Does anyone know of a successful court reporter who began learning the craft after the age of 50?

I recently washed out of a court reporting program by not progressing fast enough.  My experience while there seemed to indicate that older students were not progressing as quickly for the amount of effort expended as younger students.  I began to wonder if anyone who started learning steno later in life, say after age 50, ever actually obtained a certification.

I started CR school when I was 42.  Had to drop out for eight -- yes EIGHT years.  Went back at age 50.  Got my CSR at 51.   Anyway, I hope I can continue this until my fingers just won't move anymore or my brain gives out -- whichever comes first.  Such a great career.  I'm so thankful that I hung in there. 

The truth is that roughly 93% of the students who go to CR school will never graduate, so in answer to Dino's question, it's not exclusive to older students not finishing school but also younger students.  Every student is different, but I would say the advantages for each group are that younger students were brought up in a technological generation when you look at I-Pods, Facebook, texting, and computers.  Older students, on the other hand, seem to persevere when it comes to practice and having terrific attendance, at least is the case at my school.

The universal qualities that make a successful court reporting student, at least that I've experienced, is to have the utmost desire of being the best student they can be.  This means constantly looking for ways to improve your writing whether practicing keystrokes or looking for briefs for high frequency words.  You need to absolutely, unequivocally want this career, as those who are simply in it for the money or as something to do as a job long disappear by the higher speeds.   You need to wake up every morning looking at your day at school as an opportunity rather than a chore.  You have to be open to suggestions from peers and instructors on how you can become a better writer and be willing to adapt to an ever-changing industry.

While there are about hundred more factors that go into being a successful court reporting student, those are simply a few off the top of my head.  If you can identify with all of those, Dino, and have had time to reflect on where you could have improved in your previous program, I would certainly recommend giving it another go-around.  Good luck to you.

I had a "vintage wine" student sit in with me, but I don't know if she completed the program.  She was able to keep up with the speed of the deposition, so it can be done.

Would you explain in more detail your statement "not progressing fast enough"?  I find it odd that only the older students were not keeping up.  I will be entering my 35th year as a Reporter, and I know many Reporters who have been working for more than 20 years, so something's wrong here.  Baby Boomers have a great deal to offer the profession.

How about trying another program?

Pinksteno; the school I attended required that speed tests be passed on a regular basis in order to remain in the program.  I just wasn't passing tests often enough.  I am trying to make a distinction here between people who learned when they were younger and are still able to exercise their skill as seniors, and those like me who didn't even try to learn until they were already older. 

Frst, can I say that "dinosaur" is a matter of perspective.

I'm 53...I began school a year and a half ago....there's another girl that began with me, she's 54.

I wanted to repond to your question...

No, I don't...not yet. However, I'll save your name & let you know when we finish!!

...and yes, we've struggled. I won't bore you with the gory details unless you really wanna know.

How far along did you get?

I'm glad to hear you haven't given up the quest.  I was 38 when I started and it took almost four years to finish.  I have to say that I did notice that the youngsters by and large (not all) did seem to pass through the speed levels faster than us more "mature of age" folks.  So the real question is whether you want to be a court reporter.  If the answer is yes, you've certainly come far enough in the program to prove that you can finish. 

Just in case this encourages you, I wanted to mention that it took 3 years and 7 months for me to reach my 180s.  Then I passed all 180s, 200s, and 225s in about 8 weeks.  It was really kind of freaky, like, God just said it's time to finish and start working.  I was only in 225 for 2 weeks.  Of course I wouldn't want to pass along an expectation that would end up dissapointing you, but merely wanted you to know that it can happen.  If I had continued at the rate I was going, I "should" have been in school another year and a half to two years.  God works in mysterious ways. 

Do you mind sharing how long it has taken you so far to reach the 180 level?  Not that there's a formula or anything.  Just curious how long you've been at it. 

So bottom line is that if you want to be a court reporter, then be a court reporter and don't give up.  Bear down, practice hard, and do it!  Good luck to you.

BTW, I'm 45 now and have much success in this business and so glad I persevered.  I'm coming up on completing my third year of reporting and it's truly $paying$ off.  ;)  You can do it!!!

I totally think you can do it! I struggled and hit my plateou around the 180's as well. Also, don't get too down on yourself on the Q&A's, it is the hardest section of the three. It took me 4 1/2 yrs to get through while working part time, and getting married, and I'm 23. I think you were right on track. It really helped me to have a friend to help push each other along, and always talking CRing to keep my mind into it, and just keep my motivation there. Having a friend to talk to during the week just so you can say I have too much going on, I've got to sit down and practice, and she's there to listen. Your spouse or family only knows so much and can be supportive, but not like a fellow student who know exactly what your going through. I guess this was my best kept secret for getting through school. Uping your practice time, and practicing at least 20 wpm faster than what you are testing at is going to be key. Remember to slow it down to goal speed when you get frustrated and your fingers don't want to move at those high speed that day for some reason. Bringing your speed to goal will improve acurracy and maily just keep your fingers moving which is good for that repition to make it second nature.

I go to the library sometimes to get away from the distractions at home. It helped me to think that this is my allotted time in my life to do this, and I'm going to do it and beat the odds just to show myself I can do it.

I say don't let your age hold you back! 50 still gives you plenty of time for working years. Go for it!

I started CR school at age 60 -- 3 years later, I'm still persevering, but am unable to pass 100.  What I get is 99% perfect, but I'm only getting 80% of the dictation.  I can't seem to stop thinking every word.  Very  discouraging, and  I really don't want to start my new career at age 70!  So I've slightly shifted my goal and am doing scoping now.  That part's always been easy and enjoyable for me.  And I continue to practice writing so I don't lose what I've got just in case some morning I magically wake up and the brain has learned to let go and the fingers have learned to fly!