Flexibility and a high salary potential were two big draws for Bridget Roorda, a student at Alfred State College, when she was considering a career change to court reporting from teaching. But what first sparked her interest was a trip to the courtroom as a juror.
JCR | You said you took note of the court reporter when you had jury duty. What stood out to you about their work?
BR | At first, I had no idea what the court reporter’s role was. I would hear her ask people to speak up and ensure they were responding verbally to questions, but I wasn’t entirely sure what her job entailed. It left me curious, and I couldn’t help but wan t to learn more about what she was doing and how important her work was in the courtroom.
JCR | What do you love about stenography?
BR | I love how stenography challenges me. I’m pushing myself to learn new skills, which brings excitement and frustration, often within the same 10 minutes! I enjoy that I’m constantly learning something new. It’s easy to feel like giving up, but I keep reminding myself, “What if it all works out?”
JCR | What is the hardest thing about court reporting school?
BR | Oh gosh, it’s definitely a huge challenge — but in a good way! I’ve never been pushed like this in my life. This degree requires an incredible amount of self-motivation. One of the hardest parts is that it’s tough to connect with other students in my classes because some move on, while others retake courses or take breaks. It can feel a bit isolating at times, but the challenge keeps me going, and it’s rewarding to see progress even through difficult moments.
JCR | Where and how do you find the opportunity to practice?
BR | I wake up about an hour before my kids to get in a solid hour of uninterrupted practice in the morning. Then I practice again while they’re at school. Two are in full-day school, and one is in a two-hour preschool program. I try to stay diligent about getting my practice in during the day so I can fully focus on my family in the evening, balancing homework help, sports, and being there for bedtime.
JCR | What would you say to someone who is considering a career in court reporting or captioning?
BR | If you know you can make time to practice, go for it! I honestly wish I had discovered this program earlier in life. Switching careers is challenging, but I truly believe it’s worth it to pursue something you’re passionate about. It’s never too late to make a change if it means finding something you enjoy.
JCR | How will court reporting allow you the flexibility you did not have in your previous career?
BR | I’m hoping that finding a freelance job in court reporting will give me the flexibility to create my own schedule and availability. This would allow me to still be there for my kids and fully enjoy these fleeting younger years with them.
JCR | What is your dream job/Where do you see yourself in five years?
BR | I’m not entirely sure what my dream job is or where I’ll be in five years. What I do hope for is to find a great company to work for — one that is supportive, encouraging, and offers good mentoring to help me grow professionally.
JCR | Is there anything else you would like to share?
BR | To any prospective student, I highly encourage you to consider taking the NCRA A to Z® [Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand] program to get a feel for what the coursework is like. There are many costs involved in getting started — such as the machine, software, laptop, textbooks, and courses, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re committing to. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors! My two instructors, Professor Green and Professor Puntoriero, have been incredibly helpful in my success so far. They answer any questions I have, point me to additional resources, and are always encouraging me when things get tough.
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