Translation (CART) to assist the hearing impaired. For more information on what is required to obtain these certifications, please visit the National Court Reporters Association Web site at ncraonline.org/Testing/Certification. My professional affiliations include the National Court Reporters Association, the American Business Women’s Association, The Center for Women, Women@Work, and the newly established East Cooper Entrepreneurial Women’s Association.
MY STORY
I grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, in what can be referred to as less-than-optimal family circumstances. I was never destined to be a scholar, but I had the motivation and interest in learning that led me to explore new things. I was planning to attend college, but my family's financial situation, on paper, made it highly unlikely that I would receive financial aid. Thus, I began investigating other avenues for a career.
On the advice of a guidance counselor, I looked into the field of court reporting. I was completely unfamiliar with the field and had no idea what it would take to succeed; however, my inquisitive nature got the best of me.
Once I decided to pursue this career path, I began the process of applying for scholarships through local associations and through the Reporting Academy of Virginia. As a result of my efforts, I secured the funding to pay for my first year of training, with the remainder of the costs coming from my full-time job. Once I began formal training, I immediately understood what an effect this profession would have on my life; it allowed me to become financially independent, to have the skills that would allow me to have a job at any time in any city, and to have the confidence in myself that I never had before. |
