May 2019, while I was attending an event at the Lethbridge College showcasing a project my team and I have built, I get a call from the College saying my Diploma is ready for pick up. I run to the Office of the Registrar to finally see this document I have been waiting for.
After a very busy day at the college, I had to head back home and quickly pack my belongings because I was moving back to Calgary. Late at night, I took the road : I had a job interview in the morning, and several others the same week. I got to Calgary at around midnight, and went straight to bed.
The morning comes, and without much sleep, I try to get ready for my interview. Quick breakfast, and I was on the road to downtown. While on my way, I figured I might be late because of the unexpected high traffic, so I decided to park my car at the train station and jumped on the train.
Stops after stops, stations after stations, all I had in my head was that interview, looping my prepared answers to the interview questions. Suddenly, my thoughts changed radically, the worst happened when I heard “Ladies and Gentlemen, transit pass in hands please“. This is when I realized that I did not get my transit fair.
Living in Lethbridge for 2 years where there is no train, I had forgotten my habits of getting my monthly transit pass. I apologized and explained the situation to the Peace Officer, wearing my suit and tie, but it did not convince the Officer, who decided to write me a $230 fine.
Upset and sad, that was not the best thing that can happen to someone on his way to a job interview. Thankfully, I’m very good at managing stress or unexpected bad situations. I remained calm, and I did not let this affect me and potentially make me not perform well during the Interview.
I went to the Interview with confidence, trying my best to forget the high ticket I just got, and I killed it! Few hours later that day, I was verbally offered the position, then received the formal offer few days later.
Few weeks later, I received my first paycheck, and with a large smile, I paid the transit fine with some of the money.
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