Hi Anthony,
Since you are a generous mentor for students, I have a question for you! ha ha I am an online student, and I started last July. I am currently in my first speed building class (80/100) and I am constantly worrying about how well I really grasped Theory. It seems like ALL THE TIME when I am writing while listening to dictations (especially literary) I hesitate a LOT on words and sometimes can't figure out for the life of me how to correctly write a word. I have a great support system in the discussion forums with other students like me who all say they are in the same boat, but I still worry that maybe I'm worse, maybe I should have repeated the last Theory class, maybe I will never fully grasp it all like I should while writing 225wpm+. I LOVE online school because of the convenience of it all, but this is definitely one thing that I don't like about not being in a real classroom where I can physically "see" how the other students around me are doing, and where my instructors can physically "see" me writing. Recently, I have gone back to my Theory book (Phoenix), starting with lesson 18, and practice from that. I guess that's all I know how to do, to make sure I'm really remembering all of the principles. Is that what you would recommend? Any advice that you can take the time to give me would be SO much appreciated. Thank you!!

Hi Anthony, I see that you are chairing the mentor program. I am a student, have passed everything except the 225 for the RPR, am interning at a freelance firm in Allentown, and having a mentor probably saved me from quitting several times. :) I'll take any advice. I am trying to decide what CAT software to go with. I have been using the Eclipse student version, but I'm finding it a little difficult. I did my schooling through an online RPR prep program. It was perfect for me, but didn't have any lessons for software. Are you familiar with DigitalCat? It looks like it would be very economical for a beginning reporter. If you know of any pros or cons, I'd be grateful for any direction.
Those boys are gorgeous. I have three! Aren't boys just the best? Kim

Hi Anthony, thanks for accepting my friend request. I have a question for you. Is it true that if you have your RPR, you still would have to take a state certification test for the state you want to work in?

Congratulations, Anthony! I just received the May JCR and see that you have earned your RDR ~ Awesome!!

You are so fortunate to be able to combine your love of writing, teaching as well as officialing (is there such a word?). thanks for all your support. I am forging ahead and am so grateful to have been sent this site; it's a wonderful place to share with and learn from. Have a great day! Janice

Hi Anthony, You actually sent me this site. I was looking for some guidance last year when I was thinking about boning up for the court test and you were very helpful. Unfortunately, I never followed through. Anyway, the site is a great idea! I'm going to spread the word. Thanks for adding me to your list.

I think you have it backwards, Anthony! YOU inspire ME! I have been reading some older issues of the JCR and have read some wonderful articles and notes by and about you. The fact that someone so successful is willing to help a virtual newbie at all speaks to your character. I appreciate all of your kind comments and very very helpful hints which I am taking to heart. I have written the word Straight STRAEUGT 50 times and it's getting easier - it was one of my hardest words to date! Thanks again, Anthony!

It is so wonderful that there are reporters like you out there to help students like me. Thanks for the add. I am eager to receive any and all advice you have to offer. I am currently at the 130 speed level. My biggest struggle right now is Q&A.

Thanks so much for your excellent advice, Anthony! I think you nailed it on the head and I printed out your comments and will follow them to a "T". There definitely ARE words that I stumble over and try to figure out finger placement and then miss the next ones as a result. This website is amazing and I'm so happy to have been directed here so early in my CR schooling. Thanks again!

As far as a work slow down, I'm a freelancer and May, so far has been a little bit slow, but April was CRAZY busy. It's always ups and downs with this job.

Yes, it really is. I always say, you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can't take Brooklyn out of the girl. Ahh.. the memories endure ~

You could not be more right!! I will look you up next time I get to the 'homeland'! I grew up around the corner from the pizzeria where they filmed the opening of Saturday Night Fever; right across from the train on 86th Street.

Now I'm super-jealous! A slice and a ride; if you throw in an egg cream I'm on my way!! Florida just doesn't get how to make these things... sigh..

Thanks so much, Anthony, for your words of wisdom! I'm excited to join this great group of people who are court reporters ~ however long it takes! I see you're from Staten Island; I'm originally from Brooklyn (please don't hold that against me!!) haha

Is it considered a conflict of interest if I were to work part-time in a law firm while I am sitting in with reporters? Is it allowable?

Hi Anthony: I just read an article in the Forum about work slowing down. Is work slowing down in your area? That makes me leary about sitting in this summer. I hope I won't have to wait until things pick up. I haven't found anybody from Buffalo on this site to ask. I guess I could call around. It seems like alot of people are blaming the slow down on the election, economy, cases settling, etc. I thought things picked up for reporters in bad times. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Anthony! I feel so much better now that I told my employer my intentions. They're happy for me although sad I am leaving. I am leaving on very good terms and will get an excellent recommendation. I haven't called Kevin yet -- maybe I will -- I don't know -- that will be next my "courage" hurdle, I guess. There are about five other agencies in Buffalo I am planning to sit in with and hopefully one of them will hire me. Who knows, maybe I'll want to go the independent route. I want to join the NYSCRA but I don't know what category I would check regarding my status. I'm really not a student, I'm not a reporter (yet), I'm not a teacher, scopist, etc. Maybe a box marked "Other" would be great to have added to the application. Let me know what you think I should check. Do you think I could join NYSCRA as a "student" member even though I haven't been a reporter and I will need to be trained? Let me know. Janet

Well, I did it! I gave notice today to leave my full-time legal secretary job and begin a career in reporting. I gave a months' notice -- I'm generous...

Hi, it's Renate again, the one driving you crazy at the test? Thanks for your patience. Even though I got there early, things seemed to be going wrong for me! I just read your bio and I'm impressed at how active you are in the world of court reporting! Just have to tell you, reason I was taking so long jobbing test words, I forgot I was doing all caps this time...not used to it. Certainly makes a difference. Next time....which I hope there won't be....I hope to have a smoother ride. Practice makes perfect!
Thanks for your very good proctoring.
Renate