Taking the examination for the seventh time, you instantaneously know that he practices perseverance.
He could have pivoted.
He could have examined his options and chosen another path.
But he knew he was designed to be a physical therapist.
Relentlessly working through content literacy and test strategies for hours at a time marked the last few years of his life.
Through the rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs, in between repetitive “FAIL” results on the test, Charlie continued to seek recourse and varying solutions for tackling the NPTE.
Those resources certainly aided him along the way, but perseverance remained key.
…
I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!
I never thought I would see the day! With all of those past failures I grew so listless and apathetic, so I thought IF I would ever see this day, I suspected I was going to be a little ungrateful that this whole journey took so long.
But I was wrong! This victory is that much sweeter! All of those past failures, even personal losses in my family…I guess that’s just something I/we had to endure to make us stronger.
I had a feeling our scores were going to come in yesterday because usually it’s about 6 days after the exam even though they say 10 business days/2 weeks. I anxiously looked first thing in the morning yesterday…nothing…then the afternoon…nothing…then just before bed, I checked one more time. I scrolled down on my phone very slowly and noticed the saying at the top where it tells you how many times you’ve taken the thing…it was gone…so I knew if I scrolled down further, it would either say PASSED or FAILED. I handed my phone to my wife because I just couldn’t do it. Like ripping off a bandaid, she quickly scrolled down and her eyes lit up and she was in tears. I stared at the screen for such a long time in disbelief because I just couldn’t wrap my head around the word PASSED, considering I got used to seeing the word FAILED 6 times prior.
I honestly could not sleep because of my excitement. We woke up her family and the whole house was just cheering 10 o’clock at night. I sent a text to my family as well and I was surprised some of them were still awake considering they’re 2 hours ahead in Chicago. Everyone was so happy for me, everyone was so emotional. I’m so happy. This whole thing is still sinking in. I feel like everyone in my life was with me on this and just helped me carry that emotional burden. I definitely felt that love and support last night, and even into this morning.
I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you. My wife extends her gratitude towards you as well. I enjoyed our tutoring sessions together. You opened my mind on how to tackle this personal Goliath of mine and to face my fear of this thing. I think I may have told you that I’ve never felt truly prepared for this exam every time I was weeks leading up to it, but this time felt different. I felt content leaving that place knowing that I did my best.
”
TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR NPTE JOURNEY
Use Charlie's story for encouragement. You CAN persevere. If you're where Charlie was - feeling apathetic, wondering if you should even trudge ahead, wondering what could possibly be different this time - then let his story stand as proof to keep pursuing.
You need people in your corner.
People who will support you and elevate you each time the discouragement drags you down.
We'll be here for you, but find people who know you and believe in you. It's probably going to be your family (whether blood-related or not) - whoever your family is. It's probably going to be people who aren't therapists, but they still have wisdom and encouragement to give.
Be encouraged by Charlie’s story of perseverance. It’s tough. It’s hard work. But worth it in the end. Don’t lose heart walking through the valley, because the mountaintop does exist. And you are capable of persevering to the top.
Takeaway Prescription
Surround yourself with YOUR people. Let them build you up and encourage you. Seek the encouragement, especially on the days that fear and apathy threaten to win.
“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying” ~ John C. Maxwell
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