Certified and Certifiable, Certainly


I have a like, dislike relationship with professional certifications.

I've had the opportunity to work with leaders who encouraged and supported professional development, and I've been able to dedicate the time to study and obtain many professional certifications.  I like that.

But then there is the studying and exam.  Exams really bug me.  I strongly dislike them!

And what really is the value of a certification?  Does it actually make me smarter?  Better at my job?  Wiser?

While reflecting on these questions I remembered an experience - one of those moments that is indelibly incsribed in one's mind - while walking down a street in Murcia, Spain with students from several different countries from around the world.

We didn't share a native language, but we were joined together by an interest and passion to learn the Spanish language and culture.  A diverse group of young adults with various backgrounds, culteral heritages and experiences were all united by one common language.  

In that moment 7 years of academic study blossomed into something beautiful - the textbook became alive!  It was then I understood the value of all the homework, study guides, and, yes, the exams.

Maybe the certification is just a part of the journey.  I may never like the exams but I'll always appreciate the value that comes when learning becomes practice.  

And if bugs earned certifications this praying mantis would certainly obtain one for just looking super cool!

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