I took my test today. The exam that will make me an official Lactation Consultant and not just a pretend one. The exam was very difficult. You would think that there could not be 100 different pictures of breasts, but there are!
As I got dressed this morning I knew that I wanted comfy clothes. I put on my well-worn denim capris and a light top. I slipped on some sandals and grabbed a sweater in case the classroom would be cold.
While sitting at my desk and listening to the proctor give directions I found myself smiling, almost giggling with the fact that I was finally doing it. I was finally sitting for the exam that I had been working for for the past five years. Actually when Meg was an infant (some 10 years ago) I can remember looking up the requirements for the exam and it seeming like an impossible goal. Now here I was ready to take the exam and claim the certification! It was a great feeling. Happiness surrounded my brains at the time.
In the afternoon section of the exam my giggles were long gone as the questions kept getting harder. No more giggles but the gurgles started. Yes my belly was making some great noises. Of course the rest of the women in the room where absolutely silent. Not a sniffle, not a cough. Just my crazy belly noises. I think I was disturbing the woman to my left, but she did not kick me or send me dirty looks. I was not hungry, my stomach was not upset…just really nervous.
As I tried to concentrate on my exam I also had another conversation going on in my head. It was one of reminiscence.
I was thinking back to when I took my RN exam. I wore the most wonderful jeans in the world. They were Gap Boy Fit jeans that I got on clearance in college. The most comfortable jeans I ever had or ever will have most likely. They were big enough I could pull my legs up and sit criss-cross-applesauce without any problems. How I wish I had those jeans today. Maybe my stomach would not have made so much noise if I had those jeans. Actually with those jeans that with those jeans my gut would have been silent and I would have gotten more questions right. I am sure of it!
I feel like I passed. I would be surprised if I fail, but there is always the possibility that I missed the questions that I thought I got correct. I will not find out until late October (archaic timing I know, very 1990).
For now I wait, and hopefully forget that I am waiting. I may even go to the Gap sometime and look for some new jeans.
And I will buy those jeans when you pass!!!!! oh heck…I will buy them if you don’t ! Because you dared to do what you have always wanted too do! I admire that in you!!
Way to go Amanda! I am so proud of you. You go for the Gold!