Some careers are carefully planned. Others find you when you least expect it.
For this Plaza College Court Reporting student, everything started during jury duty. While most people watched the trial, Wendy found herself watching the court reporters — captivated by the graceful precision as they captured every word. After speaking with two of them at the end of the trial and hearing the joy in their voices, something clicked. Soon after, she saw an article about the court reporter shortage in her area. It felt like a sign. She enrolled in the free A-Z course — and never looked back.
Since joining Plaza’s Court Reporting program, she describes the experience as both challenging and incredibly supportive. “This is the most demanding goal I’ve ever pursued,” Wendy shares, “but the faculty and administration truly make you feel like you’re not doing it alone.” That encouragement has made all the difference.
Balancing school with her full-time role as an Education Director at Queens Community House takes discipline and planning. She schedules her week carefully, fitting in practice wherever she can — even studying flashcards during a pedicure. “Each practice session brings me closer to the finish line,” she says.
Now working at 200 words per minute, Wendy reflects on the moments she once felt stuck at 80, 100, and 120. Pushing through those plateaus taught her resilience — and proved just how far she’s come.
While she’s still exploring whether court, captioning, or freelance work is the right path, one goal is crystal clear: within a few years of working professionally, she hopes to take her mom on her dream trip back to Hong Kong. “She’s spent her life caring for everyone else,” she says. “I want to give something meaningful back to her.”
From jury duty inspiration to mastering speed milestones, Wendy’s building more than a skill — she’s building a future.
