look up immediately. He was focused on a file—my file. The light from the window caught the sharp line of his jaw and the professional focus in his eyes. In that moment, the rehearsed lines of my interview plan completely vanished from my head.
"Please, have a seat," he said, finally looking up.
Chapter 1 (Continued): The Test
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning my resume before landing on mine. The office felt smaller suddenly, pressurized by his presence.
"You're in your 3rd semester of BBA," he noted, his voice calm but authoritative. "And you're a morning student."
I nodded, keeping my posture straight. "Yes, sir. I finish my classes by noon every day."
He closed the folder and looked at me directly. This was the moment. "This role requires someone who can be fully present. Tell me honestly—you don't have prior experience in this field. How do you plan to manage the workload of a professional office while still being a full-time student? Can you actually handle everything, or will your studies get in the way?"
The question felt like a challenge. It wasn't just about the job; it was about whether I was capable enough to live the life I wanted.
I looked at him, noticing for the first time a hint of curiosity behind his professional gaze.
Chapter 1 (Conclusion): The Promise
I didn't let my gaze waver. I knew I was young, and I knew my resume was thin, but I also knew my own strength.
"I understand your concern, sir," I said, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. "But my schedule is my greatest asset. Because I am a morning student, my classes end while the rest of the world is just getting started. I have the energy and the discipline to dedicate my afternoons and evenings entirely to this office. I am not just looking for a job; I am looking to prove that I can manage both lives successfully."
I paused, then added a final touch of conviction. "If you give me the chance, you'll find that I don't just 'manage'—I deliver."
The room went quiet. He tapped a pen against the mahogany desk, his sharp eyes studying me. He seemed to be measuring my words against my age. I could feel the air in the room practically humming between us.
A small, almost imperceptible tilt of his head followed. "You're very confident for an eighteen-year-old," he said. The coldness in his tone had thawed just a little, replaced by something that felt like... respect.
"Confidence comes from knowing you're willing to work harder than anyone else," I replied.
He looked at my file one last time, then stood up and extended his hand across the desk. "I like that answer. Let's see if you can keep that promise. You start Monday."
As I reached out to shake his hand, my skin brushed against his. A sudden, unexpected jolt of electricity shot up my arm—a spark that had nothing to do with BBA or business.