Back in college, I had two goals for myself: 1) to graduate, and 2) to become a CPA. I can still remember the feeling when these happened. But as I started my career as an Internal Auditor, I kept thinking "What's next?" That's when I got inspired of wanting the CIA certification after seeing my then colleagues pursue the same and succeed. However, life really had its own way of letting you take the long route full of obstacles rather than the shortcut you wanted without you even knowing. It was 2021, I was already in another country, in the darkest time of my life. Stuck in a job I just settled for-slightly different from my dream career in internal audit as reality really slaps you in the face when you're in a different country-I was feeling lost and angry for being stagnant in my career and life. And on a lonely January night, I remembered this long standing goal of mine. After a night of crying and pep talking myself with "I believe in you, girl!" and "You can do this!" and "It's okay, you're not too late!", I finally applied for the program the day after. Impulsive? Nah. I just took the much needed leap. Fast forward to January 2024, my experience was verified, I already passed the part 1 exam but failed the part 2. No biggie, told myself to just take it again. However, my 3-year program was expiring the same month. So, I needed to use my one-time program extension and I did. "Okaaay, girl, part 2 & 3 na lang. Kaya mo yan!" BUT. I had two problems: 1) the materials (what I had was information overload which dn't handle), and 2) procrastination (It's me, sorry). Mid-2024, I was introduced by a dear friend to John Kebyn Villarino of REO, and I couldn't thank him enough for informing and encouraging me take the REO CIA Review. What a blessing it was for me! The REO handout/reading materials were very structured and easy to understand. Coupled with the interactive lectures and discussion of the topics with practical examples and working scenarios, I was able to fully understand the concepts which helped me apply in the practice questions. Thanks to REO, I passed the part 2 exam in December 2024. 2 down, 1 to go! After enjoying a fun holidays with my family, reality struck me hard and I realized my program was expiring on January 25. And I only have 13 days to review, take and pass the part 3 exam-which had the most number of topics to study for and needs the most preparation. I know! Procrastination at its finest and I'm not proud. (WARNING: PLEASE, BAWAL GAYAHIN! SOBRANG STRESSFUL MGA BIIII!). I even thought of not continuing this, but I know I would truly, deeply, and brokenheartedly regret it. So, I continued. That's when REO helped me a lot. Again. The Information Technology and Information Security part was completely new to me, so a really huge thanks for the detailed materials and lectures from the well versed and expert instructors. The app was very, very helpful. I was able to study even when traveling on the train/taxi, while having my break from work or while walking to and from work through listening to the lectures. Many thanks to all of that, I took my exam on the very last day of my program. Many would say it was risky. It was! But it was very worth the risk when...I passed! Finally! I am now a Certified Internal Auditor. After many years of just aiming for it and not acting on it. I realized, and I hope anyone out there who needs to hear this will realize this too, it's never too late for anyone, really. Whatever goal you may have, take the risk. The journey won't be easy. Mine was chaotic and stressful, but definitely fulfilling. And memorable. If your goal is to be a CIA as well, choose your resources wisely. I chose REO and succeeded and you will, too!