Week 3 Story: The Soiled Examination

Updated Story

Like Rama, we all have important tests that determine our paths

"You may begin the examination."  The instant Peter heard these uttered words, an intense determination filled the whole of the room.  This was the moment that he had been waiting for his entire life.  If he passed this test, he could finally fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer.  Rumors of this very test haunt the students of the department.  "Not more than even one out of 100 students are expected to be able to pass the exam." whispers a student.  Despite all the discouraging thoughts floating about, Peter had studied long and hard for this test.  Countless nights of sleep surrendered.  Peter knew, deep down inside, that he was ready to pass this exam.  He blazes through the first section; confident that the nights of lost sleep were worth it.  The second section comes, and he has no hesitation in his answers.  After the second section, he is ahead of schedule and decides to take a quick drink.  As Peter reaches to set his water aside, a slip of the hand causes the bottle to tip over onto his desk.  The examination pack is ruined beyond repair. The loudest silence fills the air of the room.  Peter feels the gazes of the students behind him.  The proctor, Mr. Jackson glares at Peter with the most disappointed look.  Mr. Jackson gets up from his chair,  "Peter, come with me."  Peter follows Mr. Jackson to a small office.  Mr. Jackson begins sighing, "Peter, I am upset that you would have so little care in your work.  Go home.  You're done for today. Come to my office tomorrow."  The next morning, Peter came to the building and stared longingly at the front lobby board.  "Congratulations to the graduates of 2020!"  A few of his peers had seemed to pass the examination.  Peter walked to Mr. Jackson's office.  "Hello, come in Peter.  I have just cleared it with the department.  You may take this make up alternative examination."  Easily racing through the exam, Peter gives the finished exam to Mr. Jackson.  Waiting patiently, Peter sits on the chair outside of Mr. Jackson's office.  A voice echoes from behind him.  "Congratulations Peter."


Author's Note:  This story is loosely based off of the test that Rama had to overcome to win the favor of King Janaka for his daughter, Sita.  Rama must bend the bow of Shiva, which is a feat that has been unsuccessful for many before him.  Unsurprisingly, Rama is able to bend the bow, however, he also ends up breaking it.  As a result, Parashurama comes angrily, and gives Rama another test: to bend another bow.  Rama succeeds in this trial and is given the weapon to keep.  I chose this story because it felt the most applicable to me in terms for a modern example.  We've all had to overcome different tests and trials, and so I think that the story can be empathized by any person.  For Ramayana part A, I would argue that this point is one of the most important moments for Rama.