The Other Applicant

When I was applying to colleges, I asked him to write me a letter of recommendation — not as my grandfather, but as the Consul General of South Africa, on his very official-looking letterhead.

I thought it might help my chances.

He agreed.

He handed me the letter the next day, printed neatly on that very official stationery. It had exactly half a line about me.

The rest of it was a detailed account of how he became the Consul General of South Africa. His journey. His network. His strategic appointments. A minor detour into trade relations.

But here’s the thing: it worked. I got in!

To this day, unclear whether they admitted me... or him.

-Shivantika Rungta