One down, one to go!

For the few of you who might actually read this, you are most likely aware of my recent endeavors and trials of becoming a teacher in CA. Along with the credential/Masters program that I am enrolled in through the University of Phoenix, I am also required to take (and of course, pass) a state exam toward my subject matter - Art. This test, Called the CSET (California Subject Examination for Teachers) is supposedly the most difficult of all state tests, sometimes forcing a prospective teacher to repeat the test multiple times (as I was prepared to do myself). Basically, for someone like me who wants to teach at a secondary (high school or middle school) level, only one subject, the exam content is based on a set of content specifications reflecting the subject area to be taught... in my case, Art. 

So... for me, there are 2 subtests... the first one mainly about content, art history, cultural aspects of art, etc.  On January 12th, after about 3 months of cramming from Cave Art through.. well, anything current, I took Subtest 1... and felt pretty well-prepared. Until my #2 pencil met the scantron answer sheet... at which point I swear I was taking the wrong test... it was vaguely reminiscent of what I had spent studying for the past months. After about 3 hours, I departed the testing area, pretty confident... not that I had passed, but rather that I guessed on about 90% of the questions. So it's bad enough that I was certain that I had failed, but to find out that if I don't pass the whole test by a certain date, my program (school) will be put on hold until I meet those requirements... thus prolonging my schooling by at least 6 months. So the past week or so have been... to say the least... NOT FUN! Uncertainties about my future have been getting the best of me... until I finally glance at my calendar and see that February 11th is the day I should find out the results of Subtest 1... waiting.... checking email... waiting... checking email... ah ha! Finally! But do I dare open it? The results of this tiny little test will shape at least the next year of my life! Am I prepared for either answer? Not really... but I open it anyway.......................

"ART Subtest 1 Status: PASS"

Could it be? Is this real? Yes, I know it's only half of the test, but wow! I was certain that I would have to retake it... was even prepared to start the studying process over again. I even checked the email 3 different times to make sure that it read "PASS".

Anyway, yes this was a long-winded way to say that I had passed, but it felt more appropriate to give a sense of the anxiety, anticipation, worry, eagerness, patience.. uh, stress.... all that I had been going through the past month.  And, I will most likely go through some of that again soon, after I take Subtest 2... but hey, I guess I can feel some comfort in knowing that I must be a really great guesser when it comes to tests;) I will take any honest advantage I can get.

Just one more hurdle, albeit a slight stumble, in my quest to become a teacher.