My Plan v God’s Plan

Like I mentioned in one of my previous blog post, I always had a plan for my life. 

Well that plan never worked out because it was God’s plan all along. 

My Plan

Right after high school, I knew the college I was attending and the program I was going to study.

I had one goal throughout college. It was to make good grades, graduate, and then start my career as soon as possible. 

Throughout college, I primarily focused on my studies. I studied all the time, just ask my roommate, lol! But she was really considerate and understood what I was trying to accomplish.

Although, I do wish I would’ve spent more time with her because that time was precious. But the memories we did make were unforgettable and will forever be in my heart <3

Occupational Therapy Assistant

For my career, I chose occupational therapy assistant. 

Occupational therapists help individuals improve their quality of life by regaining independence that they may have lost due to a certain event.

This career would allow me to work in any setting with a wide variety of populations. I could work full-time, part-time, or even PRN. And I could help others, which has always been my passion.

I was one of twenty-four students that was accepted into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Pitt Community College. The program started in January of 2019, and it lasted two full years. 

Even though I would be receiving an associate’s degree, the program difficulty level was still high. If you did not meet a certain percentage, there was a possibility that you would start over. 

Throughout the program, there were certainly a lot of highs and lows. One of them being COVID-19. Just like the rest of the world, my classmates and I were in the state of unknown. We questioned if we would even graduate on time. But with the help from our amazing professors, we graduated! 

The Big Exam

We all had to take a National Board exam in order to be certified in this field. 

We went our separate ways in studying and we each took the exam when we felt ready and confident. 

I studied for about six weeks and felt like I had prepared myself well. Although, there was a time limit and knowing that made me stress even more, lol!

I waited for my results and I failed by eleven points. 

It was difficult to deal with, but that did not stop me and I took the exam thirty days later.

I waited for my results and I failed this time by seven points.

The second attempt hurt a lot. I didn’t want to think about the exam and so I worked to save as much money as I could for my upcoming trip to Guatemala in the fall of 2021.

It was necessary for me to take one more shot at the exam before my trip. 

The week before leaving for Guatemala, I failed again… and this time by four points. It was devastating!

It was the absolute worst-case scenario that could happen, because I was about to travel to another country to learn Spanish!! And yeah, there was a fear that I would forget the material.

But I tried not to think about it because I wanted to enjoy my trip. 

Guatemala

We all know the story of what happened during my time in Guatemala.

I fell in love with my country, made new friendships, volunteered with Sin Limites, and ultimately created a new life. 

With all of the good things that were happening for me in Guatemala, that exam was still in the back of my head. 

Because when I returned home, I knew I had to attempt it again. 

And that was extremely hard… because it’s hard to do something that you were “supposed” to do, when you already found your passion in what you want to do.

God’s Plan

Like I mentioned earlier, I believe this whole journey was part of God’s plan. 

As odd as this sounds, I feel like I was meant to fail the exams… I didn’t understand then, but now I do! 

It was simply not His plan for my life.

Because I had the courage to continue my solo travel, make new friends, and serve with Sin Limites. 

In general, Guatemala changed my whole perspective on life and I ultimately found my passion. And that was to join the Sin Limites team to serve the people in Guatemala. 

Just because I found my passion and live in a different country, doesn’t mean my life is “perfect” by any means. Because no matter where you are, there will always be problems and difficulties that you will encounter. That’s just life. 

As I move forward, I must continue to have a strong faith and trust that His plans will always work.

XOXO,

Madison Archer

P.S. There is certainly a different Madison in Guatemala, lol! So, I hope more people will become inspired and get to see me in action one day (: