I posted a note last week about having to take an Algebra Placement test - and was a nervous wreck about it. The College I applied to for the Fall 2004 Nursing Program took my English, Psyh. and Biology/Chemistry Credits from a previous college. I took business math, so I had to take their Algebra Placement Exam or take an Algebra Course - I decided to study like a mad-woman (with my Sons help) and take the test.
I had only been to this school a few times to do paperwork "after school hours" and when I drove in today (stupid me) I was wondering what all these "kids" were doing there, ha, ha.. I'm 42, married for 100 years, Mother of 3, 1 in College - I just thought - what the heck am I doing here with all these smart young kids - felt so out of place... If it hadn't been for my Son tutoring me in Algebra for the last 2 months and at least trying the test for his sake - I would have driven back home. When I walked through the door I felt doomed - (20 years since my last test) it was like I was going to the "electric chair", ha, ha
The Director of Student Services had to add to my "high anxiety" the minute I walked in her office by telling me how highly competitive the Nursing Program is (like I didn't already know that) and I'd have to at least score their minimum requirement to even be considered. She hadn't seen my college transcripts and military records I'd sent them (spent 6 years in the Navy Hospital Corps) - I guess judging by my "ancient age" she figured I'd bomb out in the exam - she suggested after the exam I enroll in their general education classes and try again next year. I thought - what the heck lady - I have so much riding on this one test - at least give me a chance...
Anyway, I took the test. A Counselor called me into his office - said he had my results and asked what Program I had applied to. I said Nursing, but told him I was guessing my score might get me into "Introduction to Basket Weaving", ha, ha - got him to laugh at least. I was just so happy to have it over with and was prepared for a let down. Told him the only sad part was that my Son had spent 2 months helping me and I hated to let him down. He said - your Son must be an excellent teacher - almost nobody scores as high as you did on this test. All I can say is - I was Floored!!! This is in no way, shape or form bragging about my test - I was absolutely shocked at the results!!! If I hadn't been the only one taking the test - I would have sworn they mixed it up with another persons test. He said with all the grades I'd already submitted and with the test score today - I'll be near the top of the pile for consideration for the Fall. We don't find out until the Spring if we're one of the lucky ones to get in - but I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am to have passed that one test.
My 71 year old Assistant at work knew how worried I was and yesterday told me I had studied so hard and to just put it in God's hands. I've always had a lot of Faith, but told her it didn't seem right asking God to help me with an "algebra exam" (he has enough to deal with right)?. She said I didn't have enough Faith. Well, I prayed about it last night and on the way out the door to the exam today grabbed my Rosary Beads and put them in my pocket - I'm Roman Catholic and thought - hey, it can't hurt.
I've noticed that a lot of you close your Posts with mentions of your Faith in God - Today made me realize how powerful Faith is. This was only one test out of many to come - but it was the one that got my foot in the door and I truly believe I got through it with God's Help. They signed me up for A&P and Psyh. II for the Spring - so there might be tons of kids much younger than me at that school - but after today - I'll feel like I really belong there with the rest of them - just one more person wanting to learn. Thanks for listening/reading. SusanNC - hopefully a Future RN
