[author: Katherine Schilling]
The restaurant, Terrace at Trump, in Chicago’s downtown affords some incredible views. To the left, Wrigley Clock tower’s gothic architecture is illuminated by dazzling green lights; to the right, party-goers atop glass skyscrapers raise a communal toast. There are always plenty of reasons to be celebrating in Chicago, but for court reporters from around the world, we’d gathered in the Windy City that August weekend to attend the annual NCRA Convention.
There were riveting seminars led by the industry’s best, the latest technology to ogle in the Exhibitors Hall, and, of course, lifelong connections to make. For me, however, the Planet Depos Friday night reception was the highlight of my weekend. Planet Depos court reporters came together for an exclusive dinner at Terrace at Trump to celebrate yet another successful year, share tips, and swap stories.
As a court reporter in her first year out in the field, I was eager to absorb as much as I could from these accomplished reporters and to connect with them for the first time as a colleague rather than simply a student. Everyone I spoke with was friendly, generous with their time, and, above all, wholeheartedly enthused about both their career and mine. Their positivity was so contagious that by the end of the evening, my cheeks were sore from smiling so much.
Above all, I was amazed by how many globe-trotting court reporters I met. Working abroad is my ultimate goal, and it felt like I had hit the jackpot when I quickly learned that nearly everyone at my table had taken jobs abroad or even temporarily resided in another country to work. They were only too happy to tell me about their adventures and how they had reached that point in their professional careers. Within just a few minutes of speaking with them, I had a few useful tips to take home and felt reinvigorated to pursue my own goal as never before.
Another memorable moment at the reception was meeting a fellow first-year reporter, Michael Hensley. Michael was just as driven and excited about his new career as I was, and I felt an instant connection with him. His enthusiasm for bettering ourselves as reporters even led to our wagering a game of friendly competition: Which of us could achieve the RMR certification first? You’re on, Michael! I was thrilled to get to know a new reporter with so much energy; he was the perfect example of how you’ll find only the cream of the crop at industry conventions, and I look forward to keeping in touch with him as we continue to grow.
My experience at the NCRA Convention and the Planet Depos reception could not have come at a better time. Work as a court reporter can be naturally isolating, and as I was juggling all the newness of the job, I found myself falling into the routine of only focusing on the day to day. Complacency was threatening to set in, and I needed to shake things up. I needed some new perspective to remind myself to always look further ahead than the now.
The convention weekend was just what the doctor ordered. My brain was filled to bursting with tips I learned at the seminars and from speaking with seasoned reporters, and I returned home with a renewed energy to tackle my writing problems and hone my skills in the interest of my career goals. Now I have another new year ahead of me, and I’m excited to make it the best yet.
