₦airaland Forum

God bless!

Naijamyhome:
Okay, I have read all the brilliant and intelligent discussions going on here but I think it’s high time we understood the logic behind this. Although we all know that individual brilliance and luck play a part in getting a good job after an MBA program irrespective of the school but the truth must be told, this can only happen once in every ten. Graduates from top business schools stand a better chance than the folks from the low ranked ones. If you are looking to pursue a career in management consulting then attending a top 10 MBA program is a must.

Does the school you go to decide your fate? Absolutely yes! In fact, the school you attend has a significant role to play in the type of opportunities that come your way. It’s a no brainer! Certain consulting firms recruit from specific schools and the greater the number of firms that recruit from your school, the greater your chances of getting into one. Also, the top schools have developed a good networking relationship with their alumni and these people would always come back to recruit candidates from their Alma Maters.

I share the same view with bracelum. I think he speaks from the perspective of an employer and a job market analyst. He’s very blunt and he has been honest about it. If you are planning to go for an MBA, it’s important to target top schools so as to stand a BETTER chance of getting a good job after studies, and most especially if you are planning to take up a loan. This does not mean that attending a top 10 MBA programs automatically cross the ts and dot the is for you, but then having it on your CV gives an added advantage in the job market.

To be honest with you, I don't really see any of those post and comments as argument; I see them as earnest conversation, expressed from diverse perspective. I even appreciate bracelum opinion, because they were never a waste or useless on this thread. He too knows that.
If we are to look at our levels in life, some of us will not be here to contribute. But once in a while, we do need to share our views on these subjects as there are young people who needs to learn from them. We have young men and women in their late 20s, mid 30s, late 30s and so on among us that I strongly believe have deeper real life experience. That is why this thread is very, very rich and thriving. It is not a mud fight at all. We are all learning while at the same time, educate those who need it. More so, those who give out their time to answer questions and give guidelines are still here. No queries have gone unchecked.

I hope you understand me?

jamanuka:
The raging argument is just another form of “first class is not the only way to make it in life”.

In my opinion, the reaction on bracelum’s advice on taking up debt for a lowly ranked program wasn’t necessary. It should never have descended to this level. The advice bracelum gave was very apt in the context.

Yes, his talks on elite status can veer off tangent sometimes but this wasn’t one of such times.

Please let’s focus on helping each other get to America and leave this “mud fight”

Hey guys, I have a young students who's begging me to help with list of school for high to full-ride scholarship. I have told him to search on his own but usually come back without better schools. He's 18 years old, SAT score 1210; evaluated GPA: 3.50. If any student here have recommendations, kindly drop it. My hand is too tight to be searching for schools for him at the moment.

Okay. What advice would you give me? I am an MBA prospective. I'd like to become Alibaba of Nigeria, you know?
I would like you to advice me on best academic plans to make. You're the guru in this field now.

bracelum:
Your post refers to our discussion and that was why I replied. I wouldn't have written a word if you were not referring to what I was saying. What you said is true but it does not treat the topic under discussion - and I had to clarify that.

Nigerians are good at giving life lessons. But I think you need that advice more . Thanks but no thanks!

My royalty and queen, thank you. May the blessing of the greatest Master abide with you. Amen

sharwama:
Master! Thou art wise! My respect, thou hast earned over and over again.

I like that you are giving him 5 years. I pray it will not take more. Also, please reserve a chill Russian whisky, too. He'll love that after the real life experience .

LagosismyHome:
you really think you know it all .......... Let me not derail this thread any futher. I told you in the past , i welcome you and I to have a discussion / drink in 5 years time when you have experience real life work

You again
There's something about you that interest me. There is a bot that you need to loose. That comment is general, for everyone, and it is why I did not post it under any person's post. It surprised me to see you are the first to comment on it, as if you know I had you in mind as I was writing it. I can tell you've a lot to learn- the same real-word reality some persons here have shared that you often disagree with. Just be open-minded a little, because, believe me, reality is waiting for you. I will talk to you as a brother. You exhibit quality of someone who is genius, but there's huge room within you to learn more than you already know. You seem to frown each time there is opportunity for you to do that on this forum. You call it lengthy comment. Continue en

bracelum:
I just skimmed through the topic sentences in each paragraph to get an understanding of what you're trying to say.

What you're saying here is totally different from our discussion.

You're saying "You don't need to attend a top school to be successful". Of course! that is true. Some people did not attend colleges and they became successful.

I'm saying "If you choose to spend resources and time on an MBA, try as much as possible to select the best strategy that aligns to your post-MBA goal" .

We're saying different things so I don't see any relationship with my discussion and your lengthy comment.

Thanks all the same!

I don't like to barge on a conversation that has nothing to do with me. But let me drop this little thought for whom may concern:

There's no single path to what we call SUCCESS! If you have seen the Bollywood movie, 3 Idiots, you'll understand. Success is not graduating from top 10, top this, top that school and getting a job with Microsoft, etc. Many of us look at life with dust-tinted lens, and so we see things the way the lens (our erroneous perspective) portray them. I may desire to study in Harvard, Yale, etc and work with a top 10 company on earth, and still not reach that epitome of life, or please my Creator with my existence. I know a lot of guys, both in Nigeria, US, UK, Canada who did not graduate from any top anything. You could not see elite in their experience, but they are pioneer in their fields. Men from Yale, Harvard, HiiT consult them. They shouldn't have reached that height if going to top institution is the foremost or only route to lofty height. I am one of those whom James Cameron's life is inspiration to. Check the highest grossing film of all time, the top 2 movies, Titanic and Avatar, have their root and record-break in James. You need to read his story.

The men who laid the foundation for the American prosperity that so many Africans are in the country to enjoy and harness are autodidacts--men who understood that to succeed in life, you need just your mind, courage, commitment and willingness to learn, and God. I may go to the lowest ranking university in the US and still sit and pioneer or trail-blaze for dudes at Harvard and Yale. (And I am on course to do things that will make these institution come to me to ask, "Tell us how you do this?" ). From the inception of Stanford, Harvard, Yale, etc, these institutions look around the world for bright minds; they look for students who have mind and abilities that are not so common. Unfortunately, we give the glory to the schools, and not the human nature that makes them possible.
Going to Harvard, Yale, etc cannot make any student a genius; the spirit is innate. But these institutions have huge endowment to fund what a lay person can call ideas turned into research. And no matter what, research always leads you to something--whether same, old conclusion or new one with new insight. The glory is within--in you, in men and women who pass through the top schools, not the system of the institution itself. And this is why every student must be his/her best --in whatever we do, in whatever profession or field we desire to build our career. You can go to a community college and invent things that have never crossed the mind of the most renowned Harvard professor or the best student there. The seed to succeed and trail-blaze is in you.

For example, I know a young man in Nigeria who is currently nursing a business idea he once shared with me. If God wills and he launch, he will be the first to take this business in the direction he plans in Africa. No other person has tried what he's planning to do. And by the time he launch, he's likely to rise very fast--especially if people invest and believe in him. So, if someone tells me, "oh, go to top school so that you can reach that height or work at that organization", I will role my eyes and clear my throat.

Because you are so young and have little real life experience, you need to read a lot of autobiographies of men and women who reached height that only few men can reach--without going to the most ranking universities or working with top companies in America or wherever.

A lot of young men and women have been to Harvard, or Yale, or MiiT, or Cambridge and Stanford. It is their pride! They are proud of themselves, but how many of them have done things students from unknown universities cannot do? Many of the gurus moving the business world did not go to top institutions for their education. If you read the history of world's feats and inventions, you will see the names of a lot of people from nowhere there.

So, what is success to you? To go to top school? NO! To make a lot of cash? NO! To have kids in America? Dish that! Success, at least for me, is living a life that advances humanity, a life that heals the ills of human race, a life well-pleasing to my Creator. It does not matter at all if my PhD is from Yale or Stanford; I don't need education from these institutions to become an inventor, a scientist, a renowned doctor, surgeon, a billionaire businessman/woman. Each time I see how the business world move up, down, left and right, I see a mighty influence of CREATIVITY (not an MBA degree from Harvard, Yale, whatever) at the centre of that world! If the environment is enabling, in this century, and that to come, you can achieve the most note-worth feat. You just need yourself, educate your mind, access information that you can innovate with, stretch, have open mind, and be willing to research--whether with your own home-based team or within the institution you're studying. If you are extremely creative and think outside the box, and understand the width and height of your profession, Halleluyah! You can blow with ripples so wide that other continents can feel. You can go to Harvard and still not be able to achieve this.

Conclusively, the men and women who will shape the future of humanity will not come from top this and top that; they will not necessarily be people who study at top 10 institutions on earth. They will be people who gaze far into the future and create solutions to future challenges and pioneer; they will be men and women who think outside the box; they will be men and women who give us solutions to world's problems. YES! Well, the last time I check, we don't need a Harvard or Stanford degree to do any of these.

To students on this thread in their 20s, currently in the US or in Nigeria for their undergraduate or just graduated, I really want to recommend that you all read:
The Authobiography of Benjamin Franklin
The Way to Wealth
Poor Richard's Almanack
Also, watch the documentary movie: The Men Who Built America

To whom it may concern, please learn something from this.
God bless you!

you are not meant to send a copy to the school...except the school said unofficial evaluation copy is accepted for admission processing only. Most schools would still want WES to send them a copy directly. Yes, You will receive your copy of the evaluation.

Kendrix69:
Okay , it will work then..cos some of d school sent me a mail that they will accept from WES ...after evaluation by WES do I receive a copy of some sorts?..maybe soft copy or sometin?

I have to, because I want to learn how you write to make a lot of money.
So, look forward to my response.

heeedreeez:
Hello bro.

I sent you a message...I would be glad if you can reply please.

That should work if the schools doesn't want to see the official from your institution. You need to ask the graduate office or graduate admission coordinator to elaborate on this! Some schools only ask for official evaluation copy, while some schools will still want to see official from your institution in addition to the evaluation copy.

Kendrix69:
Hi guys, for those of us that are applying to lots of schools and some might need official transcript, if I should send just one transcript to WES and then forward from WES to all schools needing official transcripts , will the school see it as official transcript?
Modified
Also for graduate applicants what kind of evaluation should be done

Which is your primary job? That should be first. In the Work/Education/Training Information section, choose which job category that most apply to your primary job and fill in the details there. I am not sure it is necessary to add the second job.

Apart from that, how do you manage to make a lot of income with freelance writing? I do write part-time, but mostly for fun, essays, and a little research here and there. I would like you to talk with me about writing opportunities available. Regards.

heeedreeez:
Hi guyz...While filling Ds-160 form..How can a person who has a paid job and also work as a freelance writer fill the form. Please note that the freelance writing business brings in greater income than the paid job and i will be using my own personal SOA to augment my sponsorer's. Thanks

Exactly! Wish you the best.

Kendrix69:
Yeah, I understand... I'll just need to inform them that I have sent it before the application and provide details

Nothing will happen. It is advice your GRE score should be sent to a school you are submitting an application for admission. In case you want to send the GRE score ahead of the application, I think you'll have to remind the graduate office to check their office for the score (and give them date it was sent) by the time you file the school application. Do you understand?

Kendrix69:
Please who knows what will happen if I don't have an application with a particular school..but I send my GRE to them anyway?

Chai! You should have stated all these in the primary question. You don't need a ready-made interview transcript on International relations; you need to create one for yourself...but let's talk about it.

Chimachil:
I've done all of that. 1: I've decided.. I've looked up for schools & they are Penn State and Bowling green state, choose bgsu over Penn State bc of the tuition fee is quite affordable . I've checked their requirements and I've been admitted. I'm preparing for my interview that will be coming up in few weeks. Been looking for transcripts concerning undergraduate programs in international relations but couldn't find any.

Step 1: Decide when you'll like to begin your undergraduate studies. Spring 2020 or Fall 2020? Look for schools in US states you would like to study. Once you come up with a list of schools, at least 3, check their requirements for admission. If test is required, prepare and write that. If you have questions, ask.

P. S Use this search string to look for schools:
Universities in the US for undergraduate degree in International Relations.
Affordable US schools for International relations
Best universities in the US for undergraduate degree in International Relations.

Chimachil:
International relations is what I want to learn.

A very close friend who follows me here just hint on whatsapp that her sister got her F1 Visa without travelling on her B1/B2.
So, I will recommend the applicant who asked question regarding this to also try and apply and hope for the best.
Peace Bleuocean

Apologies accepted I have learn not to be offended by anything I see on this forum again because I know we have many young people here, and stuff like this is bound to happen. If you look at the tail of my comment, you will see this sentence: However, I'm not a Consular officer...but talking from years of experience For me to have included "However", I am not a consular officer" means my view have possibility of not being the case as presented; it did not mean I am emphatic! On your opinion that what I wrote is demoralizing, it is how you see it. I am not the type who drop sweet comment here just to please people. I share what I perceive to be reality or likely to happen. This is the same thing Twoods used to do here, and many students thought he's negative. But it's their opinion! The poster and the applicant here have options to choose from. I'm sure he'll still consult other people and decide what's best for him. If he did not use the B1/B2 and apply for the F1 visa and it's granted, I'll learn something from his case; if he's refused, you'll learn and he'll learn, and the lesson will become a part of your experience. Have a great day!

Time2win:
I never meant to drag him down or make him feel inferior and that's the last thing I will do on this forum. He has been an active contributor on this forum. I chose my words carefully before replying his post. He said from experience, he is likely to be refused... that's why i jumped in cos it is misleading and can be demoralizing to the person that asked the question. Aside the retired V.O answer, I have personally asked another V.O same question and never got any negative feedback on such issue. Ofcourse, the person might be asked why he/she didn't use the issued visa and the answer can make him/her get another visa or lose both. We should just be careful with the feedback we give though, that's just the point of my post. If he hasn't used with experience that he is likely to be refused in his post, I wouldn't have answered that way. To me, I found it misleading. I have apologised to him if he found my post offensive.

Look, I assume you are educated and presently studying in the US? My experience--whether I share it with so much confidence or timidly--is a part of me, my opinion, my view, my contribution, on this forum. This is a public forum, where diverse views, perspective, ideas, and suggestions must be embraced (or looked at from both ends) in order for it and the people on it to thrive.

I never forced my response to this guy's question down his throat. He would still make his decision anyway. He would still be able to decide what he wants anyway. You and I ain't going to take his position, no matter how wrong or right we are! It shouldn't matter to you how I responded; it is none of your business; and it is not your post!

I was just sharing my views (influenced by experience that you know nothing about, let alone have gut to question). And what if at the end of the day I was right? You must be full of yourself to quickly judge someone you don't know at all, and say I am negative. I find it hard to see the enlightenment in you! You call being realistic being negative? May God help you!

Time2win:
You said from experience and speak with so much confidence. I wouldn't have responded that way if not how you sounded. Why telling him to travel, are you in his pocket? Do you know why he didn't travel with the B2 Visa? You sounded negative in the your opinion that's why i responded that way.

So you have to attack me en? It is my opinion! You see it as "not being in hurry", I see it otherwise. If my idea of his situation is different, you should respect that. To come here and tell me I am misleading shows you think you're infallible. You just bump on people on public forum and talk as if you have no manners. You should learn how you approach views different from the way you see things. Don't write stuff like this on my comment again!

Time2win:
Which years of experience . What you said is misleading. Not using your visa doesn't have any negative effect on the applicant. It's actually a bonus for the person. It means you are not in a hurry to visit america due to any reason best known to the person.

lols. You're funny. I expect you to get your visa first time. So, I look forward to it!

sharwama:
Master!!!
You have given us a drink from your fountain of knowledge. Thank you for this and I look forward to your "address" at your earliest convenience

And what do you want to learn? Ask specific question.

Chimachil:
Can someone talk about under graduate so I can learn something please. It shouldnt be just masters �

Why did you apply for a visa you will not use to travel in the first place? If the F1 is refused, which may likely be the case, whose fault is that?
Consider that a visa has been issued to you so that you can travel with it. Not using the B1/B2 visa while applying for a different category tantamount to not knowing what you want! VO don't like people who doesn't know what they are doing! I'll advise you use your B1/B2 first, then apply for the F1. However, I'm not a Consular officer...but talking from years of experience

Bleuocean:
Hello all, I want to confirm, if is true that if you don't use your US visa, you will be refused next time you apply for visa. I have a valid B1/B2 visa which will expire by March 2020 and I am planning to apply for F1 student visa - will I be refused F1 student visa for not using the other visiting visa first issued to me?

Yes, you can use your uncle's statement, but note that you must chose YES to [b]"Do you have any relatives in the US."
In addition, I don't really recommend the idea of using a sponsor in the US, because most VO would see you as a potential immigrant. But with God all things are possible. So, try and see.

Wish you the best[/b]

amb001:
Gurus pls help answer

You don't need to find the school you are going on Nairaland! In fact, I think that should be a good reason to go for such school. Any school that carry "State" is a good school; at least, not a private school some students here would tag as red flag. Ranking doesn't matter here, too; your confidence and preparation for a successful visa interview is what matters. I have a student in Dickinson State. Not sure if he out of status or almost done. Good luck!

DavidN6:
Please gurus in the house is Dickinson State University an okay university to take to the embassy?
I can't find anything on the University on nairaland

And if you will not waste the dollars, you'll not waste the time where unnecessary . Nice

Daodudavid:
Been counting my time in form of dollars lol

You're funny. Abeg sit between the two big mamas. Enjoy the ride !

sharwama:
So upon as I shine teeth reach at the end of the post, you didn't get my joke? It is like you are a very serious somebody ooo. See how you are throwing questions at the innocent child, you don't even know if I have eaten since morning or if I am seated between two obese women in Keke
Please I was joking and yes, I totally agree with your last sentence.

I will also say something about the value of GA, GTA, and scholarship offers on your I-20s. Imagine a University in the US offered you GA of $15, 000 to $20, 000 (which is usually renewable)? Convert $15K to Naira. That's a whooping N5.3!!! If you are offered as high or close as this, I would suggest you see it as winning a huge competition, like the one sponsored in Nigeria by Verve and all these companies. Just imagine it. If you are not from a well-off background, this is huge. N5M plus is not a bean-cake in today's Nigeria. And these GAs, GTAs, scholarship opportunities are like treasure. You should value it and let the value of the free-money drives your enthusiasm.

If those without GA are grooming themselves morning and night for a successful interview, someone with award should do more. I know some of you are very religious and hope for favour, but yet, do your best.

Education in the US is very expensive, but if you have managed to cut out all those expenses with the offer of a GA, GTA (couple with stipend), I think you should be very, very grateful and do all you can to secure a visa on that i-20!

I am saying this because some of you look at these scholarship, GA, GTA on paper as "small thing." The fact that you cannot touch the dollar in your hand doesn't mean the GA has less value; or wait until you start getting stipends for petty administrative activities. It's huge!

Yes, she should get the visa [b]IF [/b]she prepare for the interview very well. But we have seen a student here and there who did not really prepare but still got approval, though rare. The F1 visa interview is like a job interview. You're expected to prove you're competent and knows what you are doing and why you're doing it--within those few minutes the interview last.

I could remember what happened to a close friend last year. She got a b1/b2 and travelled to TX and return home in 2017. Then she applied for her MS upon her return to Nigeria, choosing a program that's different from her first degree entirely. Unprepared or believing B1/B2 visa interview is the same for F1, she went for the interview and she messed up, not able to answer questions such as, "Why a Masters in this program", "Why this school?", "What will you do after graduation", etc. When I saw her transcript I could see she did not prepare at all. She don move back now..

Lack of preparation for basic, inevitable questions can dent a student chance. Even if the VO is in bad mood and placed on the hot seat to deny, but your response makes sense to him/her, she will look at you as a genuine, able student. It is why I tell all of you here [b]NEVER [/b]to copy another student's transcript. No two students on this thread with the same academic profile, career goals, vision and reason for going abroad for studies. So, use your unique academic profile, career goals, options, and information regarding your program courses to create your own transcript. YOUR OWN TRANSCRIPT!

And yes, believe in yourself. When I am a little busy, I will address the issue of fear, tension and pressure, lack of confidence and how to take care of them prior the interview for 2019 prospects.

Happy Easter!

fabyom:
Are you sure? Your statement is Absolute!! Have you gone for your visa interview? Is that what you observed?
I do believe GTA and having gone to the US and coming back should be an added bonus not otherwise!!

You should get your visa. But the interview will be different from the one you had for your B1/B2 visa. Just groom yourself for the F1 interview.

mysweetsunshine:
I just got a full offer for GTA. Will this offer and my previous travel to the US help in my pursuit for a US student visa?

For the period of 6 months. Count the week you're going for interview back in six month. For interview in April, print your statement from early November. For interview in May, print from December. Just count the six month period.

Wish you the best!

Awo95:
Hey guys . I need clarity on something. Can I print out SOA Of just April or I’ll need to print out SOA for the whole of the last 6 months ?




Please it’s urgent

Congrats and thanks for posting your transcript.

I am going to point out just one thing here for the sake of those planning on going for their interview soon.
I must be honest with you kinibd, God's favour played here big time. And I am happy the consular is the type who's patient and willing to listen...unlike some of them. He really wanted to hear you give him exceptional reason for picking the school, but thank God he was still pleased with your response.

For prospects, please personalize your transcript. Have program-based, courses-based, research-propelled reasons, and possibly (because of scholarship or GA) for picking your school. And this is a key question, as a VO will always ask it.

I wish those of you going for your interview this month same favour and approval. Amen!

Congrats once more

kinibd:
I was denied the first time on December 31st 2018 at the Lagos Embassy, My original I 20 got to me on the 2nd of January and so I had to go with a scanned copy for the interview and the first question the VO asked me then was why did I come with a scanned copy, I told her that the original was still on transit and the look on her face was not encouraging and after asking me why this school and who will be sponsoring me, I got the pink paper and so I went back and requested for another I 20, made sure I got it then booked another interview at abuja

Got to the Abuja Embassy,

Me: Good morning (while smiling)

VO: Good morning pass me your passport please

Me: Passes Pasport while still smiling

VO: I can see from your F1 that you are applying for a student Visa can I see that

Me: Yes I am while passing the F1

VO: Have you ever been out of the country before?

Me : Yes I had my first degree in Ghana

VO: What did you study

Me: ICT

VO: What?

Me: Information and Communication Technology

VO: while typing...I dont see anything like that here

Me : I filled it in it should be there

VO: Oh i see it now...calls the name of my school and I nod then he asks how many schools gave me admission

Me : two schools

VO: what schools

Me: St Clouds State University and Concordia University St Paul

VO: Why did you choose St Clouds

Me: i chose St Clouds because of a couple of reasons, firstly they have a Business Computer Research Laboratory Equipped with workstations and enterprise level servers for research and teaching purposes and...

VO : cuts me off, yes well all schools in the usa have very good laboratories tell me why you chose this school

Me: well at the Laboratories at St Cloud, they create virtual machines that are used to support teaching database auditing  and networking packets  dumping and analyses and also...

VO: cuts me off again...well most schools have that as well

Me: Oh well then i chose them because they gave me a scholarship

VO: oh really, (looks at my I 20) well your scholarship is for $3000 and your total fees is about 19,000, how are you going to take care of the rest

Me: oh no, my Tuition and Fees is $9,500

VO: looks at I 20 again, okay so who is going to be paying for the rest

Me: My Parents

VO: what do they do

Me: My mom whose statement I have is blablabla

VO: I'm sorry what?

Me: my mom is blablabla and my dad is blablabla

VO: How did you hear about the school?

Me: One of my undergraduate course lecturer went to St. Clouds for a seminar and when he came back, he couldnt stop talking about the school and their laboratories and when i started searching for schools online to pursue my masters degree and St Cloud popped up again, i checked them out and the course they offered alligned with my career goals.

VO: Types for a while. Looks at me. So what are you going to be doing after you finish this program?

Me: The number of internet users in Nigeria has grown from about 20% of the population in 2010 to more than 50% of the population today and the more people that use the internet, the more networks there are, the more security there needs to be on them, this course will help me institute policies that protect organizations physical data and digital information and so i could become an IT consultant, I know i can, i tried to infuse what i learnt in my under graduate studies into my dads business by setting up a website and also creating a program that helps keep track of stock records.

VO: Can i see your bank statement

Me: passes it

VO: I am going to check this out and if I find anything wrong you will be banned from entering the USA, do you understand

Me: yes I do.

VO: types for a while, take this paper, (he gives me a white slip) you have to keep it safe because you will need it to enter the United States. Then he types for a while and gives me a yellow paper and says again if i find anything wrong with this account you will be banned, are you sure you still want to submit it

Me: Yes Sir

VO: okay welcome to the United States and make sure you keep that white slip safe ok

Me (while smiling) : okay sir thank you very much.

I hope this helps someone, I owe it all to God, I prayed like I had not prepared at all and I prepared like I had not prayed at all but its all the grace of God.

Last Bullet: I was so tensed the first time and so while rehearsing my answers for the second time, i noticed that smiling made me more relaxed and that was how i was able to overcome any nervousness, by smiling almost all through the interview.