February 10, 2017. The day I took the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. I received my scores on February 15th, the day before my 24th birthday. I was telling my friends the results will break or make my birthday lol. I prayed the night before, meditated and attempted to have a good night’s sleep (which did not happen lol). I woke up early that morning frantically checking my scores. I refreshed the page, and refreshed the page again and again. I took a prayer break and continued the cycle of refreshing the page, pacing, praying, and refreshing lol. I was a nervous wreck! In preparation for the exam, I isolated myself from distractions and stayed with my grandparents in Pennsylvania to have an optimal study space. I just wanted to begin my career and this was the last piece of the puzzle that I needed for my goal to be accomplished. And after what felt like the 100th time of refreshing the page… on the screen it popped up in bold  FAILED!

Tears began to welt up in my eyes and I began to cry. I was very disappointed. To pay over $500 for the exam, study for two months it was both a financial and emotional hardship for me to fathom having to retake the test. I told myself that I was going to spend one day sulking in my sorrows lol and then I was going to be action based.

I took the exam again a month later on March 13th and received my scores on March 16th. I decided that I did not want to wait longer than a month to retake it because I had all this information in my head and I knew it was more about knowing how to answer the questions versus cramming more information. Much like the first time, I continued to refresh the page and was anxious and nervous. And just like that! My story changed and PASSED appeared on the screen. I remember that morning so vividly standing in my kitchen crying, but this time tears of happiness. I was relieved! I was soooo happy and I felt like I was finally able to begin my OT journey.

For most of us, test taking can be very nerve racking and anxiety inducing, and for some crippling. At that point, I had been a student my entire life and I found ways and strategies to manage my anxiety during exams. My study habits and mental preparations had been successful for me. I figured since so much was riding on this exam it was harder for me to maintain composure and use what worked for me in the past.

The second time was provided myself more breaks throughout the day in between sessions I reviewed the topics on the first exam that I scored lower in. I decided to instead of study more material, I took more practice exams. I focused more on answering the questions strategically, really honing in on what the question was asking. I won’t say that the second time taking the exam I was less nervous, but what I would say is through my nervousness I was able to find a little area in my brain where I felt calm and clear minded and just focusing on each question in present at a time. Another resource that was helpful to me was watching YouTube and Facebook videos of OT Miri Lee. Watching her videos and listening to her study strategies helped me a lot my second time around. She helped me change my outlook on taking the exam the second time saying failing an exam does not make you a failure and to not internalize it. Talking to other therapists who took the exam more than once was helpful to me. They showed me that I was not alone, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and failing an exam is not the end-all be-all for your career.

In retrospect, taking an exam two times is a part of my journey. It forever shaped who I am. I learned that perseverance, resilience, dedication, and self love are important in any obstacle. I had the support of my friends and family, which helped me along the way as well. Love you guys! Lol.  I wanted to share this story with hopes to encourage and motivate others on this journey and for those who have taken the NBCOT more than once to know that it does not affect how great of an OT you will be.

Oh! Let me also share this! I had a job offer for a travel assignment in South Carolina that I had to pass up because I was unable to get board certified in the time they needed an OT. Funny how life comes full circle because a year and a half later that job was pitched to me AGAIN and I was able to take it. At that time I realized, things happen for a reason and timing is everything! I was not prepared at all to work not only in home health, but as a new grad and as a traveler. I needed that year and a half to build my clinical judgement and confidence.  I am happy and grateful about my journey. Here I am able to share my story, two years into my career striving to be the best OT I can be, practicing at the top of my license while inspiring others along the way!

I hope this was helpful to someone. Please comment or ask any questions you may have below. Don’t forget to follow antietravels.com  to get email updates on new posts 🙂

Stay tuned to see what’s next to come!