Chapter 2 : Freedom

Mia is really nervous. This is her first interview ever. Even though she has spent days preparing for it, she is not confident enough.

"Amelia Oblisky" Her name was called out.

"Here" Mia stood up to acknowledge and entered into the interview room. There were four people in the interview panel. She handed her qualifications to the board. Even though she is not studying in an elite college, she was a topper in her college. And this is just for an internship, hopefully they would not be too judging.

"Please introduce yourself" One of the interviewers demanded.

As Mia was speaking she could see that the interview panel was not really interested in her reply and flipping through her resume. Just as she finished

"Your college is a B grade college, you know that right? Why do you think we should hire you , when we have students from the elite colleges?"

Mia was expecting this question. She had read online, as well as heard from her classmates, this was a usual question asked to the students from her college. She explained her good grades and part time experience can make up for the elite colleges. The interview panel seems divided over her reply. They asked a few more questions before letting her go.

"How was it?" Lisa asked as soon as she entered the dorm. Lisa Becker was her roommate and best friend in college.

"I do not think I made it. By their tone, I think they prefer somebody from the elites." Mia let out a sigh as she laid on her back and her past came rushing in her mind. It was not an easy journey to get where she is today. She was only 10 when her parents passed away in a car accident. Since both her parents were the only child, and no grandparents, she did not have any immediate family to go to. After being placed in an orphanage, she was fostered by a family. Unfortunately for her, they were doing it only to get the child maintenance. She was made to do all the house chores, and was barely fed. But since she was good in her studies, her perseverance paid off. She got admitted to the current college on scholarship. It's been three years since she ran away from home. They never looked for her. Guess they did not really care, since the maintenance pay would stop on her 18th birthday.

On the positive side, she has two more interview lined up in the upcoming weeks. This was the last month of college. It is best to get a job before the college ends. The money saved through the part time jobs might be just enough to get a room to rent, but it might be difficult to survive on the part time jobs and to spend time searching jobs.

"Don't worry, you still have two more to go. If you do not make it this time, consider this as an experience. Prepare the answers for the questions that were asked today." Lisa squeezed Mia's hand and said.

"Hmm. When is yours by the way?" I asked absent mindedly.

"A week from today. If I do not make it, I might just go back and work with dad. He would also prefer that. Though I don't want to be stuck in that swamp". Lisa turned sour as she said the last sentence. Lisa is from a small town and her father has a restaurant there. Being the only child, her father expects her to take over the business and run it. But Lisa has always dreamed of living in a city, enjoy the fast life.

"When is Nathan joining?" She continued.

The mention of Nathan made Mia smile and come out of lingering thoughts. Nathan Lane, Mia's boyfriend was planning to join for higher studies in the same college.

"It doesn't start till September. He is planning to go home for couple of months before coming back to join. I am not sure if he is decided when to go yet." Mia was happy that Nathan got the scholarship to stay and continue.

"Good that you would be in the same city" Lisa said, but turned away her face quickly. Mia did not notice the change in Lisa's mood.