Part 2 Stand and Deliver - My Reactions

I feel the stress that it takes to study for a test like that.  I can't relate to Mr. Escalante, but I can relate to the students.  I've already shared in my first essay about learning and growing through the process of taxes.  I also had to study and take the test for IRS called "Registered Tax Return Preparer".  This test was a 3 hour test, 120 questions and was a required test if I wanted to be rehired for the next tax season.  I had started studying before the end of the tax season - 2012, which was around April.  I planned on taking my test in August.  The first couple of months I studied randomly, there were vacations and other things that kept me busy after the tax season.  Then as time progressed I really started pushing in July for the test in August.  I studied everyday, a couple hours per day.  Then took the practice test through the company I was working for.  I knew if I passed that test I would pass the IRS test.  I had to take the practice test 3 times before I got a passing grade, I knew I was ready.  The morning of the test I had to catch the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds and go to a testing office, where that's all they do is  testing.  All a new experience for me.  I got there by 9 a.m., signed in, started my test.  I worked hard at getting all the answers finished and was done by the 3 hour time.  (You got immediate results if you passed or not).  So I went out of the room, extremely exhausted and emotionally drained.  I waited as the testers checked me out and gave me my results.  I was so tense about it.  As they got the results and put their "seal" on it, I realized that I had actually passed!!  It was such a relief, when I got out to my car I burst into tears.  There was so much pressure released.  But another accomplishment.

I can feel their anticipation and pressure as they prepare for this exam, plus all the pressure of not letting down Mr. Escalantes, and taking the test and passing.  But then the crash of being accused of "cheating".  What a blow after all that work.  I found myself very upset with the testing board and not believing the students.  But to give the students credit for retaking and passing the test.  It was a great ending.