She got to a place where she had to slow down and stop because the road was blocked. She came down and approached a man who looked like he was doing some work. He had a helmet and a construction jacket on.
"Excuse me sir. Please, what's going on?" Stella asked.
"There's heavy construction currently going on here, so the road is closed for now" the man said.
"But I need to go through this road. I'm running late for an interview" Stella replied.
"I'm sorry ma'am. There's nothing I can do. There's another route available. You can take it and get to your destination" said the man.
"This detour is going to make me spend more time on the road" Stella said in frustration.
She looked at her time. She could still make it on time for the interview if she left immediately. So Stella got in her car and followed the alternate route.
She was driving speedily when suddenly she saw an elderly woman taking a walk. It was a really sunny morning and it looked like the woman was struggling.
She parked her car just in front of the woman.
"Excuse me ma. Where are you heading to?" Stella asked.
The woman smiled and responded "I'm heading to the supermarket at the junction".
"You shouldn't be taking this walk under the sun. Get in, let me take you there" said Stella.
The elderly woman got in and Stella drove.
"Seems you're heading to work" the woman said.
"I'm actually going for an interview" Stella replied.
"Oh. You look nervous" she said.
"Wow, so it is obvious" Stella said as she let out a smile.
"Do you really want this job" the woman asked.
"Yes I do" Stella replied.
"What's your plan in the long run, if you get the job?" the woman asked.
"My plan is just to do what is required of me and get paid" said Stella.
"That's not good enough my dear. This is your career. Life is too short. That is why you have to give your absolute best in this job. Be the undeniable best at it. This would take you to the very top faster than your contemporaries. What's the use in staying average when you can soar to greater height. I haven't known you for long, but I have a feeling you can do great things in this job. Make sure you do them" the woman said.
Stella was stunned and grateful to her for those words. It gave her the motivation to undergo the interview with confidence.
"Thank you. I will do my best at all times" Stella responded.
"That's good. At my age, my biggest regret is not giving my best from a younger age. I don't want you to have that same regret" she said.
"I won't make the same mistake" Stella replied.
They got to the junction and Stella dropped her off.
"Thanks for the lift my dear" said the elderly woman.
"You're welcome. It's the least I could do" Stella said.
Stella quickly rushed to the company where her interview would be held. She got there right on time.
"Excuse me. My name is Stella. I'm here for a job interview" Stella said to the receptionist at the entrance.
"Alright, please take the stairs to the second floor. Then enter the first office you see by your right"
"Thank you" Stella replied as she rushed her way up the stairs even though she had heels on. She didn't care. All she cared about was to make it to her interview and pass.
She got to the office and there was a middle-aged man sitting. He seemed like he had been waiting for her.
"Are you Stella?" The man asked
"Yes I am" Stella replied.
"Your interview will start shortly" he said.
The interview went smoothly for Stella. She got the job.
She was asked to resume the following week, and she was ready to give her absolute best.