“Promise Me You Will …” Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I returned a phone call to a person requesting help to pass the NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, written knowledge test, WKT, while the individual placed an order for CRR Books and CDs’ test prep books.
As we worked together, the person identified herself as a student and shared she had attended NCRA’s 2010 national convention. I smiled and said, “I bet you met wonderful people.”
The pause was noticeable. She then shared that she “met one person who spent time speaking” with her.
She shared how this one conversation had changed her views on studying. She shared how this event had changed her eagerness to sit down and practice. Again I thought, “I bet it did!”
When I first enrolled in court reporting school and was a student, many people said I could not do ‘this’ – too many. I listened to none – none with negative opinions. I continued with my turtle approach, one minute at a time, each five-minute test, each class, each academic course, each moment, and avoided ‘all’ negativity. I was not the stellar student or the one that people “knew would do this.” Nope.
I had to sign forms stating that I had been advised I might not make it out of the court reporting program. Additionally, I had to carry a double-major in all my studies due to signing those forms.
I signed the forms (plural occasions) and then taped each on the wall next to my desk where I studied in my dorm room. They did not have power over me, but served as a reminder of what I really – really wanted to accomplish.
Again I asked the student, “Promise me you will prove him wrong. Please.” She laughed with gusto and promised she would.
The bar of excellence is high for our court reporting field – as it should be with responsibilities we accept each day preserving events and history. (One year I was the court reporter for the porta-potty national convention – multiple 8-hour days. I cannot make this up. Who knew I would learn so much about that one topic? We each have grand moments and “Gee, it’s another day at the office moments, yes?”)
Here’s the thing: We are going to have successes as we train and create new goals. We are going to have a few challenges. And we are going to have people who enter our world with words that do not click with what we want to hear or need to hear. And that’s okay, too.
I asked the student if she would let someone in the grocery store share their opinion with her on what is best for her life, and she laughed, “Heck, no!”
Well, there are going to be wonderful people who enter our world with words of wisdom and “here’s what ‘you’ want to avoid” (I love meeting people who share those words). I still have people who tell me I cannot do what I am currently doing. And I smile. No words seem necessary. Truly.
We are also going to meet people who are negative because of their world right now – perhaps their skills, their ability to meet our current technology. No matter. That’s their world. That’s their path. It’s not our track. And that’s okay, too.
“Promise me you will prove him wrong. Please!”
If you meet individuals who share their opinions with you, then I invite you to prioritize whether they get an “in” pass into your path or – not. You get to choose. Always.
Should you have someone who offers their opinion, and it not what you believe to be true regarding your schooling, your work, your goals, your hopes and dreams, promise me that you will prove that person wrong – especially if you really, really want to do this. Then promise me – and yourself – that you will.
Monette Benoit may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Motivation Management & Life Coach,
Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette's Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR or a state court reporting exam? I want to help you and others to pass your test and to exceed career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivation skills to keep you moving forward,
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Who comes to Monette for tutoring and coaching?
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re falling behind or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students or veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with one or two key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check It Out: Reach Your Goals! Private Tutoring and Coaching
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Monette Benoit can help you achieve at much high levels. Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life? Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material and an instructor, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, students and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette's Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
