Rhodes Scholarship Part 3: The Interview and Results

This is a reflection of the second and final day of the Rhodes Scholarship Interview weekend.  Make sure to read Day 1 first (click here) first!  A reminder of the committee members:

•                 Robert Mitchell – K&L Gates attorney, working on Exon Valdese (committee secretary)

•                 Gerry Grinstein – Former CEO of Delta and Burlington Northern Railroad, currently retired (committee chair and only committee member not a former Rhodes Scholar)

•                 John Melin – CEO of Brown & Haley candy company (modern day Willy Wonka)

•                 Malia Fullerton – Genetic Ethics Researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine

•                 Beth Eben – Harborview Pediatrician and researcher of adolescent risk assessment

•                 Jennifer Miller – English Renaissance professor at UC Berkley

•                 Newman Nahas – Defense attorney for Facebook, and other social media

For those who don't know me:  I applied as a 2nd year medical student at the University of Washington, representing as the first ever finalist from my Alma mater, Western Washington University, where I received my Bachelors in Behavioral Neuroscience in 2011.  I have experience implementing patient record systems in rural Haiti, and had hopes of pursuing back-to-back MSc's at Oxford in Medical Anthropology and Global Health.  These are my humble reflections on my experience interviewing for the Rhodes Scholarship, written in the days directly following.  There is an addendum with pointed advice at the very bottom.

**Also (new as of 1/28/14), after mentoring several finalists in 2013, I have compiled advice/thoughts/details from a few 2013 Rhodes finalists (and 2 winners!) here:  Rhodes Scholarship Interview 2013: Firsthand Accounts

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Much anticipation and preparation had been leading up to Friday morning, and I had responded with energy and enthusiasm.  But somehow, it became difficult to get up Saturday morning and do the same thing all over again.  Instead of excitement, I found myself filled with dread.  Foremost on my mind was the complete failure of my last large interview during Miss Washington week (read here, for details on such).  As I continued to get ready, I became increasingly aware of a deep furrow across my face, and felt as though I needed an hour or two to just break down and cry.  This continued until I responded in a bit of a panic attack.  I have only ever had two panic attacks before, one before Miss Washington and one before my last final of my undergraduate career, and with just as unfortunate of timing as the other two, this one rattled me. 

I used my “phone a friend” lifeline, and after talking with my best friend, was able to calm down a bit.  I drove downtown, grabbed myself my favorite Starbucks drink on the way, and then sat in my parked car for a while longer, once again singing and dancing to music.  Before leaving my car, I prayed a lengthy prayer for calm, clarity of thought, and that the Lord’s will be done, and then headed back up to the 29^th floor.

 Entering the library, I was immediately confronted by another one of the finalist’s tears.  The finalist I had become closest to (a sweet and beautiful woman interested in world use of water), felt her interview had tanked, and melted in my arms in rightful frustration.  I comforted as best I could, but then knew I needed to get back into the right mind frame for my approaching interview time.  I grabbed my headphones, tucked my notes in my pocket, posted a last post on Facebook requesting prayers, and then ducked into the private holding room where I would await my interview escort.  You may call me an absolute fool (and perhaps I am), but up until the very moment that my escort arrived, I danced and mouthed the words to various gospel songs, and while nervous, was ready when Gerry Girnstein (chair of the committee and former CEO of Delta) arrived to escort me back.

In the interview room, I was pointed to an empty seat at the head of the table where a fresh glass of water sat waiting.  On each side of the table were three to four of the committee members, eyeing me with careful judgment.   I said a cheerful greeting, and then awaited my first question, which came from Gerry.  The interview lasted 25 minutes, and was led in a conversation style with plenty of interrupting and follow-up questions.  The following were my interview questions as best as I remember them:

•          Explain to me what WWAMI is and what your experience with the program has been.

•          I am confused about your wanting to take two years off in the middle of medical school.  What would you get from this opportunity that medical school can’t offer you?  Help me understand your thinking…

•          With regards to your work in Haiti, give me an example of some of the things you disagree with.  How are these systems broken?  And how have you responded?

•          Why use your time with these disorganized clinics in Haiti when you disagree with them, rather than give of your time to the larger, established clinics making headway there, like Partners in Health?

•          You already have so much experience that has enhanced your understanding.  What can Oxford offer you that you can’t get from additional experience?

•          Tell me a bit about Big Bend Community College.  I am not even sure where it is.  How did attending Big Bend CC shape your education?  (This question came WAY out of left field as I have not attended Big Bend in 5 years.)

•          (When I did not answer the previous question the way he had hoped…) But I would think that Big Bend is a very unique environment.  How did that add to your educational experience?

•          How would you change Big Bend?  (This question threw me a bit, and I believe was used to see how I think on my feet.  When I responded immediately with “that is not something I have ever thought about”, as a way to buy me time, one of the committee members immediately threw back “Well, you can think now!”)

•          I see in your application that you participated in Miss Washington and Miss Moses Lake.  That’s certainly unique for the applicants we see through here!  What inspired your participation?  (When I started with a chuckle and the comment that I had debated on whether to include it in my application or not, one of the committee members became almost offended, saying that I should never feel the need to defend such a thing!  Oops.)

•          We are about out of time.  Is there anything you would like to add?  (I reiterated that no matter the outcome, I looked forward to a lifetime of providing the best possible healthcare for the underserved.  And then sincerely thanked the committee for their time.)

Overall, I feel my interview went decently.  I was able to get in a lot of the things I had wanted to say, but also had a couple questions I wish I had answered differently.  Among the things I truly wish I could go back and redo, is the fact that I forgot to mention with regards to the second question, how time is frequently taken off between the 2^nd and 3^rd years of medical school for a second degree (PhD, MPH, etc.), and how I have played with the idea of an MPH anyway.  This explanation would have made it clear that the track I was hoping to pursue at Oxford was not a complete 180 from the educational direction I am going anyway. 

As soon as the interview ended, my nerves caught back up to me, and walking back to the library I shook so badly that I left a trail of water on the floor and down my skirt from my water glass.  As I passed the next contestant, waiting anxiously in the private holding room, I reassured her that the committee was in good spirits and that her escort would arrive shortly.  Entering the library, the others questioned how my interview had gone (this was always asked with both a hint of selfish need for comparison, as well as genuine concern/interest), and while acknowledging my sudden shakiness, I stated that I thought it had gone okay. 

I then left with another one of the finalists for lunch at a fancy spot a block away.  It was at this point that I began to learn a lot about myself, and how I interact under pressure.  While my lunch date was friendly and wanted to chat about the interview, I was shutting down mentally and wanted silence, or at least anything but talk about the interviews.  After lunch, we headed back to the law firm’s library, where all the contestants were to convene at 3 o’clock.

The 2012 District XIV Rhodes Finalists.  The winners are in the back row, third from left (Joe) and middle in turquoise (Amanda).

....And, in a less composed moment....

After the last interview ended, Robert Mitchell (committee secretary and K&L Gates attorney) once again joined the assembled group, and instructed that we were to remain in the library in case the committee should want to call a finalist back for a second interview.  (I secretly hoped that I would be called back in order to clarify the question explained above.)  He predicted they would return with a verdict between 5 and 6, and pointed to the stack of games on the center table.  John Melin (CEO of Brown & Haley) entered shortly after and brought us an endless supply and multiple varieties of his amazing Brown & Haley Almond Roca.

Sitting in wait with Brown & Haley Almond Roca to keep us company!

 

In waiting, I was much more anxious than I anticipated.  And again, during this time, I learned a great deal about myself, and how I respond under pressure.  The majority of the other finalists were incredible in their treatment of one another, and wanted to play games, hug and exchange favorite jokes.  It was explained that in previous years there was an intense stiffness and rivalry, but that we were somehow quite different as a group.  I joined in for a few games of Uno (becoming cocky after I won two of the three games played), but then found myself almost wishing our group was less friendly.  My friends (most of those reading this) know me as warm, but as I became semi-nauseous with anxiety, I wanted nothing more than to go put my sweats on and curl up under a blanket with no-one to bother me.  I was rather shocked at my own intense reaction, but all the same, joined the group in the light hearted activities to the best of my ability.

The group "Cinnamon Roll Hug".

Immediately before the committee returned.

As our waiting for the judges pressed on past the 5 – 6 o’clock hour anticipated, the group became increasingly restless.  I began to pace the corridor, sipping hot tea and taking an excessive number of bathroom breaks.  During one bathroom break I ran into a couple of the judges, and with anxiety apologized profusely, in response to which I received funny looks.  Back in the library, every sound in the hallway made the group jump.  Towards the end, on a couple of occasions, we heard raised voices down the hall, and in response my heart beat faster.  Finally, at precisely the four hour mark (7 o’clock), we heard a marching of feet come down the hallway, and then turn around the corner.  Very official looking, the committee entered in two precise lines, and all 15 finalists stood and shifted anxiously.

Gerry gave a short speech about how difficult the decision process was, and then explained that the names of the Rhodes Scholars would be announced in alphabetical order.  “The two Rhodes Scholars representing us all at Oxford next year will be Amanda Frickle and Joseph Thiel.” 

Amanda’s eyes bulged and watered as she looked around her (she stood directly across from me), Joe beamed with excitement and pride, and the group applauded for the two winners.  We took turns hugging and congratulating Amanda and Joe, and then stood around for a VERY uncomfortable ten minutes of mingling with the committee and other finalists.  Robert Mitchell wasted no time in retrieving two large manila envelopes, and pulled Amanda and Joe aside to sign their next couple years away.  

While happy for the winners, I was exhausted and frustrated, and wished for nothing more than private time, and eyed my bag across the room, pleading for an easy grab of the bag and escape to the elevators. I soon had my escape, and emotionally melted the moment the door closed behind me in the car.

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Emotions since have been a mix of exhaustion, frustration, embarrassment, and self-doubt.  The two winners happen to be two of the three individuals from Montana I ate dinner with the night before, and both are kind and brilliant individuals (Amanda is quiet and warm, and Joe is energetic and well meaning).  I have chosen to be happy for their success, and grateful that I may go forward in the earning of my Medical Doctorate.

I walk away with a number of things that I have learned about myself, and if for no other reason to be thankful for having walked this path, I am absolutely thankful for having learned the following:

1.           There are contingent supporters, and there are sincere supporters; there are individuals who have been MORE than ready to claim my friendship during my public successes (graduating valedictorian from my undergraduate, medical school acceptance, Miss Moses Lake crowning, etc.), and there are a few who will continue to support me even when I fall short of my hopes; there are those who love me for the person I am, and those who love the potential of a "connection".  It is my job to hold on to the sincere love and support, and become a sincere supporter for these individuals in turn, no matter the chapter of life.
2.      How great it is, that no matter the pain and public embarrassment this is, the Lord has a plan bigger than I can see in this moment!
3.      Given how poorly I take academic rejection/disappointment, it is perhaps a VERY good thing I did not apply to more medical schools.  :D
4.      I must give myself at least an extra two hours when preparing for an important interview, as anxiety and self-doubt will give rise to much doing and re-doing of my hair (even if in a simple bun), and the need for many deep breaths.
5.      I love Brown & Haley Almond Roca.  Curse you, John Melin!!  ;)

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

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Addendum: This post was originally written for my friends, my family, and students from my Alma mater.  I am humbled to learn of the far ends my blog has reached, with over 3000 views of this single post, with readers from nearly every corner of the world.

In response to the many e-mails I have received, a few bits of advice for the individuals interviewing for a Rhodes Scholar position:

If you have not already, I would recommend you write out a few of your prepared interview answers in essay form, and truly know WHY Oxford, and how you can uniquely contribute to the learning environment there, and the greater world, with the additional education you would receive.  Further, what can Oxford give you, that you cannot get elsewhere?  And how can you ultimately benefit from the totality of the uniqueness that Oxford has to offer, beyond that of the degree?

With regards to the cocktail hour, I know there is a lot of advice of different sorts out there.  The one bit I would add to what I have read and heard elsewhere: use the cocktail hour to create at least one strong ally among your interviewers - you want someone who will bring up your name and advocate for you in the committee room, after all interviews are done and you are in the next room out of sight.

But really, I think the number one key thing to focus on, is keeping an EXCELLENT attitude.  So much of the preparation advice on the internet, and from universities, that I read and hear about is with regards to reading up on the latest current events, knowing how to "steer" an interview in a particular direction, and being at an etiquette prime in the dinner hour - but you've already heard all this!!  (And in my selective experience, none of that came overly handy.)  It may seem a given, or eye-rolling worthy, but I believe a warm and inspirational demeanor, and overall positive attitude, ended up being the interview committee's #1 selection criteria in my district; and something I failed at with my anxiety, and whatever else I had going on in my head.  :)  The committees are not looking for the strictly rigid intellectual (they have already made that cut in deciding who to invite to the interview!); they are looking for someone they are excited to have as part of their Rhodes family, and who will integrate and represent well with the other Rhodes Scholars.  The winners from District XIV this last year were two of the warmest people there - one more reserved and one less so - but both kind and openly welcoming.  As an applicant, do whatever you need to do to get into that mental space where you are truly excited to be there and able to embrace the opportunity, and ALL those around you.  Whether you are named a Rhodes Scholar or not, you will walk away thankful you went into it with warmth and openness.

Also along the mental framing of things, recognize that the opportunity to interview is a PHENOMENAL experience in and of itself. You will be sharing a room with approximately 13 other ingenious (many, literally so), passionate, and experienced young minds, and together in one room, there is more brain power than you may get to partake in ever again!  What an extraordinary think tank, if you let it be!!  If you cannot recognize this weekend as the incredible opportunity to network, learn, and mutually inspire, for what it is - how can you expect the committee to want to further invest in you the experience to once again be in a unique and stimulating environment that is Oxford?? 

Honestly, I wish I could change the way I went about that weekend - and not because I did not win!  :)  In fact, at this point in my life, I am thankful that I did not win, as that's just the way life events go.  :)  But, I wish I had been more true to myself and more open to embracing the marvelous opportunity it is just to share a room with such an intelligent and diverse group!  If the others are up for it, the conversations created are truly inspiring and fascinating!  So, encourage your group to dig in!!  Dig in yourself!  Have fun, learn, inspire....and in the end, it is your inspiring passion for mutual learning that the committee will see, and will perhaps want to invest in.  And even if the committee chooses not to invest further in you specifically via 2+ years at Oxford, you can still walk away a winner in your own right, for the mind blowing inspiration and life-long friends and connections you now have.

Congratulations, truly.  And enjoy your weekend!!

-Analiesse (Isherwood) Carter
analiesse.carter@gmail.com


This blog post was created to share experiences so that individuals, no matter their background or Alma mater's previous success, could have a fighting chance at a phenomenal and well-prepared for experience.  I would love to help you add to this!!  Please be in touch afterwards with how my experiences did or did not relate to yours.  I would love to know, and would love to potentially add your thoughts, after the fact, to this blog, with your permission.  Thank you for any thoughts!  And God Bless.