How old are most of us when we started school for court reporting? Touchy subject, I know. :)

[Kim]

I'm just curious about how old most of us court reporting students are. I know I'm starting out later in life than I would have liked. I'm 39. Two marriages and one divorce and raising two kids postponed what I feel I should have started at a younger age. And also, do you think your age is a help or a hindrance?

[Tami]

Thank you for sharing, Teresa!

You're a lesson in never accepting failure as an option -- no matter what life throws in your path.

The girl who was in my school the longest and became a CA CSR during the time I was in school -- before and after -- was later our local association president. Her maturity and patience were great assets for her when she finally made it over to the other side, and I truly looked up to her.

[Teresa Russ]

Tami, I needed to hear that. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Diane Hickman]

Hi Teresa from Diane Hickman. Your blog is inspiring to me as I too was a new student later in life (I was 33.) Right at the start I had life throw boulders in my path (pregnancy, job layoffs, finances, child rearing, moving, starting new jobs, school closures) and jumping from day school to night school, but I never lost my dream of becoming a court reporter. I knew that was what I wanted to do and it was something I loved doing. After taking the test many times, I reached my goal of passing it and becoming a CA CSR as well as passing the Nevada CCR test!!! I feel that giving birth three times is far easier than becoming a court reporter, and reading about you helps me understand that my experiences are not all that unusual. Don't give up, ever. If I can do it, then so can you. Write back and let me know how you're doing. Diane Hickman, CSR, CCR

[Sinéad O'Shea]

I'm 29 (for another four months anyway!) and I'll be starting off as a student this month. I'm so glad I found this group, I'll be the one asking all the questions!

[Lauren Jones]

I will be starting in October and am 24. for me this is the best time to start in a new career!