Meet Sophia, a devoted student in Plaza College’s Court Reporting program. Initially pursuing criminology, Sophia’s career path changed after a conversation with one of her mother’s clients, who introduced her to court reporting. Now excelling in her studies, she has embraced Plaza College’s flexible online learning environment, which allows her to balance coursework with other commitments. She credits the unwavering support of her professors for her success, noting how their accessibility and encouragement have significantly impacted her education.

A defining moment in Sophia’s journey was visiting the Manhattan Supreme Court during Court Reporting and Captioning Week. Inspired by industry professionals and her professors’ belief in her abilities, she decided to accelerate her graduation timeline, demonstrating her dedication and drive. Beyond the classroom, Sophia takes full advantage of Plaza College’s networking opportunities, including industry events like Steno Stars, which provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain insights from experienced professionals.

Reflecting on the opportunity to connect with industry professionals through Plaza College’s network of working court reporters, Sophia said, “Being exposed to professionals in the field is inspiring. Hearing from court reporters and captioners about their careers makes it all feel real and attainable. I also didn’t realize how many different directions this career could take until Plaza College introduced me to all the possibilities.”

Outside of school, Sophia is an adventurer at heart—having traveled to 14 states and six countries. She also has a fascination with the unknown, believing in both ghosts and aliens. When she’s not honing her stenography skills, she enjoys a simple pleasure: a bowl of Mini Wheats, her favorite cereal.