It all began on that fateful day in Sept 07 when I saw the advert in the newspaper. The ad was for the post of medical officer for the Indian Expedition to Antarctica. I had seen that ad the year before as well, but I did not apply. It was a walk in interview in Goa. I decided to give the interview and see what this I all about. It sounded exciting. Also, I would have the opportunity to visit Goa, a place I had never before visited. So I left. There were not many applicants for the winter expedition. My interview went off well, and I convinced them that I was desperate to go. But I was not too keen myself. I returned to Delhi after a lovely time in Goa.
About a week later, I received a call letter for the medical examination to be held in Delhi. I had cleared the interview. By the time of the Medical Examination too, I had not made up my mind. But still I went for the Medical Examination. I discussed about this opportunity with a lot of people. There was too much at stake. I had recently finished my post grad and was at a very initial stage in my career. I also had a reasonable job. I would have to give it all up. I would lose touch with my profession. After all, how much work can 25 healthy individuals give to a doctor? Then I started realising that this was a unique opportunity that 1 in a million people are likely to get, and even fewer would have the courage to take up. Normal life would go on, but this is one experience I will cherish throughout my life.
Then I made up my mind to go. So my decision was made and I received the call letter, asking me to report to Goa on 29th Nov 07. We would be leaving for Antarctica by ship around the 5th Dec 07 via Capetown.
hpdrudBrave decision indeed!! :-)) very few people have the courage to listen to their inner voice , guess you did! leaving a job , family - throwing everything to the wind - :-)) - wise one i would say - one in a million would have opted for this indeed!
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