My sister who is a very impatient and often careless driver decided that she would drive me to the testing center. I was worried because anything could happen on the day of my exam that could cause me delay or even prevent me from writing it on time. So, as soon as I got into the car, I said a prayer to Lord Ganesha, “Swami, please bless me to get to the testing center safely and on time.”

Surely enough, on the way to the exam, we almost met with an accident while making a lane change during the rush hour morning traffic. Luckily, I spotted the car and shouted,”[My sister’s name] watchout for that car!”

My sister maneuvered the vehicle just in time else I am sure we would have collided with the other car. In my heart I was so thankful to Sri Ganesha who prevented a major accident from taking place.

As we exited off the highway, with just seconds left before I reached the testing center, I glanced one last time to my right towards the sky. I couldn’t believe what happened. A small stretch of clouds moved such that there was a small “hole” in the sky and in that hole was a beautiful small rainbow. I was so amazed and quickly closed my eyes and said Bhagavan Sri Skanda’s mantra thrice. When I finished, I again glanced at the sky and the rainbow had disappeared. Filled with so much love and gratitude to my beloved Sri Skanda, who had given me the sign I needed, I proceeded to the exam knowing that He was there watching over his child.

At the testing center, I arrived 30 minutes early. I used that time to do japa 108 times on my sweet beloved Murugan’s sacred mantra. After I finished, the center opened their doors and I proceeded to the front desk. There was a person in front of me. He gave his examination permit to the lady and awaited for the computer to randomnly assign him a computer station number.

“Please proceed to Computer station #2,” the machine read out.

Next in line was me. I handed my examination permit and while waiting for the computer to assign me a station number, I pondered, “I wonder if Sri Skanda will give me another station with the number 6 like he did last time?”

Note: The number 6 is auspicious for Lord Skanda. Read experience: Education – Medicine: USMLE Step 1

“Please proceed to Computer station # 15,” the machine read out. I smiled and assured my heart that He is here with me today. The rainbow, the same number (1+5 = 6) as last time. The same series of events that took place for my Step I exam are taking place again.

With that confidence, I said a prayer to Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga.

“Swami, please bless your child to do this exam with your grace and blessings. May you direct him to think clearly and choose the correct answers. Everything…all the four years of hard work comes down to this 8-hour exam.”

“Aum Gum Ganapathiyae Namaha. Aum Jaya Jaya Mahavira Bhagavan Sri Skanda Namo Namaha.” I quitely chanted.

I took a deep breath in and exhaled the word, “Muruga,” and began my USMLE Step 2 exam.

After the 8 hours were over, I was so drained and exhausted. Nevertheless, I was very thankful to my SatGuru for helping me get through this day. I thanked him in my heart and went home.