Old Dog New Trick

I passed!!! I am now IC3 certified. What is IC3 you ask? Even if you didn't ask here is the answer. IC3 (standing for Internet and Computing Core Certification) is a validated, standards-based training and certification program for basic computing and internet knowledge and skills. What that jargle means is that I went to school for six months and came out with a Certificate that says I now have computer hacking skills. Nice resume builder. I can show the Certificate to any potential employer as proof of what I can do. The Certificate basically ensures any potential employer that I have the knowledge and skills required for basic use of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet. Sweeeeeet!

Why Did I Go Back To School?
For the last 36 years I have enjoyed being a mom (7 kids) and grandma (15 of those). But in June reality hit. My husband was injured at work when a hydraulic lift he was working under failed and the lift (car and all) came crashing down on top of his head, cracking his skull. My husband is a tough man, but this accident caused him to need extensive rehabilitation and has resulted in his continued unemployment.

After the accident I applied for several jobs and never got a call for an interview. I realized it is almost impossible to function in today's workplace without computer skills. Feeling hopeless and confused as to what I should do, I decided I needed to acquire computer skills in order to get a decent job. One day I was reading in the Provo Daily Herald and came across an article on education for the Old Dog needing to learn a New Trick. That is not what the Herald called it but that is basically what the article was about. The article introduced me to a program called WIT (Women In Technology) taught at a local college (Utah Valley State College) in Orem, Utah.

Holy Cow! I'm Back In School
I signed up for a class called Skills2Succeed. The first day of class in September I was given an assessment test and scored 14 percent; meaning I knew virtually nothing about computers. I cried and my kind teacher, Griff, offered me a tissue. He told me to keep trying and the only way to learn is by actually doing it. His technique in a nutshell: Tons of empathy, zero sympathy.

For the longest time I felt stuck in the dark and wanted to drop out. I knew that if I did it would crush my self-esteem. A lot of others had dropped out after a few classes but my teacher told me he was glad to see me persevere. The Old Dog was learning New Tricks. There were three huge hurdles I had to pass; Key Applications, Living On Line and Computer Fundamentals (how computers operate) to get my certification.

Certification Completed
I just passed the third (and final) test February 7th and I'm still on cloud nine. I went from thinking on the first day of class "how can this teacher teach this old dog these new tricks?" to realizing it wasn't up to the teacher whether I learned the new tricks; but to the old dog. My teacher was just there to encourage and guide me along and he let me know the first day he wasn't "my crutch." Good thing he's not a crutch too. As a teacher he was great. As a crutch, well, let's just say a lawsuit waiting to happen.

A New Lease On Life
It feels so exhilarating to have this familiarity with the computer. For the longest time I have relied too much on my kids in dealing with this world of technology. If I needed someones phone number put into my cell phone I would have one of my children do it. If I needed something looked up on the computer they would do it for me. Doing it myself is much more rewarding and I feel I am now fit for the workplace.

A Shout Out To WIT, Turning Point and Certiport
I just want to say THANKS SO MUCH for the encouragement of the leaders in WIT, Turning Point and Certiport. I am now CERTIFIED to start a new and exciting career in technology. If you want to experience the same thing I have check out Certiport's website.