Encouragement

So I just finished up Intermediate Accounting III two weeks ago.  Those three terms (Intermediate Accounting I, II, and III) were very difficult, challenging, as well as eye opening.  Honestly, prior to those three terms I had been "getting by" and not focusing on truly learning the material.  I knew I needed to get good grades and with those three classes it was harder than just skimming the chapters.  In the past I've had easy teachers and/or online quizes/exams.  In the past, I could get by quite easily.  I couldn't remember the last time I truly read a whole chapter for school.  In these last three terms, though, I not only had to read the chapters but I had to make flash cards.  Yeah - whoa!  Our final project for last term was to research taking the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exams - requirements, fees, studying material, etc.  I had already heard about how hard the CPA exam is and was worried, but hadn't thought of it as real yet, therefore wasn't too concerned.  The research I did for this project not only showed me how expensive it will be (seriously, nearly $3,000 to take the CPA exam after you figure all the registration fees, exam fees, and studying materials) but how unprepared I am.  I am not good at studying!!  I know I'm not - never have been - never really needed to!!  Where does this leave me...?  FREAKED OUT - that's where!!  Yikes, I will have my BA in Accounting in 6.5 months (YAY!!) which means that my best plan of attack is to start studying and preparing for the CPA (or CMA - still unsure which order I'll do them) exam pronto.  My professor (♥ him - he was tough, but a great guy and very encouraging) said the exam seems to be based more on book material than real life material, so the sooner you take it after you get your degree, the better off you are.

Well, after last term ended, my professor emailed me a link showing me which states have enacted the Mobility Status (meaning that they accept other state's CPA license and don't make you retest in their state) since I had asked him about it in class.  I replied thanking him for passing the information along to me as well as informing him how nervous I am for the CPA exam and being ready for it.  His reply follows:

"Jenna -

You're welcome. Passing the exam is about preparation, plain & simple... yes, it's work, but if I can pass it, you will be fine!! You've done a nice job with class and I have every confidence you will pass the exam... if nervousness leads to preparation, that's good; if nervousness leads to fear and not trying, that would very unfortunate.

You're a bright and capable accounting student, you'll do well."

I don't think he'll ever realize how much that short email meant to me.  I have saved it and read it several times.  I still doubt myself and am scared sh!tless (excuse my French), but I know that soon I will have to buckle down and make decisions and start preparing.

Everyone needs encouragement.  It's so nice when they encouragement comes from loved ones, but sometimes encouragement from an unexpected source can mean so much.  To know that someone believes in you is powerful (I had this professor for 4 terms in a row, so his opinion grew to really matter).