Samantha spent nearly a decade hopping from job to job — medical assistant, real estate, searching for a career that finally felt like hers. Each path offered something, but none gave her the stability, purpose, or sense of belonging she craved.
Then a friend mentioned court reporting. She dove into research and quickly found herself hooked. The skill, the precision, the responsibility — and the tight-knit steno community — all clicked. For the first time, she could see a future she wanted to commit to. “I didn’t just feel interested, I felt certain,” she says. “It feels like what I was meant to do.”
Now testing at 200 words per minute in Plaza College’s Court Reporting program, Samantha describes her experience as intense but incredibly supportive. “The instructors are always there — whether it’s walking me through a CAT glitch or answering a grammar question from months ago,” she says. She credits the combination of expert instruction, real-world practice, and genuine guidance for helping her push through a challenging year and make steady progress.
Court reporting school demands total commitment, and Samantha has embraced that fully. She scaled back her business, structured her schedule, and shows up every day — even while managing ADHD and learning to navigate the program’s intensity. She practices seven days a week, asks countless questions, attends all live classes, and connects with mentors and peers to stay accountable.
“I’m motivated by results,” she says. “When I put in the work, I see progress. When I don’t, I don’t. There’s no shortcut — practice is everything.”
Samantha is drawn to the courtroom for the sense of community, but she’s also intrigued by freelancing. Her internship is giving her a taste of both worlds, and she’s excited to explore the path that best fits her skills and goals.
At 200 words per minute, Samantha is proof that discipline, curiosity, and the right support network can turn uncertainty into purpose — and a passion into a career.
