I am what one of my fellow Summit attendees last year described as a "S.T.A.R. - Skilled Through Alternative Routes" (I loved that term when she shared it.)   While I 100% value higher education (I actually WORK in higher education) attending college just wasn't something that was available to me right out of high school. And - then - by the time I had the maturity and financial stability to do it, I had a family and kids (who attend private school), and my priority has been THEIR education.

The CAP Certification has been on my "to-do" list for as many years as I've been an IAAP member.  Fear always prevented me from taking the plunge and committing to the test - "What if I fail?"  But finally, this year, I attended Summit for the first time (as a Scholarship Recipient - THANK YOU, donors!) and while attending Summit, I was so inspired by everyone I met and so motivated to be the very best Administrative Professional I could possibly be that I KNEW it was time to make the commitment and get that certification!  I came home from Summit, discussed it with my boss, and immediately registered for the Spring CAP exam so that I COULDN'T chicken out! 

I believe that receiving my CAP certification will do a couple things.  First, and foremost, it will prove to MYSELF that I CAN do hard things!  I don't expect the journey to be easy, but I know I will work hard, and I WILL succeed!  Secondly, it will elevate me as being the "cream of the crop" as an administrative professional.  Those with the CAP credential have proven themselves to be committed to their profession and to continuing education and staying at the top of technology and trends.  Finally, it will show my employer (a higher education institution where almost everyone has advanced degrees) that I DO value education and that I AM an expert in my chosen field.  

I'm really looking forward to the journey and looking forward to attending Summit in NYC in July and proudly wearing my "CAP Certified" ribbon on my name tag!