Born in Yavatmal, a small district in Maharashtra, my childhood dream had always been to make my way to London someday. Little did I know about the difficulties and the intricacies involved in this seemingly simple desire.
With high tuition fees and sky-level cost of living index, my dream of going to the U.K. was almost uncertain without financial aid. I came across the Chevening Scholarship by chance when I applied for it in November 2013, with just a day to spare before the deadline. The scholarship is one of the most prestigious in the world, aimed at exceptional talent and prospective leaders.
The application phase was indeed challenging and tremendously intimidating. To be able to compete with, and outshine, thousands of other applicants, it was extremely important to ensure that my credibility and my ambitions were well outlined.
Notable seniors at the workplace agreed to provide me their valuable recommendation which helped my application stand out. With the tiniest hope of getting selected, if not none at all, I continued with my everyday life at work until one day, when out of nowhere, I received an email saying that I had been shortlisted for the scholarship and was being invited for an interview at the British Embassy in Chennai.
Dream interviewWhat followed next were massive amounts of anticipation and never-ending anxieties. I was extremely thrilled to have been shortlisted amongst thousands others and be able to reach this milestone in the selection process.
The day of my interview was bright and sunny and I felt self-possessed. The panel comprised three people who probed me on my career choices, my ambition and on the change I could bring in the society. I was assertive and gave it the best shot possible.
Next, began the most nerve-racking wait for the outcome of the interview which continued for about two months. Finally, the Chevening Secretariat sent out an email stating that the panel was impressed by my candidature and would be willing to award me the scholarship.
The email literally threw me off my seat and my happiness knew no bounds! The scheme provides for complete tuition fee, return air fare, visa fees and a monthly stipend.
With the scholarship, I hope to have an exhilarating experience of world class education offered in the U.K. and be a part of a highly talented network of global scholars. Upon my return, I hope to have gained skills which will help me bring about a constructive change, not only for myself, but also for others.
