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Certified in what? Doesn’t matter. Hear me out:
Years ago I dated a scrote who, at the time, was more educated than me. He’d constantly rub his credentials in my face, bragging about his Bachelor’s Degree and that he passed the CBEST on his first try. He’d comment on my job, saying it was not a true career, as well as my Associate’s Degree in Fashion Design, which he called “useless”.
Our breakup left me shattered, but also motivated. You see, a part of me realized (even in my pickme haze) that this man was an idiot. And if he could do these things, I could, too.
So I signed up to take the CBEST exam 3 months from then and started studying. The math, especially, was difficult for me as I hadn’t used much of it for years. But it wasn’t long before it all started to make sense, and I passed the exam with flying colors.
Not only did the CBEST come in handy (I landed a per diem job at a local public school because of it), but it gave me the confidence to take the TEAS (the nursing school admission test). Just as I did with the CBEST, I booked an appointment and hunkered down, studying nearly every day for the test date. I passed, got into the nursing school of my choice, and then passed the NCLEX (the nursing licensure exam).
Next, I’ll be taking the LSAT (law school admission test). Will I go to law school if I pass it? Maybe in the future. At this point, it's not an option. But I do enjoy the heck out of studying for it. The logic games, especially, are great fun, and it seems a better use of my time than watching TV or YouTube. Right now I’m working only on free practice questions, but I may invest in a used paperback to study once my test date gets closer.
Now, I know we have a lot of badass females on here and that most of you probably already have certifications up the wazoo. But for those of you who don’t and who are lacking confidence, can I just say what I’ve learned:
Confidence comes from accomplishments, and little accomplishments lead to bigger successes. You never know where the journey may take you if you just get started somewhere. And once you get there- keep going.
The future awaits us and it is glorious.
This is amazing! I can’t imagine studying for law school for fun, but I really admire you for doing so. You are right about even small accomplishments being a building block for self esteem. I used to study one of the more difficult foreign languages pretty seriously (a medical condition has made my eyesight too bad to really keep up with it), and that gave me such a huge confidence boost. Now I’m back in school earning a second degree and I try to challenge myself by reading difficult books. I wasted so much time in my twenties, I just like to feel like I’m accomplishing something with most of my free time now.
Your post is very inspiring! I think your ex was actually very insecure though. It’s ok for someone to brag a bit, but when someone (like him) tries to cut others down in the process, it just means that deep down they feel inferior to most people.
I try my best to use this strategy as well.
"Instead of wasting time watching YT and insta reels, why not watch videos from Free Online Courses online"
There are sooooo many websites. LinkedIn has some as well.
You never know where what knowledge or certification will come in handy.
thank you for this! i keep wavering about certain certifications that interest me: are they worth it? but you're totally right: what do i have to lose? if idiot scrotes can work for the government, be CEOs and launch global initiatives, then i can too.
Legend! Love this post! Good on you.
YAAASSS QUEEN!!!! You are an inspiration! Keep going and slay that LSAT, we believe in you!!
“Confidence comes from accomplishments.” What a great quote, it’s been ringing in my head since I read it.
I enjoyed reading this post so much!
Right now, I am in the process of taking the C-Best. Last week, I took Sec 1: Reading and I stressed myself out so much I got an eczema flare up lol.
Today, I got my results and I passed the first section. I am on Cloud 9. I am feeling myself lol. Now I am onto math🤢.
I am planning on taking the CSET and RICA next year. I am really hoping for the best in life. Wish me luck!
Good luck on the LSAT OP!
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about!
Well done!! 🥳🥳🥳
Love this post.