most difficult obstacles I have ever overcome. Many life changes have happened during this time; the birth of my special need son and going through a divorce just to name a few. I feel so blessed to have so many people who cared enough to push me when I was about to give up. My mother and sisters for babysitting and offering moral support. For my dear nursing friends who never gave up on me and refused to let me give up. Noelia, Ana, Kim, and Diala. Names that will always have a special place in my heart! Success is so much more sweet when you can share it with the ones you love. One of the sweetest moments during our Graduation Ceremony was watching my 9 year old son clap and wave as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. That moment alone, made it all worthwhile.

Nursing school took me a total of 6 years to complete. Every day I would think of how I could not wait for it to be over. However, when it's over...it's not REALLY over! The entire time we are preparing for our dreaded state boards. The NCLEX. This is the licensure exam that gives nurses the title "Registered Nurse." Well, provided you pass the boards that is. Studying, studying, and more studying. Exam after exam. Practice test after practice test. It all builds up to the big day.
So, there I was, sitting in a cubicle along side 8 other nurse wanna-be's. Now, when taking the NCLEX you can get anywhere from 75-265. Usually if the computer shuts off at around 75 you know you did well. When I hit 76 questions, I started to get really nervous. Then I hit 100, 150, 200, and finally 265. I was devastated. I knew I failed. After I hit 200, I felt like I was just clicking answers. Everything was a blur. The next day I received confirmation that I did in fact, FAIL. I felt like a failure and extremely humiliated. It was so difficult! How could I fail this? I spent the last 6 years of my life preparing for this exam! All I can do is study hard and hope to nail it the next time around.
I guess this serves as an important lesson that failure is a part of life. We just have to take it for what it is and go with it!







