Passing with Flying Colors

"Everything you want is on the other side of fear." - Unknown.

The worrying and anxiety over taking my first of three Praxis tests can now cease because I just passed the reading section! The past few weeks have been extremely stressful for me because I was so worried that I did not have enough time to study for this section and that I would not be able to pass it but I did!

The night before taking the test, my stomach was twisting and turning and thoughts of doubt were on my mind. I was worried that one or multiple of the following things would happen to me: 1) I would forget to print out my admission ticket, 2) I would forget my admission ticket at home, 3) I would forget to bring an ID, 4) they would require 2 forms of ID (I only have 1 at the moment), 5) my name would not be accepted at the test center (I had some difficulty signing up), or 6) I would be late. I felt that something was going to go wrong and it would prevent me from taking the test. All these thoughts were running through my mind and I had difficulty falling asleep. To make sure I had all the things necessary for the test and test center, I read every single word on the admission ticket provided to me as well as any other information I needed from the Praxis website. I wanted to be extremely prepared for this!

When I woke up, I had a checklist of all the things I needed to bring with me. I made sure to not forget anything. But sleeping and getting ready the morning of the test were the least of my problems. During the entire 15 minute car ride, I was praying that I would be able to take the test and that I would pass.

When I arrived at the testing center, I think the receptionist knew I was a newbie at all this. She was very helpful and sweet. I had a slight issue with the way I wrote my name on my account. I had put my middle name with my first name when I was supposed to have it as a middle initial. I do not know why I did that when I would normally have them separate but nonetheless, after the receptionist talked to the administrator, they said it was fine and I could take the test. Everyone was super kind which was a relief because I did not want to deal with someone who had a bad attitude at 8 in the morning.

After the hour and 25 minutes, I passed. I passed. I walked out of there the happiest and most relieved I have ever been in my life. I think if I had not passed I would have been so devastated. I probably would have cried! This first test meant so much to me and passing it means even more. I never realized how strongly I felt about becoming a teacher until this point. Although I still have the writing and mathematics section to get through, I now know that I can do it. I am one step closer to achieving my goals and making my dream come true. I learned thought the experiences of others, struggled through the studying, but conquered at the end.