I am preparing to take my first certification exam in May, and after reading the tips given to me by Debby, I was reminded of a feeling I had when preparing for the birth of my firstborn almost 40 years ago. I worked in a small clinic at the time and I was given the opportunity to see a physcial therapist who worked there. I would go to her weekly. She was a very tiny silver-haired German who was built like an army tank and just as strong; her name was Bettina. She taught me the exercises to do. But she did much more than that. She taught me relaxation and breathing exercises and mind tricks to get my mind off the pain. She gave tips that had to do with other things than what was happening below the waist and she motivated me. By the time I delivered, I felt like an Olympic athelete because not only was I prepared physically but mentally also. So when the first pains of labor hit I was ready and I took off running (well not literally), worked hard, and birthed a baby. After reading Debby's tips I found myself getting excited, like I was preparing for another Olympic event. Each time I pick up a code book, it's one more crunch/lap/jump. The tips address more than just answering questions on the exam though and we are seen as whole human beings with hunger issues and needing a slight lift here and there. Anyway, I decided to take the tips and prepare for the exam like an athelete, execise (physical and coding) every day, take care of myself and prepare my snacks, aromatherapy, etc. for the big event. I want to feel like I did when I had that very first labor pain on the day of the exam. I decided not to stress about the exam but to turn that stress into an activity of preparation.....do something....code something....read something that motivates me....get excited. I am privileged to be taking it.
I am glad there are people behind us here at Andrews and we are not just an online school. I do need help in preparing for the exam....all the help I can get...just like I did 40 years ago and I feel that we have instructors here who will guide us through.
Thank you to all the instructors and to Glenda and Linda....and all those coders who post because they prepare the way as well. I have found the posts helpful every time I read them.
Okay...back to the crunches!
I'm glad the tips were helpful. Be sure to let me know if you have any more questions.
Breathing is good. I recommend it! :)
Seriously, I enjoyed reading about your Olympic preparations, Lana. We're here with you.