Well-Rehearsed

This recollection of my early days in the field offers insight into the world of transformer testing. The instruments I encountered during my initiation have remained integral to my work. Their precise operation and accurate calibration continue to be paramount. While I have moved beyond the confines of the storeroom and into more complex testing scenarios, the fundamentals I learned on that first day continue to serve as the bedrock of my understanding.

During my initial months as an intern, I was primarily entrusted with the task of carrying out earth tests on distribution transformers. While it may seem like a relatively straightforward assignment, its significance cannot be understated. An effective grounding system ensures the safety of the transformer, guards against electrical faults, and minimizes the risk of damage to equipment and infrastructure. These tests are particularly critical in areas with high lightning activity or other potential sources of electrical surges. By pegging earth spikes into the ground at appropriate intervals, we establish a low-resistance path to the earth. It is a fundamental process in ensuring the integrity of the electrical distribution system.

Wheeling a trolley laden with equipment, I traversed the parking lot, nearing my destination with each step. Before me, the two technical staff members responsible for our field inspection milled about near the trusty Hilux truck, as they prepared for the day ahead, while the driver focused on ensuring the vehicle was in optimal condition for the journey.

As I approached, the engine of the truck roared to life, echoing the anticipation that hung in the air. Pushing a trolley filled with equipment, each step drawing me closer to the two technical staff members who were already at the Hilux truck. The driver was diligently checking the vehicle, ensuring it was in optimal condition for our upcoming field inspection, but then, a sudden thought struck me: where was Mr. David? This was unusual. His presence was almost a given before we set out on our field inspections.

And, like clockwork, the voice of Mr. David, our supervisor and team leader for today's inspection cut through the air, questioning the condition of the equipment. His voice pierced the bustling atmosphere from behind me. "Are all the equipment in working condition? Did you properly test-check them?" Mr. David's query was pointed, as if he knew the answer before I even responded. He was like a guardian angel, or perhaps a strict taskmaster, overseeing our preparations. He must have come from the AIE's office, where he typically confirmed all the necessary information before each trip. But then again, knowing Mr. David, he often had an uncanny knack for foreseeing various scenarios.

I turned to face him, wearing my politeness like armor.

"Yes I did sir, should I re-check while you're here?"

I was almost certain he wouldn't request a recheck, even though he had a reputation for meticulousness. There were two reasons for my confidence. First, time was against us. Our schedule was tight, and lingering at this point could throw off the entire plan. Time was precious, and I was confident in the accuracy of my inspections. It was a matter of pride for me, as the reliability of the equipment was paramount in our fieldwork.

Second, this scenario had played out before.

The first time I executed a near-flawless test, Mr. David had been convinced that I had skipped the continuity test, a crucial step. To clear his doubts, he insisted on repeating the entire procedure, scrutinizing every detail. This dogged determination to ensure precision was both frustrating and admirable. However, the second time around, as I completed the test with exceptional accuracy, his doubts seemed to grow. He argued that my success was a result of the equipment always being stored in excellent condition.

I couldn't help but wonder if he had been the one who intentionally rigged the voltmeter during my subsequent shift to test my skills once more. Even with this obstacle, I maintained my composure and completed the task accurately within the 4-5 minute timeframe, almost flawlessly.

As I exited the storeroom, I had complained bitterly about the voltmeter's inaccuracy, vocally blaming the poor management of the previous users. It was my way of masking my achievement. The drama of it all, with the equipment in question, had been part of a well-choreographed act, performed to perfection.

"No need for another check. Load everything onto the truck" Mr. David instructed, his command breaking the momentary silence. Following his lead, the other staff members and I hurried to load all the equipment onto the truck. A shared understanding among us kept the operation efficient and swift, akin to the synchrony of an expertly choreographed dance.

The conversation between Mr. David and me was a well-rehearsed script, and this familiarity lent a sense of normalcy to our routines. We navigated each task with precision, focusing on the job at hand, ensuring we left no room for delay or error. The efficiency of our collective actions served as a testament to the teamwork that had evolved among us in the face of the challenges of our field inspections.

We clambered onto the truck, and I settled in between the two technical staff members in the back, ready for the journey. Mr. David claimed the passenger seat up front, and with his guidance, we swiftly left the agency's premises behind.

As the landscape outside began to unfold, I took advantage of this momentary lull in our progress to check Vibly and see if I had missed any interesting updates.

**Vibly 8:16 am

"Lmaoo okay that's a lil savage, it's just the name they'd rather use."

"Worasiri means like a blessed person."

"Siri is like being fortunate, something like that."

Amidst our discussions, the information I had recently acquired on Vibly filled my mind. "Worasiri" - the intriguing name that had sparked our conversation. The exchange on Vibly was enlightening, explaining that it meant "a blessed person" and was associated with being fortunate.

Our journey continued, and we plunged deeper into the region. However, one of the enduring challenges I had to confront was the sporadic drops in reception, cutting me off from the online world. It was a stark reminder that my role, while fulfilling and adventurous, came with its fair share of inconveniences.

I couldn't help but think about the conversations I had to put on hold, and my curiosity gnawed at me. For now, my focus needed to shift back to the present. As the hum of the road and the rumble of the truck's engine enveloped me, I embraced the adventures and challenges of the fieldwork that lay ahead, eager for the unknown experiences that awaited.