Jennifer, I took and passed my California CSR the same month as I took and passed the Certificate of Merit, which is the same thing as the RMR these days, and that was in November of 1977. I started reporting as soon as I received my CSR license, which was in January of 1978. That's a lot of years behind the machine. When I started school, computerized translation was just being talked about. Because you are now writing to a software program, I believe school is trickier. There is so much help for new reporters and students on the Internet these days, though. Have you been to depoman.com yet? I am constantly learning new steno outlines and real-time macros which keeps things interesting and saves editing. Right now I am dictating using Dragon NaturallySpeaking so I can keep off my keyboard as much as possible. I tell you this to encourage you to take your breaks whenever you can and do your stretching. It will help you when you are out there working, which shouldn't be that long for you. Your stubbornness will probably work in your favor - focus, dedication, and stubbornness. That and hours and hours of practice is what it takes!

Oh, Jennifer, too funny. I always go to the main page here to see what the latest posts are and I saw your name so I had to check your page out. Just read the post below. My parents were going to name me Jennifer, but they changed their minds at the last minute. Griffin is my maiden name and I've always used it. My dad's folks were from Arkansas. Good luck with your school - it's hard, hard, hard - my brother and sister are also court reporters - that CSR can be passed!

Hi Jennifer, my name is Debra and I'm not sure if you are the right person I should be sending this thank you to! I received an e-mail from a 'Jenny Griffin' so I'm not sure if there is a type-o somewhere. If I do have the right one, I just wanted to drop a line and tell say Thank You!! for telling me about this site. The more I see of it, the more confident I fee about having somewhere to turn for honest, positive advice! I am just starting in the scoping field and am more excited than ever to start. If I have the wrong Jennifer, sorry!! But have a great day, anyway!! :)