cross posted at http://certiportblog.com
From the moment I learned I was a US Representative for the Certiport Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office, I began imagining the fun I would have and the people I would meet. After only two days here in Las Vegas, it’s safe to say my expectations have been exceeded.
Having never been this far west, I had very little idea of what to expect. When I arrived Sunday morning, I had time to walk down the Las Vegas Strip and it is even grander then I ever anticipated. I was able to see several hotels and ride the roller coaster inside New York, New York – which was a thrilling way to begin my stay. Of all the hotels we visited, the Bellagio is by far my favorite. The display in the lobby is colorful and interesting, the staff has been accommodating, the rooms are beautiful, and the view from them is even better.
On the second day, it was time to test for the competition. I took the Microsoft PowerPoint exam early in the morning, leaving me with the rest of the day to relax by the pool with the relief that the long-awaited test was over. I felt very good about my testing and I was glad to see that my countless hours of studying were put to good use. The test was certainly harder than the tests I had taken back at home, but I couldn’t have felt more prepared.
Monday night after the test we got to see Cirque Du Soleil’s Beatle’s Love Show at the Mirage. The show was really awesome and the acts were mesmerizing to watch. Now, as I write this, we are headed to the Grand Canyon for a tour. The mountains of Nevada are breathtaking and I’m enjoying the opportunity to take lots of pictures with the friends I’ve met from around the world. It so cool to meet people from places I’ve never been who already share something in common with me. It is also so much fun to have the camaraderie of the three other girls from my school. My favorite part of this whole trip is being able to hang out with all the other competitors from around the world and develop friendships with them.
With all the exciting activities planned for us, it is easy to forget that we are here competing for a world title in Microsoft Office. I’m both nervous and excited to find out how, not only I did, but also my fellow US teammates. A world title would be an incredible accomplishment after all the time and studying I have put in to prepare myself. A win would open up so many doors for me in the college application process and in the job market after graduation. I am anxious to see how things turn out and I am so grateful to Certiport for the amazing event they have put together for us.
Emily Peet is a US Representative at Certiport’s World Wide Competition on Microsoft Office. For more information about the World Wide Competition, check out http://bit.ly/OHE5Zd.
