My Visa Experiance ...

Before keying in my life experience here in united states I intend to share some of the moments with you that really put me in a great position to pursue my masters. One such moment is my F-1 VISA interview. My interview was on July 14^th 2010 at Chennai consulate at 0745 hrs.

After security check and initial review I was directed towards a counter. The interview must have lasted less than 2 minutes.

ME: Good morning Sir!
VO: Good morning... so how’s your day?
ME: Perfect Sir.
VO: pass your documents (I passed it)
VO: So why Missouri University of Science and Technology? (Started working on his computer)
ME: I said about the university, department, and labs available... (I used a word
"prestigious university" to describe the university)
VO: MST is not a prestigious university!!! (With a Sarcastic tone)
ME: sir....prestige depends on each individual's perspective ... according to me MST is one of the finest institutions offering best program in mechanical engineering ...
(Gave a broad smile)
VO: ok (Smiles)... so ...what’s your academic percentage?

ME: 87.1% … sir
VO: Backlogs?
ME: None...sir
VO: How'll u pay your fees?
ME: My father is sponsoring me. Besides I have a bank loan worth $20,000.
VO: I see that u have personal funds worth $10,000 (looking at i-20). Can u explain it?
ME: I inherited a part of my grandfather's property.... which was sold to
raise funds for my education. (While I was answering him… he took a circular from his right side)
VO: (After writing something) Ok... Ur Visa is approved and you'll get it in
a week’s time.
ME: Thank you sir.
VO: I have some additional information for you. (Passing me my documents and the circular). USIEF is going to conduct a pre departure orientation program on July 31^st.
ME: Thank you sir. But I already attended the 1st pre-departure orientation program held on July 9^th.
VO: Good to u. (smiles from ear to ear)
ME: Thank you sir … and have a nice day.

The walk i made from the counter to the main exit ... will be my most
memorable walk ever made ... head high ... smiling around at people with pride. When
i came out of the embassy and looked back at the building ...wah... what a
feel... i believe every one who might have undergone their visa interview and obtained a visa must have experienced it ..

The questions were pretty straight and with some preparation i was able to go through it easily. Through this experience i learned one thing, It is always important to open your conversation with good morning and fill it with truth and "thank you”. It'll really help a lot in our life.