Gina is a new NINJA CPA Blogger.

My name is RoGina (call me Gina) and I live in Bellwood, Illinois, which is a very small suburb outside of Chicago.

I am married to the most wonderful and supportive husband ever and mother to a son that can only be described as the World's Most Interesting Toddler.

I began my CPA journey after losing my job in March of 2011. After the layoff, I decided that I wanted to take control of my accounting career and started studying for the CPA exam.

I was already taking classes to complete my Masters in Accounting and thought the a combination of the two would open the most doors for me.

I spent months and lots of money studying for the FAR portion of the exam, while taking additional classes in school. After 6 months of studying and trying multiple testing strategies and review materials, I sat for FAR and failed with a 74.

All of my friends told me that I should jump back into studying because I was so close and that one point was nothing. At the time, I had studied for so long and had so much going on at home, school and my new job that I was burnt out. I became a bit discouraged and overwhelmed so I stopped studying for my exams and concentrated on my graduate program.

In June 2012, I walked across the stage and received my degree in Masters of Accounting and Financial Management. I feel like I am now ready to begin my studies again and pass the CPA exam with a new focus and drive. I believe I know the study schedule and habits that works best for me and I am more motivated than ever to put these exams behind me.

I have scheduled portions of the exams to try to take all four by the end of the year. I WILL start 2013 as a Certified Public Accountant, you have my word.

Gina