I just wanted to share a few thoughts for those of your preparing for the
big test on Monday. When I went to take the exam last year at this time, I
was very fortunate to be able to drive to the exam site with fellow
Lactnetter Barb Berges. Barb was recertifying and I was a very nervous LLL
Leader, taking the exam for the first time!Oh how I was hoping that some of
Barb's expertise would rub off on me as we drove! Having Barb with me
helped my nerves abit, but my hands were still a bit shaky when we sat down
to begin the exam! I think that once I began the test it was almost a
relief to be able to finally answer the questions that I had been working
on for so long, and many of the more obscure topics that I worried about
while studying didn't come up on the test. I know that being on Lactnet
(I've been a subscriber for several years) was a big help in taking the
exam. The wide range of issues that we cover here really helps your
confidence level.I also thought of all of the fellow Lactnetters that were
thinking of all of us as we took the exam!Now I'm happy to be doing the
same for all of the test takers this year.
The most important thing that I wanted to express about the exam however is
how you feel when you get through with it. I think that it's normal to feel
nervous about how you did and wonder if you passed. It's hard to wait so
long to find out too! I really believe that the important thing to remember
while you're waiting for your results is all of the lives you've
touched,the women you've helped and the difference you've made in so many
people's lives. Remember the special joy of seeing a baby latch on
successfully for the first time and knowing that you helped to make it
possible. Remember helping a Mom through a tough time and then watching her
baby thrive.All of the experiences you've had stay with you forever and
they mean so much more than an exam score ever can! These are our victories
and they define who we are and why we do what we do.
Warm Wishes to all our exam takers!
Sincerely,
Clara R. Marchese, IBCLC,LLLL, RN student
Rochester, New York

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