This
does not define you. You are more than the grade on a civil service exam. You
are a strong, talented, highly educated librarian. You work hard to stay on top
of your profession while going to school, working two jobs, raising a family,
or maybe still living at home. Every day at the desk adds to the sum total of your
experience and knowledge. Each and every
day you become a better, more experienced professional.
You
may be an expert in technology, reader’s advisory, or story time. You may
struggle to keep up with Live-brary’s never-ending updates. But that does not
define you. Your willingness, your dedication, and your determination to
succeed will help you leave a mark in the library world regardless of your place
on the list or your annual salary.
Wherever
you are in your career, you are a valuable member of this profession. We all
want to grab that brass ring, to score a 100 and snag a full-time job. Don’t
make it your whole world. You’re doing good work. And if no one else has told
you that lately, they should have, because it’s true.
So
when you sit down to take that test tomorrow, take a deep breath and relax. Do
your best and leave the rest to the universe (however you define it). You are
more than a grade. You are more than a library professional. You are a
valuable, capable, loveable, worthwhile individual.
Good
luck, my dear colleagues. I’ll see you
on the other side.
