Last Sunday we had been to Bannerghatta National park. This is the result of two weeks meticulous planning, which also involved 2 other families. I really don’t know how people go on vacation in groups that involve multiple families. Finally, we 3 were determined to go and another single friend joined us. (Really sweet of her – She is a joy to be with). This visit to National Park’s sole motive was to entertain our 2.5 years old Nemo who is familiarised with what’s there in the zoo with the help of books.
One whole week, I kept telling her we are going to National Park on Sunday and prepared her for the upcoming big event. Finally the Sunday arrived and we were excited too. All of us got into the car and were welcomed by the huge traffic on Bannerghatta Road which drove my better half crazy. Nevertheless, Nemo’s spirits and mine were not dampened. As we reached the park, we were welcomed again by the long queues for ticketing followed by jungle safari queue.
While we were standing in the line, Nemo enjoyed the crowd, the other kids and the monkeys that were jumping from one tree to the other. As we got into the matador and were taken into the jungle the first thing that we spotted was some animal, which was not there in Nemo’s book. She dint care. Next was the Bear. Nemo knew the Bear. She dint care this time too. Instead she was happy to be sitting between her mom and dad. Next we saw Tiger. After much persuasion from us, she looked as if she is interested.
All of us got some hint then and there that our madam is not too excited about watching these animals. After our safari we entered the Zoo. The zoo has a little park that has a swing, sliding stone and a merry go round. The moment Nemo saw that it was as if she found her treasure. She ran to the swing and kept playing there. She dint want to leave that place for anything else. While we were trying to explain her why we have come to the Zoo and how she may like the other things in the Zoo, she was not the one to listen. She just wanted to swing in the swing. Though we let her play a thought immediately crossed my mind.
What I thought she might like is not what she likes. This tiny doll – all of 2.5 years has a mind of her own and wants to exercise her wish. It doesn’t matter to her what other things are around her. Her focus is what she is familiar with and what gives her joy. She knew that she was firm in her decision. I only assumed she likes something and presented to her but couldn’t impose it on her.
Nemo is my teacher these days. Instead of imposing things on her, she wants us to collaboratively help her grow and bloom the way she wants. I’ll have to learn to abide by this.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Dream lived!!!
Oracle had intrigued me even before I joined this massive organisation. Way back in 2000 and 2001 I had couple of very good friends who were in Oracle. I used to pay frequent visits to OTP office and had more reasons to be impressed. The Oraclites with the red tag around their neck did stand out in the crowd. Be it their professional approach right from the secuity check to the reception, they had it in them. And my dear good friends who were all the toppers in their respective college were the brand ambassadors for me.
May be it was then the seed of desire was planted in me and I too started to nourish it. Sometime in 2002, I got to know there was an opportunity to be part of Oracle in HR – Operations. My experience then was HR and administration. I thought I’m the perfect fit and plunged to take up the interview. I arrived at Oracle office, this time as an interviewee. Filled up the form at the entrance and I had to meet up with the Recruitment Manager.
I was escorted to his office. We had a talk that went on for 30 minutes and he parted with a note that somebody from his office will revert to me. I got home with all dreams and anticipation that I’ll soon have that red tag around my neck and how that will make me beam with pride. All that I wanted was to be part of Oracle. I thought I was watering the sapling of desire, which needed some additional nourishment.
One day passed, 2 days, 3 days followed by 1 week. I did not get any call. I was first disappointed. Secondly, devastated. Thirdly determined. Determined to convert this failure into success. It’s very true that failure teaches a lot more than success does. I got the message, which was unsaid, I was not scaling up to what Oracle wanted. I wanted to know what does it take for me to be there. Surely there must be something and I should get there was the only thought.
Having friends already in Oracle did help me. I talked to my friend Nalini, who told me most of the HR’s in Oracle are MBA’s. That striked me, I don’t have one.
I went ahead and enrolled into MBA course with a specialisation in HR and Operations. Worked in the day and studied in the night. Did my assignments diligently. Semester after semester I ensured I got good grades. Simultaneously, I started preparing myself for the job role.
There were times when I used to take my bike and wander near the office and visualise myself working there, my gaining a free entry into the ofice premises, dangling the red tag around my neck and my email id would be my first name.last name @ oracle.com. I dreamed hard. I kept affirming I’d be there soon.
It was in 2006 Feb, my other friend Nanditha who was going places in Oracle Recruitment team told me about an opportunity that exists in Oracle in their team to work with Guna – the recruitment manager. The discussions followed.
My first round a telephonic interview was scheduled. I prepared for this, as I knew I can’t take chances and this is in a way taking me to my goal closer. The call landed on my mobile phone and the interview went on for close to 45 minutes. Then I was invited for a face 2 face or the personal round.
That interview was scheduled on a Saturday in Café Coffee Day close to my home. I reached the venue and was eager to meet Guna of whom I had heard a lot from my other friends working with him.
A casually dressed gentleman arrived and shook hands with me and I knew that it was Guna. It’s his demeanor to put people at ease – I realised that in my first meeting itself. We started the discussion. Before meeting, on the cal we had an understanding that the meeting is for 30 minutes. Our discussion went on for 2 hours - understanding the various BU’s of Oracle, my role, a glance at his role, my career plan and all. Guna came across as a very gentle, understanding and friendly manager. Again, we parted after a long discussion with a note I will get a cal from his office.
1 day passed, 2 days passed followed by 3 days. 4th day, when I cross checked with my friend Nanditha and was awaiting her response; Guna called me and asks me “havent you received the offer letter?”
The rest as they call it is all history. Its 3.5 years now and my bond with Oracle is growing strong.
May be it was then the seed of desire was planted in me and I too started to nourish it. Sometime in 2002, I got to know there was an opportunity to be part of Oracle in HR – Operations. My experience then was HR and administration. I thought I’m the perfect fit and plunged to take up the interview. I arrived at Oracle office, this time as an interviewee. Filled up the form at the entrance and I had to meet up with the Recruitment Manager.
I was escorted to his office. We had a talk that went on for 30 minutes and he parted with a note that somebody from his office will revert to me. I got home with all dreams and anticipation that I’ll soon have that red tag around my neck and how that will make me beam with pride. All that I wanted was to be part of Oracle. I thought I was watering the sapling of desire, which needed some additional nourishment.
One day passed, 2 days, 3 days followed by 1 week. I did not get any call. I was first disappointed. Secondly, devastated. Thirdly determined. Determined to convert this failure into success. It’s very true that failure teaches a lot more than success does. I got the message, which was unsaid, I was not scaling up to what Oracle wanted. I wanted to know what does it take for me to be there. Surely there must be something and I should get there was the only thought.
Having friends already in Oracle did help me. I talked to my friend Nalini, who told me most of the HR’s in Oracle are MBA’s. That striked me, I don’t have one.
I went ahead and enrolled into MBA course with a specialisation in HR and Operations. Worked in the day and studied in the night. Did my assignments diligently. Semester after semester I ensured I got good grades. Simultaneously, I started preparing myself for the job role.
There were times when I used to take my bike and wander near the office and visualise myself working there, my gaining a free entry into the ofice premises, dangling the red tag around my neck and my email id would be my first name.last name @ oracle.com. I dreamed hard. I kept affirming I’d be there soon.
It was in 2006 Feb, my other friend Nanditha who was going places in Oracle Recruitment team told me about an opportunity that exists in Oracle in their team to work with Guna – the recruitment manager. The discussions followed.
My first round a telephonic interview was scheduled. I prepared for this, as I knew I can’t take chances and this is in a way taking me to my goal closer. The call landed on my mobile phone and the interview went on for close to 45 minutes. Then I was invited for a face 2 face or the personal round.
That interview was scheduled on a Saturday in Café Coffee Day close to my home. I reached the venue and was eager to meet Guna of whom I had heard a lot from my other friends working with him.
A casually dressed gentleman arrived and shook hands with me and I knew that it was Guna. It’s his demeanor to put people at ease – I realised that in my first meeting itself. We started the discussion. Before meeting, on the cal we had an understanding that the meeting is for 30 minutes. Our discussion went on for 2 hours - understanding the various BU’s of Oracle, my role, a glance at his role, my career plan and all. Guna came across as a very gentle, understanding and friendly manager. Again, we parted after a long discussion with a note I will get a cal from his office.
1 day passed, 2 days passed followed by 3 days. 4th day, when I cross checked with my friend Nanditha and was awaiting her response; Guna called me and asks me “havent you received the offer letter?”
The rest as they call it is all history. Its 3.5 years now and my bond with Oracle is growing strong.
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