The Guardian
College of Court Reporting, EST. 1984
She gallops into a new career!
Why Court Reporting?
I looked into nursing, business, physical therapy, psychology, and the list goes on. I saw my cousin post on her social media about passing her RPR and how there has been a court reporter shortage. I then realized that her mom owned a court reporting firm here in Phoenix. I met with my cousin at the office that week, and I was enrolled at CCR by the end of the week. At the age of 12, I started a cake business that grew to be pretty popular in my hometown. Then I helped start up a full-service motorcycle shop when I was 18. I have always loved the small business vibe and being my own boss. When I found out about court reporting, I instantly knew this was the profession for me.
Why Voice Court Reporting?
I was a steno student for three years. I completed all of the theory and all of the speedbuilding classes. I made it to my exit speeds, and I just could not pass those final tests. I knew I needed another year to be comfortable with the exit speeds, but I didn’t have an extra year or the funds to put into speedbuilding. So, after researching the voice world and speaking with multiple voice writers, I decided to make the switch. With the three years of skill development as a stenographer, I easily rolled those steno skills over into learning the voice method. My CAT software has stayed the same, and my final product is still the same. The only difference is the output. We use our voice and stenographers use their fingers. Switching to voice was the best decision for me. It has only been a few weeks of being a voice reporter/writer, and I am amazed by the opportunities that this career has already given me thus far.
Student Spotlight
Congratulations, Kimberly Coltrain!
Veritext Scholarship winner.
This essay is what helped her earn the scholarship:
“Why I have Chosen to be a Court Reporter”...Again
I began attending Stenotype Academy in September of 1988. Within 20 months, I earned an Associate in Occupational Studies degree in court reporting, I began a per diem position for New York civil court circuit, and I also began planning for my wedding set for the following year. A month after the wedding, all non-salaried positions were frozen, resulting in all per diem court reporters being laid off.
I was unable to continue reporting without computer-aided transcription equipment, thus my training in administrative office procedures took precedent. I vehemently believe that the ethics learned and adhered to during my brief court reporting career have continued to assist me with earning and being entrusted with positions ranging from serving the general public to elected government officials. I have come to appreciate and value being viewed as a trusted confidant throughout my clerical career in the corporate arena.
The next two decades intertwined with working various-level clerical positions, raising children, diagnoses, divorce, end-of-life care responsibilities, job searches, and other aspects of life. Throughout those years, though, my desire to reenter this fascinating field has never diminished.
Eight months after my 25-year marriage dissolved, I began treatment for a cancer diagnosis. For the next five years, the most prevalent thought replicated through my mind: If I became healthy enough to achieve just one goal, what would it be? Without hesitation, the thought burst forth as if it were a tightly-wound jack-in-the-box: I want to return to my first love, court reporting.
My opportunity came when I finally received clearance to return to work. As I began investigating the options and requirements for my state, I was blown away at how the field had grown. I dug out my Complete Court Reporter’s Handbook from 1991 and compared it to my recently acquired 2010 edition and euphoria set in. The field had grown exponentially from the seemingly pat freelance and officialship arenas to include the vast array of captioning. I began researching programs and schools that would train and assist me to reenter this field. As I began evaluating court reporting programs, the College of Court Reporting continually affirmed to be the best option.
I knew this journey wasn’t going to be anything like my first go-round 26 years ago. I would have to relearn theory; polish my grammar skills; revisit legal, medical, and technical terminology; become comfortable with current events on a consistent basis; and so much more. But the greatest challenge would be learning and gaining proficiency with the ‘wave of the future’ that was in its infancy when I retreated in 1991: computer-aided transcription.
The extensive financial lessons I’ve learned have helped me to thrive during many personal and societal economic challenges throughout my marriage, but especially later as a single parent of three. I inquired with CCR about the type of writer to take me through the program with the most technical and economical proficiency. I was walked through the financial aid process as well as scheduling for online learning. College of Court Reporting was the only college that openly listed choices for writers, textbook requirements, and even a sample schedule. Knowing what I needed throughout the program allowed me to be proactive and steward my resources accordingly.
Although I have qualified for grants and student loans, I am still in the process of paying off various medical expenses that were not covered by my insurance. As I continue to make regular payments, I have no hesitation in inquiring about settlements on a quarterly basis. I have also learned simple automotive upkeep and small household repair through free community workshops to supplement my income. If major issues do arise, I can usually foresee those challenges and have often bartered with local, qualified church members that can assist me.
This scholarship will offset any loans by reducing the amount needed to cover upcoming classes as I strive toward finishing the program. Any funds awarded will be put toward tuition for the upcoming semester as well as technical fees.
My experience, since enrollment at CCR in 2017, has gifted me with so many valuable memories that I would be hard-pressed to distinguish just one as most meaningful, but if I had to narrow it down, I would have to choose a moment during my first semester of Theory I. I had another month to complete, and I sent out an email regarding withdrawing from the program. I still couldn’t ‘get’ the technology, and I was frustrated. Most of all, I was angry that I couldn’t do what came seemingly so easy 26 years prior. I fully expected an email concurring with my withdrawal intentions and a “Good luck to you, whatever you do” quip. But what I got was a phone call while I was in Wal Mart contemplating turning in an application for a second job. That conversation turned the tables. I had the blessing of being able to see how the last 26 years had evolved for this field of ultimate service. I knew this journey wasn’t for the faint of heart and that it wouldn’t be without challenges. I also knew I was where I needed to be to get to where I wanted to grow.
What consistently keeps me in pursuit of reentering this field are thoughts of being able to serve. Perhaps I'll be entrusted by the Georgia Pro Bono Project to record for a client who may not have means. Would I be privileged to serve as a mentor for a struggling student? Would I try my hand(s) in the captioning arena? Maybe I’ll be requested to fill in for an official on leave or take a deposition that ties in with grand jury proceedings. Whatever the task, I’ll know with confidence that my journey through CCR has more than prepared me.
Never before have I felt a truer distinction between a profession and a vocation: A profession is chosen; a vocation chooses you.
Curious About Voice Writing?
This video provides an excellent demonstration of the voice method.
CCR's next voice class starts soon. Contact the admissions department at info@ccr.edu for more information.
Court Reporting & Captioning Week 2020
NCRA Calls for Presenters
The deadline is January 24th. Follow the link below to submit an application.
Stenographer comments on MSNBC
MSNBC, the most technologically advanced method of capturing the spoken word and producing a record is the stenographic reporter. An accurate record is more important than ever today. And the best way to get the most accurate record is that stenographer on the floor of the Senate and House who reports the proceedings in realtime (instant translation as the reporter is writing). Their realtime transcripts create the daily Congressional Record printed by the government printing office. Claire McCaskill, as a former senator, you should appreciate the job they do in getting the record quickly and accurately. Brian Williams, those stenographers have been working nearly nonstop since October. No other method would be able to keep the record with so many people talking at the same time. The stenographers are really the unsung heroes in the impeachment trial.
NCRA's response to the MSNBC comments
Subscribe TODAY!!
The Veritext Court Reporting Student Scholarship
Horace Webb Scholarship
The National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) awards this scholarship to voice court reporting students. The application deadline is usually April 15. The 2020 application has not been posted yet. Check out this page for updates: https://nvra.org/2019-horace-webb-scholarship
Naegeli Deposition and Trial Scholarship Opportunity
ABC, NBC, CBS?? Nah...we have your fav channels right here!
http://www.ev360ultimate.com/ev360u/moodle/local/staticpage/view.php?page=[Dictation]
CCR is accredited.
It's Not Too Late!
Semester Start Date: March 30, 2020.
Registration Deadline: March 6, 2019
Contact Nicky Rodriquez at 866-294-3974 ext. 222 or nicky.rodriquez@ccr.edu for more information.
Welcome to The Guardian Version of the Job Drawer!
Official Court Reporter(s)
Voice Captioner(s)
Freelance Reporter(s)
JOB DRAWER
FOR MORE INFORMATION GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
Director of Admissions
Nicky Rodriquez
(866) 294 - 3974 ext.222
nicky.rodriquez@ccr.edu
College of Court Reporting
Email: info@ccr.edu
Website: www.ccr.edu
Location: Valparaiso, IN, United States
Phone: 219-531-1459
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccr.edu/
Twitter: @collegecourtrep