Shy, Nervous, or Confused? Welcome to VA Life

Written by Pearl Bacuetes, Training & Development Coordinator at Olivia Professional Solutions

Receiving the Admin of the Quarter recognition was humbling, and I feel truly thankful for it. But for me, it’s more than an award- it reflects how I work, supporting growth, noticing effort, and helping others realize their potential.

Rather than focus on achievements, I want to share a story about why confidence, encouragement, and believing in potential can mean more than any recognition.

The scores already showed they passed. All the boxes were checked. The assessments were complete. On paper, everything said this trainee was ready to move forward. And yet, right before endorsement or graduation, I got a message I’ve seen many times before: “I don’t think I’m good enough yet, Pearl…”

I paused. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because part of me wondered if replying was even necessary. The scores already reflected the result. Maybe this was something they just needed to figure out on their own.

But training isn’t just about what shows on a scoresheet. It’s about readiness, and readiness doesn’t always feel neat or complete.

Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I’ve been there too, struggling with low self-esteem. I’d feel the same way if I were in their shoes, wondering if I learned enough, or if what I know so far is really enough for the work ahead. That feeling? Totally normal.

Sometimes it’s not about knowledge at all. Some trainees are just shy, or they don’t feel comfortable speaking up during simulations like phone calls. They stutter. They forget what to say. It doesn’t mean they can’t do the work. It just means they need a little reassurance.

Even in a short training period, though, potential shines through. And this trainee? They showed up consistently. They were proactive, they worked hard, they reviewed lessons even after sessions ended. They asked questions, applied feedback, and made steady improvements. You can’t always put a score to that, but let me tell you—it matters just as much in real work.

So I sent the message.

I told them I was confident in what I had seen during training. That they already had the right foundation. Those skills can always be improved over time, but attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn- those are what truly make someone succeed, both in training and on the job.

I reminded them that confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything. It’s about trusting yourself, learning as you go, and asking for help when needed.

The reply wasn’t dramatic. No sudden spark of confidence lighting up their screen. But they moved forward. They believed in themselves just enough to take the next step. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a trainer and as a VA- it’s that leadership isn’t always about teaching more. Sometimes it’s about reminding people of what they already have and helping them see what you see in them.

The scores said they were ready.

I just wanted them to believe it too.

And that’s the thing about being a VA, and about being a trainer- you don’t have to know everything or be perfect. You just have to be willing to show up, support others, and believe in potential, even when it’s not immediately obvious.

I’m grateful for this recognition, yes, but more than that, I’m thankful for the opportunity to guide others, to witness growth, and to be reminded that small moments of encouragement can make a world of difference. That’s how growth happens. That’s how confidence is built. That’s how we succeed together.

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