My CPA journey, so far.

In March 2025, I decided to go back to school for one last non-writing career. Writing doesn’t make me any money, so I need to be in a field that does. Accounting makes money. And, if I can get the requirements met, a CPA makes good money.

I can no longer work in jobs that require me to be on my feet all day. I really struggled in my last job to be able to stand for extended periods. It was then that I knew I needed to return to working in an office. A very long time ago, I was a manager. I did it for 12 years. Management burned me out and I turned to other jobs that weren’t office jobs.

I have four college degrees. Two Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Management. A Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and Sociology, Concentration in Anthropology, Minor in History. And, finally, a Master of Science degree in Human Relations and Business, Specialization in Change Management. Before this year, I had only taken one accounting class for my associate degrees a long time ago. So, I was a little nervous about returning to school, especially for a field that I haven’t really done (I’ve been in the financial services sector, but not for accounting).

I enrolled in the Financial Accounting certificate program at the same community college where I received my two associate’s degrees. I took my first class for the certificate program in March 2025, Financial Accounting. Imagine my surprise when I got an A! Then, in the summer semester 2025, I took Managerial Accounting. I was this close to getting an A, I had a 89%! The college doesn’t round up grades, so it was a (really high) B. That’s still pretty good, especially since I was struggling a little bit with the class.

In this fall semester, I’m enrolled in two classes: Intermediate Accounting 1 and Business and Professional Ethics. I’m doing well in both classes. I’m feeling really good about this CPA thing. If I can keep up this momentum, I’ll be a CPA in both Maryland and DC!