Re: My story

Congratulations!!!
Glad that you took the time to share your story with the group.

Thanks
Larry Hadrava
CCIE #12203
Check Out MyBlog: http://ccie12203.wordpress.com/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Seb O" <sebshhh_at_gmail.com>
To: ccielab_at_groupstudy.com
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 6:39:53 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: My story

Hello group study!

I hardly ever post here, but I wanted to share my CCIE story with you.
I have received my number in October 2010. Sorry for sharing my story so
late, but it kind of takes some time to get over it when your dreams come
true.

It was a long road, and it started in September 2008 when I passed CCIE R&S
written exam. It was 2 months of heavy reading after I got my CCNP. I was
one point above the passing score but I knew I were on the right way. After
passing the written I got down to studying with INE v4. I finished the
workbook, but after that (BIG BIG MISTAKE) gave myself a break.

I managed to get founds to attend Narbik's bootcamp in May 2009, it was an
impulse for me to get on the track again. I did Soup-to-nuts and a fair part
of INE v5 before the bootcamp.

There was a version change of CCIE lab in October and I have managed to
schedule the date before that.
The bootcamp was great! Nabik is a great instructor and I learned a lot.
Narbik has so much energy and enthusiasm it is infectious. Not only did I
gain a lot of knowledge during the bootcamp but also felt very motivated.

Still, I was aware there is a lot of work ahead. After the bootcamp I used
Narbik's rack rentals (highly recommended, it's a great deal) and did his
workbooks.
I couldn't get my employer to sponsor the lab attempt, plus I was not
certain I can make it and didn't want to risk my own money, so I decided to
drop.

I repeated Narbik's bootcamp (he let me to use racks for free) in November I
think, the MPLS was already there so it was definately worth it. If you
have an opportunity I would suggest take his bootcamp and repeat it anytime
(retake is free). CCIE preparation is a long and costly process and, believe
me, the time and money you spend on Narbik's bootcamp is the best investment
you can make.

I have scheduled a mobile lab in Warsaw in July 2010. I needed to take CCIE
written again, it was so much easier this time. The first 6 months were very
intense, I would spend 5 hours after work to study every day, the same on
weekends. I also took June off from work and the last month before the lab I
had all my time devoted to studying. I was doing INE vol2 labs all day long
trying to mimick the lab day; I would wake up, take a shower and get down to
lab, take lunch at 12. Finish the lab. Grade the lab.

I took the lab on Friday. I thought I could make it, still I was not sure.
The results arrived on Monday (nerve-wrecking experience). I failed. I could
cope with the failure. What I couldn't understand is that I failed
troubleshooting section and passed the config. I was angry and upset. I was
so close, and I didn't know why I failed. I did all tickets, all of them
verified.
I had to live with that until my second attempt in September (Thursday this
time). I asked the proctor how to solve one ticket and he pointed me to the
troubleshooting lab instructions. I failed to read them on my first attempt
and they clearly state: not to add any unnecessary configuration, use the
existing configuration for solving tickets. I realized that it cost me a
number back in July.

Second lab was not well planned and I was in a really bad shape on the lab
date. I tried asking proctor many things but he was not helpful. Still, I
was thinking I have a good chance of passing. I failed. This time in
configuration section. If I was to name a reason why I failed in my 2nd
attempt that would be: making assumptions, instead of asking the proctor
(over and over and over again if needed).

I was not sure what to do next. I felt my knowledge was CCIE level but I was
still failing somehow. My family encouraged me to take the lab again in
2010.

I scheduled the lab in 2 months time. I studied hard and planned everything
not to repeat the previous mistakes. Took the lab on Thursday.
Connected to the internet on the Brussels airport 3 hours after the lab,
logged on to my CCO account and... there it was.... CCIE#27351.

If I can give you one piece of advice for the preparation that would be to
dedicate one year to the exam, be sure the circumstances allow you for that.
My biggest mistake was periods of heavy study followed by lazy months (due
to different circumstances, it's called "life").
One day before the lab make sure you have enough rest. On the lab day be
focused yet calm. The stress can kill your a.tempt even if you're well
prepared.

Good luck to all candidates!
If you REALLY want it you will make it one day.

-Sebastian

Blogs and organic groups at http://www.ccie.net
Received on Fri Mar 18 2011 - 19:55:47 ART