Luckily, I got a job interview chance at Cheltenham Ladies’ College for the post of Head of Library Services.. wow… it’s my dream school…. a strong tradition and long history. The first time I browse at the school website, it looks like the one where Judy, the main character in Daddy-Long-Leg, studies at… wow…. a very beautiful school. It ranks on the top of the school league table in the UK. Therefore, I really feel grateful that I am offered the chance for the interview.
It took me three hours to travel there on Sunday by train. I got on the train at Hartford station then changed at Crewe then Crewe to Birmingham New Street Station, I then changed again to Cheltenham Spa Station. Cheltenham Spa is a very nice tourist town as a lot of festivals are held at there. Therefore, I can find a lot of hotels, restaurants and shopping area there.
I stayed at the Wyastone Hotel. The hotel keeper is very nice and friendly. She reminds us to keep contact with her and tell her the result. haha……
After settling down, I walked around the area and got my dinner. I felt very nervous and kept practising the presentation. I haven’t had that experience for a long time… dont know why??
I didn’t sleep very well as I was still thinking the presentation content in my bed. I hope that I can pass the message of the 2.0 library to the school.
In the morning, I had my great breakfast then walked straight to the school. I was the first candidate arrived there. Totally, 5 candidates competed with this post. When I met all of them, I felt I would not have the chance as most of them are very experienced librarian. One of them is at Dr. level and the other one is an internal staff who must be familiar with the school culture and practice.
The interview is as tough as the Hong Kong one. We firstly had the group discussion of the current issues in the library management. It’s scenario questions. I didn’t speak a lot as I was very nervous. I kept on activating my brain for thinking and processing the suitable words to express my perspective. I didn’t think I perform well in this session.
Then, we had the tour at the school. Wow… the school is really fantastic!!! The Archive is marvelous as it recorded the whole history and the development of the college. Also, the Princess Hall is wonderful. It’s a very big theatre for the girls to perform the play or musical concert. It is also installed with an organ.. the building is really great!!
After so, I was the first one to have the interview with the 3 big heads of the school. I was very nervous but I kept breathing to calm down. Yes, also my smiling.. haha… when I am nervous, I will use my big smile to cover it… hee hee… The presentation lasted 5 – 7 minutes and they seemed very pleased with my vision of the library development. Actually, I have put lots of effort to prepare the interview and pass my message. They are also impressed with my portfolio and my work at my previous school. I feel the approval and recognition from them which I lost several months ago. Oh by the way, the principal is like my former principal Mrs Or. I dont know if the girls’ college principals have the same style.. hee hee.. I told myself that I was speaking to Mrs Or so my nervousness had calmed down. I also graduated from a girls’ college and perhaps why I have a strong sense with the girls school here.
Then, we had lunch together but I didn’t say anything. I didn’t really know what they are talking so it would be wise to remain silence. After the lunch, the vice-principal talked with me about my portfolio and she praised my work at LTFC. Oh my God, she asked me what my reservation was to accept the job. I told her it is relocation.
My heart is trumbling and calling me home. After the lunch, I went straight back to hotel and packed all the things and go! Yes, go home. I miss my lo gong (husband) very much and my home.
It took me another 2 and half hour home. Mark was waiting for me at the Hartford Station. He misses me very much too. I dont know why all my luggage and case were broken by me.. hahha…… so, I looked very funny to carry my broken case and stuff… Mark looked at me with an unbelivable grin… hee hee
I told Mark that my chance for that job is 50:50. The internal staff has a very high chance to get the job. Anyway, it’s fine for me as I can get the recognition and praise from the vice-principal. We then went to TESCO for food shopping. Suddenly, my mobile rang and it’s Mrs. Principal. She told me that they three were really impressed with my presentation and they three all agreed to offer me the post… I was very pleased to hear that but at the same time, I dont know what I should do……
I talked with my friends and relatives, most important my lo gong (husband) Mark… I woke up in the dawn and thought of the career… and I dreamt Mark let me go for the job… I woke up immediately and told him what I dreamt.. He hold me tightly and told me not to leave him……..
I have to choose either my marriage or my very good career prospective… C is right that it is easier to meet a good prospective job but it is not easy to meet the one you love for your life time….
I declined the job and Mrs Principal was very disappointed…. I felt sorry for that……..
What I can describe is.. a right job but not at a right time….
When will I meet another chance? or When will another librarian get retired?? sighed…….
Filed under: Special Occasions
