My CCNA Journey

I remember years ago when I first heard about CCNA, how it was the stepping stone to becoming a real IT professional. And even to this day, I believe that is true; not because the exam is difficult, but because of the process and discipline you need to prepare for the exam. My journey first began when I uploaded a reddit post in search of a CCNA study partner where I was greeted with a message: “Hello, I saw your post about CCNA study partner, I am CCNP already, but I am always willing to help people in their CCNA journey. If you think that I can assist you, please let me know”. And this was how I met my dear friend Enrique who I also consider to be my mentor. Accountability is one of the aspects you will learn while studying for any type of an exam, when there is someone motivating you and pushing you for your success, and Enrique as a mentor did just that. From there, I dedicated myself to learning the networking fundamentals daily which included the following list in order:

1.       Watch Jeremy’s IT lab for hands on practice labs

2.       Read Wendell Odom Cert Guide Volume 1 & 2 

3.       After I completed the first 2 task, I watched CCNA course from ITproTV as a refresher

4.       Finally, this is where I dedicated my study time to doing BOSON Labs for CCNA exam prep

Before I even started on the first 2 steps, I made sure to create a deadline and a set date for the new CCNA exam. If you never create a deadline for yourself, only doubt will grow and eventually the material you learned will slowly fade away. During the last week before the exam, I was nervous and extremely overwhelmed because I kept doubting myself and muttering “Am I ready?” but the fact is: you are never ready. At least certainly for me, I do not have a mind capable of memorizing every topic and concept, but what I tried to do was focus on the fundamentals, the basis of networking, which is subnetting and IP routing. I remember the days when I first started in IT, everything about IP addresses and the concept of Subnetting was a nightmare. But before I knew it, I was able to subnet in my head and found a suitable way for me to easily process any subnetting questions on the exam with ease. This gave me a lot of room to figure out any complicated routing related questions which evidently helped me pass the exam. One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt throughout the learning process is that it’s really helpful when you have somebody encouraging you and guiding you throughout the way. But do not take that the wrong way, 100% of the study comes through your dedication and nobody else; but it's that guidance that pushes you to make it through the finish line. 

I passed my CCNA exam on 12/13/2021

Credential ID CSCO13686233

Hard work pays off and this was definitely the best Christmas gift I could’ve asked for.

-Chris