This is a series in which I am thanking those who helped me pass the CPA exam.
Mirror Image
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I met Joel when I was taking an undergrad Managerial Accounting class in 2004. It was a prerequisite for the MSA program [my undergrad degree was not in Accounting, so I had to take a ton of undergrad Accounting classes as prerequisites.]
I think I had missed something that the Professor had said, so I looked to my right and saw this guy I felt comfortable asking if I could copy his notes real quick. He graciously shared his notebook and a few seconds later, I returned the notebook and said thanks. From there, we talked a little bit. I think I was the one asking the questions, trying to get some info from him – what he did, how he thought about the class, etc. Even though I am quiet in general, sometimes I do my fair share of talking or joking around. With time, we became friends, and we played pool and basketball, and a few other games. He kicked my butt in all those games. I think he is one of the strongest all-around amateur players I have met. Even though we didn’t get a chance to play Chess, I would like to think I would have won!
In academics, it was nice to be with somebody who was smart, excelled when he took the time to study, could explain what he knew/studied, knew he was smart, was academically honest, procrastinated but knew that a not-good-enough grade was not an option… In some ways, I saw my own reflection. At other times, I saw somebody who was better than me, especially when he found time to study and I did not. This finding time to study was a matter of discipline. We both did well in the classes we took together. I think we both finished our respective programs in 2006.
Fast forward to a year or two later, and I was talking to Joel, and he happened to mention that he had passed the CPA exams! I didn’t know he was taking the exam! My fault. One of the many screw-ups I did in our friendship. The most serious was that I didn’t keep in touch.
Anyway, knowing that Joel had done it, gave me the drive and confidence to do it. If my intellectual mirror had done it, then I could do it. If studying for the CPA required some discipline, and Joel had that discipline, the only thing I needed was to learn and apply that discipline. This is not underrating Joel. I have always respected and admired him, and still do. [Joel passed the four exam in one shot, or straight through. I, on the other hand, retook REG. So, if there is no need to show who is "better", well, he definitely is!] The point is, he was the only person who had passed the CPA exam that I knew and could relate to. In some ways, it is similar to some people who get encouraged by reading this blog. If you spend enough time here, you may feel like you know me and we have something in common. The only difference is, Joel and I actually spent time together. We hang out a few times.
I had quite a few questions on how he approached the exam, what review material he used, how much he studied, what areas he focused on, etc. He graciously answered all my questions and encouraged me to do it – that I could do it. Looking back, I see that I did it in a different way from him, but I am sure that I applied some of the things that he shared with me.
When I passed a section or two, I told him (via email) and he cheered me on. Well, I guess I now need to tell him that I am done with the exam and that my CPA certificate was issued today!
So, this post is to thank my friend, Joel, who knowingly or unknowingly, led me to where I am today.
Joel, you are God-sent! Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I hope I was, in some way, a positive influence on you as you were on me.
Who is your intellectual mirror? Who makes you feel that you can do it? Who will be there, intellectually or otherwise, despite yourself? Who is your Joel?
Thanks for reading, and I hope you found that helpful.
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