What does it take?

A few years ago, I did a great deal of research on becoming Certified. Yes, yes, insert funny joke about my mental status here, true as that may be.  But what I found out was that it sure is a lot of time, effort, experience and money to become a Certified Genealogist. 

I wasn't sure I had what it would take to commit to the process of becoming a Board Certified Genealogist and if I did, if It would be worth the time and effort. I also was not sure that I had the correct kind of experience necessary to complete such a project.  

So I've taken some time now to evaluate where I stand. About a year ago I decided what my focus would be (U.S. South Region) and have attempted to build a repository for all my sources and items needed to become certified.  Not only did I do that, but I also have taken on quite a few pro-bono projects that help with experience, I've learned about things outside my expertise such as Slavery Era research and I've even taken on some other projects that will help grown my experience even more. 

I'm also working on a published work of a project that has been years in the making. I'm going to teach a class in February locally, and have been expanding my knowledge of writing and helping others. 

A while back, I took on an archival project at our local historical society to document and help keep track of all the items our group has on hand and where they came from, as they had no system in place. Most items are cataloged, though being volunteers, it's hard to find time together to go through and fix up everything so there is a cohesiveness to the area we call our museum. 

So, the next step will be applying for certification, completing their requirements and paying the fees to have a certification. It's exciting, and rather daunting at times.  For the time being - I'm just a genealogist. But boy how I love those adventures! How are you enjoying your Adventures In Genealogy?