Father’s Faith
Navigating the Elevator of Opportunity
As the first light in 1973 crept across the sky, I was a young man still in college, blissfully unaware of the events that would soon steer my life in a new direction. My father, the silent sentinel, was diligently managing the influx of mail. On an ordinary day in March, a letter arrived, heavy with significance, bearing the seal of the Director of Telecommunication. The message was clear: I was to present myself for an interview in two weeks, armed with documents proving my birth, education, and character.
The full impact of my father’s behind-the-scenes efforts to carve out a future for me didn’t quite register at the time. The seventies in Sri Lanka were marred by the spectre of youth unemployment and unrest, casting a long shadow over the aspirations of many. Parents lay awake at night, their minds racing with concern for their children’s prospects in a world where opportunities seemed scarce.
Dressed in my finest — beige bell-bottom trousers paired with an off-white shirt, accented by a tie that was a riot of colours — I set off with my father to the OTS Head Office. Nestled within the Australia building on York Street, it stood as a beacon amidst Colombo’s bustling business district. My father’s presence was a comforting escort to the threshold of this new chapter. He departed for his duties with a reassuring nod, leaving me to face the unknown alone.
In the narrative of my journey, my father’s quiet confidence in me was a beacon that outshone the anxious vigil of other fathers in the waiting area. While they stood as pillars of support for their sons, my father imparted me a different kind of strength. With a firm pat on the back and a look that spoke volumes, he entrusted me with navigating the interview independently. His belief in my abilities was unwavering, a silent testament to the years of guidance he had provided. As I watched him merge with the bustling streets of Colombo, heading to his workplace, I felt a surge of determination fuelled by his faith in me. This unspoken assurance from my father bolstered my spirit as I readied to face the panel with a composure that was his gift to me.
I was a stranger to the world of job interviews. Unversed in preparation, I relied solely on an innate confidence that had never known the taste of fear.
The interview awaited on the first floor, accessible by an elevator that seemed to belong to another era, its grille door a testament to the craftsmanship of times gone by. It was my inaugural journey in such a contraption, and I remember the operator’s steady hand as he guided us upward.
OTS, the Overseas Telecommunication Service, was amidst a recruitment drive, seeking twenty-five fresh faces to join their ranks. The call had been answered by hopefuls, way older and qualified than me, from every corner of the island, their aspirations converging over several days of evaluations. Fathers accompanied their sons like silent guardians, offering support in a time when only men were called upon to serve. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields were firmly held in the male domain during that era.
The interview panel consisted of three of OTS’s finest: the general manager, the head of engineering, and the operations supervisor. The exchange was conducted in the Queen’s English, and I found myself navigating the conversation with an ease that surprised even me.
The head of engineering’s final inquiry caught me off guard, “How can you speak so well in English?” It was an unexpected curveball. I stood there, momentarily lost for words, my command of the language suddenly feeling like an anomaly rather than a skill. A sheepish smile was all I could muster in response.
The interview concluded, and I returned to the rhythm of my daily life, attending afternoon classes as if nothing had changed.
A few weeks passed, and a letter arrived via registered post, its contents heralding the news that I had triumphed in the interview. I was to become a Trainee Overseas Telegraphist, a title with a starting salary of 250 Rupees — a sum that translated to roughly 40 US Dollars at the time. It was a significant amount for an eighteen-year-old, especially considering the average salary in Sri Lanka during that era. It was more than just a paycheck; it was the currency of freedom and the beginning of a career that promised stability in an uncertain world. The letter instructed me to report for duty on the 2nd of May 1973, marking the start of a journey I could never have anticipated.
This experience profoundly influenced my outlook on life and opportunity. It taught me that paths we least anticipate can sometimes lead us to our destinies. My father’s trust in me to handle the interview alone, without the need for his physical presence, instilled in me a sense of self-reliance and confidence that would shape my approach to future challenges.
Opportunity often comes disguised in the most unexpected forms and times. It’s not always the result of meticulous planning or preparation; sometimes, it’s about being at the right place at the right time and having the courage to step forward into the unknown. This experience also highlighted the importance of having a support system — like my father’s unwavering belief in me — which can empower us to take leaps of faith.
Moreover, it underscored the value of communication skills and the ability to express oneself clearly and confidently, as these can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. It was a lesson in humility, too, as I realised that despite the lack of formal preparation, one’s innate abilities can shine through when given the chance.
Ultimately, this pivotal moment cemented the belief that while we cannot control every aspect of our lives, we can control how we respond to the opportunities presented. A blend of preparedness, confidence, and the willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to life-changing experiences. As I reflect on that time, I see not just a young man stepping into an elevator but the ascent of a life built on the foundation of a father’s silent strength and the serendipity of an unexpected letter.
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