I've been an IAAP member for close to 10 years but have not taken the CAP exam. I'm bound and determined that 2018 is my year to be certified! I work in Higher Education and these folks love letters after your name. It's been almost 40 years since I took a formal exam so I'm terrified. After many years of taking a backseat and letting my panic attacks, anxieties and low self esteem take over my life, I'm slowly getting back to my old self. I attended my first Summit in 2015 and it was the beginning of a new era for me. In 2016 I was in the Master Class and am now a proud graduate of the 2017 Leadership Academy. This year the focus is on getting my certification. I'm in Marie's study group for the April exam and am enrolled in the bootcamp at CAPstone. With a lot of hard work, determination and support from others including my workplace and my biggest support group - my husband & family - I'm aiming to have those coveted letters behind my name on my business cards when when I arrive in Austin this July for Summit 2018. I'm doing this first and foremost for me but it also sends a message to others, including colleagues, that just because you are getting close to retirement (for me in the next 5-6 years) doesn't mean you should slow down and coast. I fully intend to stay current even after I retire and to stay active in IAAP.

Congratulations on taking this next step in your personal and professional development. You are taking all the right steps to ensure you'll be prepared to sit for the exam in April. I hope to meet you at CAPstone in Atlanta! Best wishes with your studies. We can't wait to celebrate when you add those letters after your name!

Way to go Debbie!   You can do this! 

Woo hoo!!!! I can feel the power coursing through your veins!!! You are woman, hear you roar!!! Let's go do this!!!

Congratulations!! I can feel the determination and motivations just through reading this post. Gets me excited for you. Way to go!!

Congratulations on overcoming so much and making this your certification year! I have to agree with Marie, I too feel the energy coming through your post, am inspired by not only your determination to certify but by your commitment to IAAP in post-retirement, and I am hoping to meet you at CAPstone.

Way to go Debbie! I too work in higher education and have no letters behind my name but that will all change!

You go girl!

Debbie - May 2018 be your year to achieve your CAP designation. You have done a great deal by going to Summit being a graduate of the Leadership Academy. Thanks to your family for their support of your involvement with IAAP.

Linda L. Rolfe CAP (Ret.), OM

Debbie I will be right along with you! I also work in Higher Education, I have the anxiety but you know what? We have this! We are going to rock this test!