My journey to taking the California Legal Secretary (CCLS) Exam began in June 2022. At that time, I had been working for a law firm in San Francisco for five years as a Litigation Assistant. It was then that I decided that I wanted to study for the CCLS exam and would sign up for the study course and take the exam in September 2022. Unfortunately, life had other plans. I had lost both my parents and a brother in law to COVID within a year. The loss of these loved ones was devastating to me, and I just could not get into the study course. In the middle of the study course, I called my instructor, Vivian Shreve and informed her that I would be withdrawing from the study course. At that time I told Vivian my story and she told me not to give up. Even though I felt like a failure I promised Vivian that I would be back in her class soon.
The following June 2023, I once again signed up for the CCLS Study Course and take the CCLS exam September 2023. Vivian’s study course is everything and more! I felt good about taking the exam. Life gave me another punch in the gut. One week before the exam I experienced a cob web (eye doctor uses the term “floater”) in my left eye. My Ophthalmologist gave me an immediate appointment. Once there, a battery of tests was performed on my eyes. The Doctor told me that unfortunately, this “floater” would not settle any time soon. That day I informed the Doctor. that I had been scheduled to take a CCLS Exam the following Saturday. Due to the length of time of the exam and the stress on my eyes (the lights bothered my eyes and gave me headaches) it was suggested that I postpone taking the exam.
Needless to say, I was devastated! As soon as I could, I called Vivian and explained my situation, and that once again I had to withdraw from the study course and the exam. She knew that I had worked hard in class and that I was ready. The study group at that time had good energy and we all felt good about taking the exam. It was heartbreaking because I didn’t know when I would be able to take the exam.
Life went on and I continued to work as a Litigation Assistant. My eye doctor appointments were every three months and there was no change. A prescription for “migraine glasses” was given to me and I can say that they really helped with the headaches and brightness of the lights.
As time went on, I had always kept hope that one day my floater would settle and I would be able to take the exam. Then, one day in November 2024 while getting myself ready for work, I realized that the “floater” had settled! Not wanting to jinx myself I made an appointment with my eye doctor. The Doctor confirmed that the “floater” had settled. I was so excited! As soon as I could I called Vivian and told her the good news and that I would be taking her study course January 2025. She was so excited for me!
This time, I changed my work schedule so that I would be working from home when class was held, and I would have a few hours before class started. After the first class, I made a schedule for myself where I studied every day (including weekends), took the quiz each week and asked Vivian questions on topics I didn’t quite understand during class. My social life was trimmed down to a bare minimum, and I had scrapped social media so I would have minimal distractions.
Finally, the CCLS Exam date of March 15, 2025 arrived. Reminding myself of my commitment to studying, believing in myself and the encouragement I received from Vivian gave me the confidence that I needed to take this exam. Thru all the adversities and life’s curve balls, my letter congratulating me on becoming a CCLS came on March 31, 2025. I’m very honored to receive this accomplishment and to share my story.
Categorized in: General
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