Friday, June 1, 2012

Continue Growing

This morning I got the welcome news that my portfolio met the standards of the Board for the Certification of Genealogists and effective today I am Certified Genealogist(SM) no. 1029.

I know a lot of folks find the initials "CG" intimidating, or even feel that they reflect some kind of repellent exclusivity.

I think they mean that we chose to test our work against the standards of genealogy. Nobody has to do that, not everyone needs to or wants to, but choosing not to do so doesn't make you better. One thing I learned by doing so is that I'm not as good as I thought I was -- I have a lot more to learn. Those initials could also stand for "Continue Growing."

And I know I couldn't have done it without my wonderful (and long-suffering) teachers and friends and clients and wife.

FYI for those embarked on or considering the same path:

* This was the second portfolio I submitted; the first one (two years ago) didn't qualify.

* I believe this was the first portfolio submitted electronically (as a PDF file).

* It took less than four months from submission to notification, although I'm told the usual is closer to six.

* Putting together a portfolio does take a lot of time from other pursuits, but in both cases I learned a great deal just from doing it, especially from carrying the case study and kinship determination project to conclusion (not that they are more important than the other five elements!).

* I have not yet seen the judges' comments, and they will undoubtedly give me some things to work on.

* Never submit the first one you do, of anything.



Harold Henderson, "Continue Growing," Midwestern Microhistory: A Genealogy Blog, posted 1 June 2012 (http://midwesternmicrohistory.blogspot.com : accessed [access date]). [Please feel free to link to the specific post if you prefer.]

33 comments:

Jean said...

Congratulations, Harold! I totally agree that CG could meant Continue Growing. I often find that I have lots more to learn and understand.
Jean M. Hoffman, CG

Debbie V. said...

You so deserve it Harold and I am so happy to hear your good news!
Debbie V.

Tex said...

Congrats, Harold. Such good news!

Chris Klauer said...

Congratulations!!!!

Kimberly said...

Congratulations Harold! It is very well deserved :)

Jennifer Holik said...

Congratulations Harold! You are an inspiration for those of us considering that path.

Pat Kuhn said...

Congratulations Harold!!!!!

Linda C Vert said...

Congratulations Harold!

Unknown said...

Congratulations Harold! The initials are WELL deserved and I know you will"continue growing!"

leslielawson said...

Congratulations, Harold! Job well done!

Tina Lyons said...

Congrats, Harold! Awesome news.

Patti Hobbs said...

Congratulations, Harold!

Candace said...

Congratulations!

Wendy Grant Walter said...

Wonderful news! Congratulations!

Brenda Joyce Jerome said...

Congratulations, Harold!

M. Diane Rogers said...

Hearty congratulations, Harold!

Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist® said...

SO cool, Harold! Hearty congratulations.

Cinamon Collins said...

Congratulations Harold!

Dawne said...

Congratulations, Harold! Can you hear me cheering from over here on the other side of the state?

Jana Iverson Last said...

Congratulations!! I've been considering the same goal of becoming a CG. Thanks for sharing the information you've learned along the way. :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Great work!

Jane E. Wilcox said...

Congratulations, Harold! That is great news.

Sheri Fenley said...

Congratulations Harold! I am so proud of you!

Karen Stanbary said...

Well done! I knew it. Congrats....big party at samford?

Dawn Watson said...

Congratulations! :)

gophergenealogy said...

What an awesome accomplishment.

Jacqi Stevens said...

Congratulations, Harold, on this great accomplishment! I totally agree with your sentiment to "Continue Growing." I've enjoyed your writing and the thoughts you've expressed, and look forward to seeing what all this continues growing into!

Shelley Bishop said...

Cheers for you, Harold! I'm thrilled to hear your well-deserved news!

Judy G. Russell said...

YAY HAROLD!!! Congratulations! I know how hard you worked, and I'm so happy for you!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats, Harold! I have been considering the goal of CG myself, but I am completely intimidated by the portfolio!
Cudos!
Paula
http://langfordhaymon.wordpress.com/

Michelle Goodrum said...

Yeah! You are an inspiration!

Unknown said...

Such wonderful news, Harold! Congratulations!

Amanda said...

Congratulations!