I have started up the path toward taking the March 2017 CAP Exam and earning my certification. My journey thus far has included being Unit Secretary in Intensive Care for 5 years, working as a Registered Nurse for 12 years, and working in local government for the last 11.5 years. When I was a Unit Secretary I absolutely loved the job. I loved everything about being the message taker, letter writer, assistant to everyone. Nursing allowed me to bring those skills and add many more to them. I left nursing due to an injury to my hand that literally put me out of work. After years of rehabilitation to regain the use of my hand I went to work for my city government. Each position I've held in the city involved more and more administrative skill (as well as computers) which required me to learn new skills and improve on existing ones. 3 years ago I was promoted to my current position as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor. I love (almost) everything about this job. First of all, I am blessed to have a progressive, busy, woman mayor with whom I have a terrific working relationship. We work well together and she respects my skill, my drive and my opinions. Working for the Mayor has inspired me to improve myself and my skills so that I am able to always be a positive reflection of her and the other members of our city council. I believe that earning my CAP Certification will demonstrate, to myself and others, that I am worthy of my position, committed to continuing to improve in all areas, and fluent in the best practices for my profession. I am every bit as proud to be an Executive Assistant as I was to be a Registered Nurse, and I consider the CAP Exam to taking my Nursing Board Exams. At the moment I feel just as overwhelmed and just as determined to be successful. I am looking forward to the weekly sessions in Marie's study group and learning not only from her, but from the amazing women who are also in the group.

It's hard not to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of sitting for the CAP exam. It's definitely a worthy certification and that means it takes dedicated effort and work to achieve it. That's also why people can be truly proud when they have earned the credential.

However, I have to point out that the test is a snapshot of one day in time. It does NOT define your value as an administrative professional (though it does ADD to it). *YOU* are *WORTHY* of the position that you hold whether you ultimately pass this exam or not.

That said, I fully expect you will bring the needed effort to be able to pass this exam and I look forward to seeing you adding the additional letters to your name.