By Meredith A. Bonn
Five court reporters working for the Seventh Judicial District in Rochester, N.Y., earned their Registered Professional Reporter certifications. Coworkers Diana Smith, RPR; Keri Van Auker, RPR; Maggie Carpenter, RPR; Karen Bianchi, RPR; and Ingrid Andersen, RPR, all passed the RPR in the time span between October 2020 and July 2021. Their assigned office space is all located in one room of the Hall of Justice, and being neighbors had a very positive effect when one person after another said they were trying to complete the RPR and did the work to get it done!
In the New York State court system, every reporter employed has to pass a civil service exam in order to be hired. When asked why they did the extra work to earn a national certification, the reporters offered that it was because it was personally challenging, it gives them confidence in their abilities, it looks good when the opportunity for promotion presents itself, it looks good to have national and state certifications, and they’d always wanted to achieve it! The benefits in postretirement work were also mentioned as the RPR opens doors to work in other areas and with other employers.
Their efforts spread the power of positive attitude through certification. When one person believes they can get it done, it spreads to others, inspiring all!
Meredith A. Bonn, RPR, CRR, is an NCRF Trustee and official court reporter.
