WAY BEYOND BORDERS Ch-2 Against The Clock

Chapter 2: Against the Clock
February 20, 2025 
"Congratulations!!
We are writing this email to share that you have been selected for You have been selected for the Round 2 of the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2025. 
We acknowledge your effort and commitment thus far.
In this round, you need to fill up the Main Application Form neatly and carefully and make sure no part is left blank. Also, if there is any supporting document needed, kindly attach it before submitting."
-AFS India | Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2025 | Main Application Round | Hyderabad Chapter
My final Class 11 exams were in full swing. I wasn’t mentally prepared, but as my parents always says, “Give it your best instead of overthinking the result.”. Despite the exams, my parents helped me schedule and complete the necessary medical tests. I remember rushing from school to the local clinic, then to the district hospital — all for this application. I underwent every possible test: blood, urine, vision, BP, chest X-ray, and even the Mantoux test — some I hadn’t even heard of before.
The school helped with part of the required documents, but one essential record was missing: my vaccination card. I flipped through old files repeatedly, hoping to find it — and eventually, I did. A dusty, rusted, sixteen-year-old record, still intact. 
I reached out to former Asia Kakehashi participants, and they were incredibly supportive. Their kindness became a guiding light in my journey..
 March 8, 2025
I spent the entire day and night writing essays, a letter to my future host family, and organizing my complete application. Just as I thought I was done, the printer at home stopped working. With only ₹100 in hand, I rushed to a nearby shop at 9 PM to print everything. It cost ₹120, but the kind shopkeeper accepted what I had.
I didn’t sleep at all that night.

March 9, 2025
At exactly 8:02 AM, I submitted my application — eyes heavy, but heart full.
My parents were out of town from the 7th, and I had been handling everything on my own. Just minutes after submitting the form, my mom called:
“Did you just wake up?”
“Wake up? I didn’t sleep all night. I had to finish the application so I could finally rest.”
Before sleeping, I messaged the person who had first told me about the program. I asked his name — he said, Kuze. .

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