Hi. My name is Juan Sanchez. I’m from Monterrey, Mexico and was recently granted U.S. Citizenship. Having earned a full scholarship to Columbus State University in Georgia and graduating with my Bachelors in Music Education, I didn’t ever think that I would eventually become a U.S. CPA. But here I am and I’m excited to share my story with all of you.
As a kid growing up in Mexico, there wasn’t an abundant amount of programs on TV and there was no internet at the time.
Thus, distractions were not as broad as they are today. Books were my best friends and I enjoyed learning different languages and playing the violin.
I was first exposed to accounting when I was in junior high.
One of our assignments was to put together a simple financial statement and since then I was hooked. I was amazed at how highly organized accounting was and the detailed processes financial documents went through from which decisions are made. However, because I had already gone very far in pursuing violin as well as learning foreign languages, I decided to pursue a career in those directions.
After I graduated with my Bachelors in Music Education, I earned additional teaching certifications in Spanish, French, German, and Latin.
Although I was happy being a music and foreign language teacher for many years, accounting had always been in the back of my mind. Once I became partially retired, I decided to pursue the one thing that I had left on my “to do” list: become a CPA.
After going back to school and completing all upper level accounting course work online back in 2009, I bought my first CPA Review course and after two weeks, I felt like I wasn’t meant to be a CPA.
I tried 3 more review courses—purchasing only one section at a time—and the information just wouldn’t stick. I was convinced that I was not going to pass the exam and gave up my dream. Here’s why.
Most of the reviews I started with did not have a holistic teaching approach of the concepts, much less the application (which is essential to passing the CPA Exam).
Their so-called “lectures” involved extensive text book reading from the presenter as well as a demand to highlight key concepts. Not only was this boring and frustrating—but upsetting to have paid so much money only to have the presenters read from the book and ask you to highlight all over. These type of lectures did not work for me, and it’s hard to believe it would work for anyone else.
Secondly, these courses in and of themselves used were not at all engaging.
The homework included many terms and concepts that had not even been covered in the “lectures”, and even if they were, I felt that I was only getting exposed to the material rather than actually learning it. The presentation of the information had more of an “exposition” approach that did not break down most of the concepts. For example, a problem or calculation will be shown on the screen without actually telling you what steps were used to get that answer and why. In addition, some of the examples in these courses were so long that I would lose track of the essence of the concept.
Lastly, the overwhelming amount of material in the CPA Exam is already very intimidating.
These courses made it seem that only people with high IQs could pass the exam. I am sure they did not mean to, but they seemed to cover (not teach) every item in the Content Specifications. That is why it took me so long to get through this exam; I felt like there was no way I was going to be able to cover all this information in a short period of time.
Then, back in February 2015 as I was looking for an Enrolled Agent review online, I was directed to YouTube.
Many other videos related to the CPA Exam were brought up because of my search history, and I noticed one video featuring Roger about why it was important to pass the CPA Exam. After watching this video, I was hooked. And here’s why.
Roger treated me as a human being first and made me believe in myself. This is something that I had not encountered with other CPA Review courses. Secondly, he had a holistic approach to teaching. He covers all aspects of the human, academic, and professional condition, relating it all back to the CPA Exam. He made me realize that as humans, we need to laugh, feel that we can achieve, and above all, know that the CPA Exam is possible to pass with hard work and dedication. Roger teaches you the concepts, breaks them down, and then teaches you how to apply your knowledge. This worked for me, so I decided to give my journey to licensure another shot.
I began studying with Roger CPA Review for the FAR in section in March 2015.
Following Roger’s study recommendations, I tackled one module at a time, explained the topics in my own words as I watched the video lectures, and then practiced as much as possible with the Interactive Practice Questions. This not only helped me review what I just learned, but also to see how the information can be presented in many ways. The more you expose yourself to different types of questions and wording, the better.
After studying with Roger CPA Review, I found out just earlier this month that I passed my fourth and final CPA Exam section.
I’m so happy to say that the hardest part to earning my CPA license is over, and I honestly could not have done it without Roger. Choosing a great CPA review course really does make all the difference. Roger has a simple step-by-step approach which suited my learning style. Although simple, his approach is highly organized so that even non-accountant majors could understand the concepts.
In addition, the energetic and outgoing personality of Roger makes the CPA Exam journey more of a human journey as he makes you believe that you can succeed in passing the exam.
Roger embodies this human aspect very well, and I feel that this reaches every single student as they watch his lectures which are full of energy, charisma, and passion for teaching. This approach is what distinguishes Roger CPA Review from other CPA course providers—and it may be just the thing that’s keeping you from becoming a CPA.
It is people like Roger who make a difference in peoples’ lives. I know this for a fact as my life, both professionally and personally, is much different and much better than it was about a year ago when I started the journey. I now have a job as an accountant and they told me that they will raise my salary as a result of passing this exam. I know this is only the first of many amazing opportunities that will come with licensure.
As Roger says: the CPA exam is a test of discipline.
Having passed this test, I would like to encourage you to believe in yourselves and to remember this: labor omnia vincit. This is Latin for “Work conquers everything.” Try not to let artificial obstacles or excuses impede you in achieving your dreams. Unfortunately, many times we are our biggest obstacles. Don’t let fear subdue you. Your dreams should always be bigger than your fears. Commit, be responsible, work and the CPA is all yours to conquer.
Good luck in your endeavors!
–Juan Sanchez