From: Jeff Kesemeyer (jkesemey@xxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Date: Fri Aug 31 2001 - 13:26:22 GMT-3
Congratulations !!!
Thanks for those missing keys we are all searching for.
Jeff Kesemeyer
CCNP, CCDP, MCSE, CNE
www.bradshawlabs.com
"Your CCIE Rack Rental Source"
-----Original Message-----
From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com]On Behalf Of
Michelle Truman
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 11:29 AM
To: ccielab@groupstudy.com
Subject: CCIE 8098 (woohoo!)
All,
I am writing this note to you with a big smile on my face. After wednesday
at approximatly 4:30 pm Halifax time, I am now CCIE #8098. I wanted to write
the note because I have gotten great inspiration and tips from the many
times I read notes from those who were successful before me. I will admit
that at times it was a little hard to read those notes. I was trying so hard
to find the keys to success and others seemed to have it all figured out.
My thoughts on what those 'keys' were:
1. Steadily developing confidence from the MANY hours spent practicing
protocols on my home lab and on rented racks for things like ATM and Voice.
The key to the key here was not "Practice makes Perfect", but the much
better saying, "Perfect Practice makes Perfect". I learned to get faster and
I learned to understand what I was seeing. It was not just enough to get
something working. I needed to understand why it didn't work the many times
I'd tried before and what the difference was. Doing Show commands and really
understanding what they were telling me.
2. Learning to put more emphasis on the basics. On previous attempts (I
passed on my 3rd try), I had over-focused on ATM, Voice, QOS, VPN, and other
things that scared me. I had to spend so much time on those things because I
often had trouble understanding why they didn't work. This last attempt, I
completely changed my focus. I did almost nothing but routing protocols and
DLSW+, filtering and routed protocols. These are truly the meat and potatoes
of the lab and I finally figured that out. Funny, how much more easily the
other topics were once I got these basics down.
3. I took the ECP1 prep class 1 month ago. I have a little trouble
articulating what it was about this class that was a difference maker. I
think it was that even though I knew a lot of the details of most things we
covered in class, I had not developed a methodical, cold-blooded approach to
knocking out points and knowing how to proceed through a test. This class
gave me extra confidence and also taught me to be deliberate in my approach.
It really wasn't enough to read the Caslow book. I needed to experience the
full effect of "issue spotting"!
4. I Studied VERY LITTLE in Halifax. I had a very good book and I read it
every chance I got. This kept my mind off the looming test and even helped
on night one, when I wasn't too sure how I did.
A few other things:
1. The lab in Halifax is a great place to take the test. I experienced
nothing I would consider unfair. The proctor, Steve Barnes, is an ultimate
professional. I did find a trouble in my rack on the back side right at the
start, just quickly fixed it and moved on. I didn't let the small stuff
rattle me. I was confident there would be enough time. Halifax as a city is
also great. The casino slots don't pay out very generously, but the seafood
is unbeatable. And after you pass there, I recommend you march to the top of
the citadel (British fort, across diagonal to Cambridge Suites) and survey
the many miles of shore and sea, islands and ships before you, and think
about what you have accomplished. It's the best place to really take it all
in, in more ways than one.
2. MUCH Thanks to Keith Steller, Fred Ingham, Paul and the entire CCIE
Groupstudy forum, Jeff Kesemeyer (last minute rack rental), My family, and
the many friends who, while not fully understanding what this is all about,
understand how important it is to me.
Now it's time to remember what "having a life" is all about!! Best wishes
and courage to all who are in process. NEVER give up (And that is especially
true DURING the test itelf!)
Regards,
Michelle Truman
CCIE #8098
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