"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" - Audrey Hepburn
I took an IELTS (The International English Language Testing System ) test, which is an examination for student or an individual who want to study or work or migrate in an English speaking country. I took that examination not because I wanted to work or migrate in a specific English speaking country but I wanted to apply as a home-based IELTS teacher in an online Korean school which offers really huge. I must say for 20 working days one can earn similar to that of a bank manager in the Philippines. And no hassle, you're just working at home!!! Just teaching IELTS to Korean students. In order to get hired from that company I need to present a certification that I take the exam and have a band score of 8.0 or above in Speaking exam.
I've been working as an online English teacher since 2010, teaching different Asian and sometimes European nationalities and I should say I earn meager income because to tell you the truth, there's still indeed discrimination to Filipino English teachers because we are branded as "none native English speakers", no matter how good or fluent you are. Filipino English teachers are just second choice and underrated.
Well, I took IELTS last June 2017, before taking it, I went to a review center for two weeks in April, learning all the sections in English from listening, reading, writing, and speaking. I thought it was easy since I'm an English teacher by profession but I underestimated the exam. It was never easy than I thought especially writing and speaking. Since I was not confident enough, I decided to continue to study on my own for the whole month of May. I was thinking I couldn't fail this exam because it cost an arm and a leg. Imagine one exam for almost P10, 000? OMG!
The examination is scored from 0 - 9. Here's the grading system:
To make the story short, I took it in the first week of June. I faked my confidence (fake it till you make it principle) and trusted myself especially in speaking. The Australian speaking examiner asked me questions that are thought-provoking and sometimes out-of-nowhere questions. I just gave my big shot. In my mind, I was thinking that I should get 8.0 so I could apply in that online Korean school.
After two weeks of waiting...Phew!!! The result was in. I got a notification from IDP (International Development Program) that conducted the exam. My hands were profusely sweating. And when I opened the inbox. I couldn't believe I got 9.0 in speaking which is more than I prayed for. After a month, I applied in that Korean school and on the spot I got hired! Double happiness!
This post is not to brag but to remind all that you should never ever doubt yourself. In everything that you do, give your best shot, so no regrets at the end.
You only live once make the most of your life.
Since then I couldn't be happier. Merry Christmas! ^^