On August 5, 2014, I attempted my first VCDX defense on network virtualization in Reston VA. It was a culmination of 4 months of hard work and sleepless nights. I even sent my family away on vacation half way around the world, so I can study and prepare without interruption. During my defense, I was surprisingly calm and in control. There were a lot of butterflies while waiting in the lobby for my name to be called, but as soon as I walked in to the defense room, those butterflies disappeared. After a long 3 hour defense, I wasnt sure how I did. I left thinking that I could have done a better job, I could have answered this question this way, etc. It is called second guessing yourself, but I wasn’t going to let that preoccupy my life.
On August 12, I received a phone call from Chris McCain of VMware and I knew immediately why he was calling, he was going to deliver the news. I had prepared myself emotionally regardless of the outcome. Like most people, I was hopeful, but expected the worst. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Chris, you know that he is a very upbeat and passionate person. So to my chagrin, when I answered the phone on August 12, Chris was subdued, low key and clearly not himself. I knew at that point that it was bad news and that my fate was sealed. At that moment, self preservation took over and I started bracing myself for the inevitable disappointment. And then out of nowhere, I heard VCDX #168. I wasn’t sure what exactly I heard, so after about 5 seconds of silence, I asked Chris to repeat himself. Then he proceeded with with a cheerful voice to inform me that I had made it and that I achieved the goal that I had set for myself 4 months prior. All of the hard work had payed off.
To Chris McCain and all of the wonderful people at VMware that I met throughout these past 4 months:
I just wanted to thank you for everything. It has been a privilege for me to be part of this program. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and I will remember it for a long time. I learned a lot about VMware, NSX and about myself in this process. I hope to put all of this new found knowledge to good use in the near future. Thank you again for being a great teacher and host.
For me, simply put, I would say that this experience has given me a “new lease on career”. I went from a network consultant in “virtual” anonymity to becoming a VCDX, 1 of 173 in the world, in just 4 months. Absolutely amazing.