Visas, et al.

I have been noting, with selfish relief, how the next difficult step for incoming students is obtaining visas, and how it is one less headache for me.

One would think that it is a mere formality and that the issuance of a visa can be taken for granted; yet the process can be full of uncertainties and be hostage to the whims of the issuing officer. Ironically, once the visa is obtained, one wonders what the fuss was all about. Good luck to all who are still in the process!

This is true for many seemingly complex issues in life; and definitely for the likes of us: deciding on taking a career break (and for some, even giving up the career so far); the big question about school selection; taking the GMAT; the application process; essays; interviews...and once admitted, loans; visas; travel plans; college selection and admission; accommodation, etc. And the it doesn't end there - choosing the next career step literally even before the programme begins; applications and interviews again; new jobs, careers, employers and colleagues; relocation, often to a completely new country...

However, beyond all this is a dream : of all past questions and problems taken care of, of new possibilities and scenarios, and of a new and better future.

Here's to the MBA, and to a wonderful year at SBS and at Oxford!

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Closure!

Finally, the whole process of getting into SBS is coming to fruition, with the approval of my loan application. This has taken nearly six weeks to come through! The bank says they had written to me previously, but it was an email I never received. Well, such is life. The loan was approved - so no harm done, I guess.

Except that the delay means that my preferred colleges are full now, and those that have places do not have accommodation left. Private rented accommodation it is, then.

Meanwhile my parents, who were visiting us, have returned to India and to Gurgaon. Haven't spoken to them since then, though, since their home telephone ended up getting disconnected, as did their mobile.

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