My journey in Metropolis

During the lockdown, everyone was struggling to get a job. Some people lost their job, some became delivery boys and some started selling vegetables or essential items. The people who didn’t manage to get a job went to their villages.

My story was somewhat the same. I got a call from HR. She asked me “why do you want to work in Covid? You may get infected. What precaution will you take to take care of yourself?'' I answered “ it would be my pleasure to work in Covid as I am getting an opportunity to contribute myself for social cause to become a Covid worrier. I know that I have to take care of myself to be safe from infection.” Good kishor, she said.

I remember my 1st day in Metropolis. I was welcomed by watchmen by putting a temperature gun on my forehead. All healthcare workers were faceless with masks. Everyone was busy with their work. I just entered the department and my supervisor asked me to sit at the desk. Then what? I started working without any delay. There was more workload for the morning shift. Afternoon shifts had some rest. The pending workload was cleared by the night shift. Night shift team performance was much better than the morning shift. They don't have any distractions and can do their work with a cool mind, unlike in the morning shift. I learned that the more you are under pressure the more you will commit mistakes and there will be a delay in work.

We sometimes face troubleshooting on a desktop PC. Sometimes attune not working, sometimes the internet connection goes and sometimes the PC becomes hang. Then how are we able to finish work in time? If we had stopped by giving excuses, then nothing would have happened. Challenges give new ways, enhance creativity, and opportunity to showcase talent. We used a permutation combination method to complete the task. We have found alternative ways. For instance, if the internet connection goes for an hour, I used to connect my mobile hotspot until the IT person solved the issue. 

COVID lab was shifted to the Thane location. The lab area was smaller and narrow. Our TL trained us and returned to their respective departments. We all were new joiners and we had to handle the workload shifts. There was no place for a canteen, so the lab arranged a cab to take us to the hotel. But traveling took much time. Therefore we used to sit outside the lab stairs and have lunch there. My lunch break was as per workload. I used to finish my break in 10 minutes. My colleague always makes fun of me.

I also worked in the night shift for a week. The night team was amazing, they played music and started working. No rules, no supervisor to instruct. We were kings there. They used to bring tea in a thermos as no tea shop was available near the lab. In a cool and calm environment, we finished our work hassle-free.

 One day the internet connection is gone. So everyone went outside the lab. My colleague also requested me to come out but I refused. I turn on my mobile hotspot to connect to the PC. I finished the validation of 2 batches and then went outside. The next day the supervisor called me. He shouted at me for wrong validation. That was my 1st mistake. He was trusting me and never expected such mistakes from me. When we commit such a mistake, our seniors become too answerable to their seniors, and handling patients is another critical level. While working being in the present movement is important by realizing that what we are doing.

When covid cases were low, I was shifted to the molecular biology department. Thanks to Ashish sir for trusting me and supporting me. Initially, I was worried about whether the department would accept me or not. But they assimilated me with them. I was trained under Mahadev sir who always felt like my brother. If you are hungry in Molbio, don't worry, we have Khaneki Dukan. Just ask Swati mam what you want. 

I got an opportunity to work with the Nikshay Project. Getting patient detail like contact no. and address was crucial. But initially, I didn't take it seriously. Because of my mistake, Vijay sir was shouted at by their senior for not taking the follow-up. Sorry, sir for that. He is humble and replies politely. 

There is one lady in Molbio who is Sabki Amma. She cracks jokes and laughs at herself. By looking at her we also had to laugh. As she loves and cares for you like a mother, she also shouts at you like a father. 

We laugh, eat, have fun and help each other. Molecular Biology is my favorite department and we work as a family.