Test Power Prep The Final Week
By Monette Benoit
Copyright 2007 by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
If you are taking a NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, or state court reporting test this weekend, you are now in the fast lane to reach, to grasp forward onto your goals.
I have received so many emails on how to prep, I blocked time in my schedule today, this final week for many test takers, to gift each of you with information, which has successfully assisted people in 20 years I have worked with adults taking certification tests.
Thousands of students and court reporters have accomplished huge goals - one step at a time, one step, one step, sometimes only in one tiny step -- then a wobble. The one step at a time awareness is where you find the greatest progress.
Each of you now has an opportunity to reach and to stretch, and I want to remind each of you to be gentle with yourself and to remain focused this final week. Many of you can see and taste this last lap.
Here's some tips I have found to help many, many in your shoes this week.
This week make sure you are eating full meals. Eat meals and snack; focus on your blood sugar. Carbohydrates will give you long-term energy. Meals with pasta and rice are great for ensuring your body functions at peak performance. Proteins are geared for short-term energy. Balance the two, and you are in athletic training.
Drink water. You want to make sure you hydrate your body with water, perhaps green tea, Gatorade-type drinks. The soda may taste good, but soda dehydrates the body. Stress will contribute to depleting fluids from your body and warm temperatures also reduce your hydration. Drink water, fluids.
If you are taking a machine portion of the test, make sure your fingernails are at a level where you function at peak performance. Many students and reporters will have a manicure, and I quietly share that now is not the time to test those new acrylic tips. Go with what works best for you. You can reward yourself next week with a 'new venture'.
As you move closer to the scheduled time, I want to remind you to notice your energy-awareness. You may become more sensitive at work and school, with your family and with yourself. Some call this 'cranky' -- I prefer 'sensitive'. This is normal. Once you are aware this is part of your preparation, you can acknowledge the awareness and let this test power prep work for you.
Make sure you are taking time out for you. Have you listened to your favorite CD? Is there a song or movie where you find inspiration? Have you remembered to laugh? When we are focused on a long-term goal, sometimes it is the little moments in our world that are the most effective.
Pack your equipment, and you, the night before the test. Gas the car. Make sure there are no road closures to the test site. I teach and advise you should be packed by mid-afternoon the day before. This will ensure the possibility of reducing the 'oh, dang, where did I put ...?' moment.
Stretch and breathe. When we are stressed, we sit, shoulders hunched 'up' and breathe in shallow breaths. Breathe in, breathe out, slowly and regularly, in and out. Focus on regulating your breath. If you find your voice is higher than it normally is, you probably are shallow breathing.
The more oxygen your brain and body receives, the better you will function.
Ah, yes, sleep. The final two nights, I suggest taking a warm bath, shower, curling up with a loved one (human and/or pet) and being quiet. In your quiet moments, you will find great comfort.
Avoid people who are high maintenance - really. You want to be comforted and focused. If there are multiple pulls for your energy, your attention, you may want to remember you have earned the right to this peaceful, focused last week preparing for your goal.
The morning of your test, be careful on the high-test coffee-type drinks, colas. Caffeine will take you up in an energy burst and -- will drop you down when the burst has bust.
I suggest each person should pack little packets of red grapes, non-salted peanuts, pretzels, nuts. There is an amazing abundance of energy to be found in red grapes and carb snacks.
As you enter the test premises, throw your shoulders back, chin up.
If this is a return walk into the premises, focus on 'now'.
If this is your first virgin stroll, a click of your fingers or a moment in prayer may serve you 'now'.
As you enter the room, if you find people in groups, avoid the chatting. You should specifically avoid anyone who is asking "What does this mean?" or "How do you write...?" This is your time.
You want to remain focused, flexible and focused on your test power prep awareness.
I wish each of you a blessed week. When you perform at your peak and focus on your success, you truly will remember why it is you chose this occupation.
And please know, we need you, too -- really.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author: Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Try Harder; Each Time You Try Harder
Try Harder; Each Time You Try Harder
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Sunday afternoon, I taxied to ‘Tong Sing’. I sprinted towards 615 Grant Avenue.
My sister-in-law owns a jewelry store in San Francisco's China Town.
I darted around people selling sunglasses and picture frames on the sidewalk, launched into the store. I had looked forward to this moment for a long time. I viewed pearls of every color, rings, diamonds, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. The sign over the doorway: ‘SALE! 70% Off Everything!” I saw my sister-in-law, called her name. She ran into my arms. Wenny did not know I was in San Francisco; here I stood, arms out, waiting for her hug.
I had just spent days attending, sharing and exhibiting my products and services within Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs, during the National Court Reporters Association midyear convention.
There, I laughed and listened to judicial and free-lance court reporters, captioners, CART providers, students, teachers.
Wenny was excited to see me. I followed her to the back private are, she poured hot jasmine tea for me. As people entered, Wenny ran to the front, “How are you? Everything 70% off!” I was seated next to a large statue with oranges and incense. Wenny was busy, showing customers leather coats, purses, luggage, gifts, jewelry, silks, merchandise.
I waited for a time, then quietly slipped to an area where I took a seat in front of a jewelry case. I listened to people speaking Chinese and English; many pointed to jewelry on shelves or deep within cases. Between customers, Wenny said to me, “I’ll make you a pearl necklace.” Wenny removed pearls from multiple ‘strings’ to design a necklace. When she was busy, I sat by the long pearl strings.
Wenny greeted each customer personally and answered the phone. She built the necklace, as I tease her with her teeth. She strung one pearl, tied a knot, used her teeth to tighten each knot, then added another pearl.
Wenny kept saying, “I’ll make a pearl necklace for when you speak, when you attend conventions.” She handed me a custom-made necklace and hugged me.
People continued to shop in her store and make purchases. I watched her in action. I had not known Wenny since she entered the Benoit family, my in-laws.
We gathered at formal family gatherings, but never had time to know each other. I knew she arrived in our country, working hard, earning everything she now has.
Wenny Hoang Bui left Vietnam in 1978. She traveled to Hong Kong, arriving in San Francisco, 1980. She’s worked seven days a week, three jobs each day, to open Tong Sing. When we met, this was her goal. She saved everything to open ‘Tong Sing Fine Jewelry’.
I watched, listened. Wenny answered my questions, sharing her world. As I touched jewelry, she’d giggle, “Go ahead; try it on.”
Soon, I was trying on rings, bracelets; it reminded me of visiting my granny’s as a child, playing with her jewelry.
When the store became busy, people looked at me asking ‘how much is that’ or ‘can I see that’? Raising my eyebrows to Wenny, she nodded.
Off I went behind the counters to begin selling jewelry in China Town.
I couldn’t open glass counters, remove velvet trays, confidently placing each on the counter. With shoulders back, chin up, I worked to assist customers. And what fun I had.
As soon as I placed trays on counters, customers would ask “So how much will you take?” I’d laugh, replying, “I don’t know, ask her; I’m just the sister-in-law.” Customers frowned and did 'double-takes' looking at my Vietnamese sister-in-law then me. Many questioned how I ‘really’ knew her – in my opinion, due to the obvious that I knew squat about working a jewelry counter.
One family asked how much ‘70% off’ was for a necklace. I pushed the calculator forward, teasing, “I don’t know; why don’t you figure it out?”
As I finished my first sale, I was ecstatic, yelling to Wenny, “I did it; I made my first sale!” I couldn’t work the cash register or wrap the jewelry. So I placed the necklace on the lady, handing Wenny the money.
The store seemed to ebb and flow with families, people, shopping, viewing, touching. Each time, Wenny ran to the front, “Hi, how are you? Everything 70% off!”
Wenny shared how she discounts 70%: She and two sisters each have a store; they bulk purchase. Wenny’s specialty is pearls: “Pearls always maintain value, always timeless.”
One customer asked to see a bracelet, requesting the price. As Wenny worked, the woman was testy (some might even say 'rude'). I pursed my lips, listening as this customer worked to have the price greatly reduced.
Wenny smiled, respectfully answering questions, never showing impatience. The customer departed with a tart remark after a lengthy stay; I was offended for Wenny. Wenny smiled, never missed a beat. She ran to the back and poured another cup of hot tea for me.
Wenny opens her store each morning. It requires one hour to open, one hour to close -- closing “when the last customer leaves” – seven days a week.
Three hours later, we sipped tea in the few moments the store was quiet. Again, Wenny darted to the door. I viewed the back of her high heels as she ran to greet customers. When they quickly departed, almost in a u-turn, I asked, “How do you do it? ‘Each time’ you run greeting ‘everyone’ with a smile. You greet everyone with such energy. ‘How’ do you do it?”
Wenny instantly smiled, replying: “Try harder. ‘Each’ time ‘you’ try harder!” Then she ran to the front of the store to greet the new arrivals.
I thought back to the NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, convention. Many of us were enthused to gather. I met handfuls of reporters who shared they were not realtiming, did not want to improve their skills and meant it. The first time, I laughed, sure this was a joke. Nope. They were serious.
I joked, “And let me guess, you’re against voice-writers, technology, and you have a tape when you work.” Though numbers were small, this stuck with me.
The moment Wenny beamed, sharing ‘try harder; each time you try harder’, I sighed.
That was exactly what I needed to hear that day. Sitting in China Town, embraced within another culture, I experienced ‘peace’.
When I asked Wenny what ‘Tong Sing’ means, she said it’s Chinese, translating: “Go up. You want to go up all the time; make more. Go up, big business.”
I helped Wenny close Tong Sing that evening, pack jewelry, cover jewelry cases. I left with a pearl necklace, earrings and two pearl necklaces for my mother. “You’re family; we only have one mother,” she kept saying.
The best gift: Wenny Hoang Bui, my sister-in-law, shared her love, culture, enthusiasm and work ethic. Now girlfriends, Wenny drove me back to The Argent Hotel. I leaped out of her car when she could not find the correct street, and we were circling the same streets.
I hugged her, grabbed my bag, sprinted up the street.
San Francisco, with crisp air, beautiful buildings, seemed different.
The city hadn’t changed, I had.
Entering the hotel, smiling court reporters approached, “Will you be at the national in Chicago? I can’t wait; see you then!”
I went to my room remembering: “Try harder. Each time you try harder.”
When I phoned ‘fact-checking’ this article, Wenny shared that she had just rented the sidewalk in front of her store to film a movie. Yes, ‘Tong Sing’.
Wenny can be reached seven days a week at 415-392-0838. With boundless energy, she ships jewelry all over the world. May we all “go up … all the time.” Happy New Years to each of you. Tong Sing.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author: Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Sunday afternoon, I taxied to ‘Tong Sing’. I sprinted towards 615 Grant Avenue.
My sister-in-law owns a jewelry store in San Francisco's China Town.
I darted around people selling sunglasses and picture frames on the sidewalk, launched into the store. I had looked forward to this moment for a long time. I viewed pearls of every color, rings, diamonds, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. The sign over the doorway: ‘SALE! 70% Off Everything!” I saw my sister-in-law, called her name. She ran into my arms. Wenny did not know I was in San Francisco; here I stood, arms out, waiting for her hug.
I had just spent days attending, sharing and exhibiting my products and services within Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs, during the National Court Reporters Association midyear convention.
There, I laughed and listened to judicial and free-lance court reporters, captioners, CART providers, students, teachers.
Wenny was excited to see me. I followed her to the back private are, she poured hot jasmine tea for me. As people entered, Wenny ran to the front, “How are you? Everything 70% off!” I was seated next to a large statue with oranges and incense. Wenny was busy, showing customers leather coats, purses, luggage, gifts, jewelry, silks, merchandise.
I waited for a time, then quietly slipped to an area where I took a seat in front of a jewelry case. I listened to people speaking Chinese and English; many pointed to jewelry on shelves or deep within cases. Between customers, Wenny said to me, “I’ll make you a pearl necklace.” Wenny removed pearls from multiple ‘strings’ to design a necklace. When she was busy, I sat by the long pearl strings.
Wenny greeted each customer personally and answered the phone. She built the necklace, as I tease her with her teeth. She strung one pearl, tied a knot, used her teeth to tighten each knot, then added another pearl.
Wenny kept saying, “I’ll make a pearl necklace for when you speak, when you attend conventions.” She handed me a custom-made necklace and hugged me.
People continued to shop in her store and make purchases. I watched her in action. I had not known Wenny since she entered the Benoit family, my in-laws.
We gathered at formal family gatherings, but never had time to know each other. I knew she arrived in our country, working hard, earning everything she now has.
Wenny Hoang Bui left Vietnam in 1978. She traveled to Hong Kong, arriving in San Francisco, 1980. She’s worked seven days a week, three jobs each day, to open Tong Sing. When we met, this was her goal. She saved everything to open ‘Tong Sing Fine Jewelry’.
I watched, listened. Wenny answered my questions, sharing her world. As I touched jewelry, she’d giggle, “Go ahead; try it on.”
Soon, I was trying on rings, bracelets; it reminded me of visiting my granny’s as a child, playing with her jewelry.
When the store became busy, people looked at me asking ‘how much is that’ or ‘can I see that’? Raising my eyebrows to Wenny, she nodded.
Off I went behind the counters to begin selling jewelry in China Town.
I couldn’t open glass counters, remove velvet trays, confidently placing each on the counter. With shoulders back, chin up, I worked to assist customers. And what fun I had.
As soon as I placed trays on counters, customers would ask “So how much will you take?” I’d laugh, replying, “I don’t know, ask her; I’m just the sister-in-law.” Customers frowned and did 'double-takes' looking at my Vietnamese sister-in-law then me. Many questioned how I ‘really’ knew her – in my opinion, due to the obvious that I knew squat about working a jewelry counter.
One family asked how much ‘70% off’ was for a necklace. I pushed the calculator forward, teasing, “I don’t know; why don’t you figure it out?”
As I finished my first sale, I was ecstatic, yelling to Wenny, “I did it; I made my first sale!” I couldn’t work the cash register or wrap the jewelry. So I placed the necklace on the lady, handing Wenny the money.
The store seemed to ebb and flow with families, people, shopping, viewing, touching. Each time, Wenny ran to the front, “Hi, how are you? Everything 70% off!”
Wenny shared how she discounts 70%: She and two sisters each have a store; they bulk purchase. Wenny’s specialty is pearls: “Pearls always maintain value, always timeless.”
One customer asked to see a bracelet, requesting the price. As Wenny worked, the woman was testy (some might even say 'rude'). I pursed my lips, listening as this customer worked to have the price greatly reduced.
Wenny smiled, respectfully answering questions, never showing impatience. The customer departed with a tart remark after a lengthy stay; I was offended for Wenny. Wenny smiled, never missed a beat. She ran to the back and poured another cup of hot tea for me.
Wenny opens her store each morning. It requires one hour to open, one hour to close -- closing “when the last customer leaves” – seven days a week.
Three hours later, we sipped tea in the few moments the store was quiet. Again, Wenny darted to the door. I viewed the back of her high heels as she ran to greet customers. When they quickly departed, almost in a u-turn, I asked, “How do you do it? ‘Each time’ you run greeting ‘everyone’ with a smile. You greet everyone with such energy. ‘How’ do you do it?”
Wenny instantly smiled, replying: “Try harder. ‘Each’ time ‘you’ try harder!” Then she ran to the front of the store to greet the new arrivals.
I thought back to the NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, convention. Many of us were enthused to gather. I met handfuls of reporters who shared they were not realtiming, did not want to improve their skills and meant it. The first time, I laughed, sure this was a joke. Nope. They were serious.
I joked, “And let me guess, you’re against voice-writers, technology, and you have a tape when you work.” Though numbers were small, this stuck with me.
The moment Wenny beamed, sharing ‘try harder; each time you try harder’, I sighed.
That was exactly what I needed to hear that day. Sitting in China Town, embraced within another culture, I experienced ‘peace’.
When I asked Wenny what ‘Tong Sing’ means, she said it’s Chinese, translating: “Go up. You want to go up all the time; make more. Go up, big business.”
I helped Wenny close Tong Sing that evening, pack jewelry, cover jewelry cases. I left with a pearl necklace, earrings and two pearl necklaces for my mother. “You’re family; we only have one mother,” she kept saying.
The best gift: Wenny Hoang Bui, my sister-in-law, shared her love, culture, enthusiasm and work ethic. Now girlfriends, Wenny drove me back to The Argent Hotel. I leaped out of her car when she could not find the correct street, and we were circling the same streets.
I hugged her, grabbed my bag, sprinted up the street.
San Francisco, with crisp air, beautiful buildings, seemed different.
The city hadn’t changed, I had.
Entering the hotel, smiling court reporters approached, “Will you be at the national in Chicago? I can’t wait; see you then!”
I went to my room remembering: “Try harder. Each time you try harder.”
When I phoned ‘fact-checking’ this article, Wenny shared that she had just rented the sidewalk in front of her store to film a movie. Yes, ‘Tong Sing’.
Wenny can be reached seven days a week at 415-392-0838. With boundless energy, she ships jewelry all over the world. May we all “go up … all the time.” Happy New Years to each of you. Tong Sing.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author: Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Friday, April 20, 2007
CARTing 'Up And Out' And Captain Kevin
CARTing 'Up And Out' And Captain Kevin
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Now and then we’re granted special events we remember for a long, long time. Some can be confidential. The jobs I’m writing about here were not your typical day at the office.
Originally I wanted special CART (communication access realtime translation, instant voice to text) moments to remain private. Then my life shifted; it was altered.
Two weeks after the San Diego installation of NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, president Mike Brentano, my world changed forever. I received the call no one wants.
My terminally ill youngest (he hated the word ‘baby’) brother died August 5th, 2000.
Two years prior, 12/23/97, Kevin was privately diagnosed with Hepatitis C, HCV.
After his diagnosis, Kevin learned that in 1976 he was infected during experiment vaccinations in the military.
Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly passionately spent day and night researching, assisting veterans, their families and medical researchers. He died suddenly, tragically alone.
Many court reporters knew of my brother’s illness and his work. At my request, Kevin also helped veterans, family members, deaf, hard-of-hearing and court reporters (to include members of their families) each diagnosed with HCV. Kevin encouraged everyone, researched information specific for each person, so they could move forward with hope and facts.
Kevin also worked to develop the first of Hepatitis C Support Forums and proved that the virus and other viruses are shared by pneumatic guns, which routinely shared the same needles with multiple soldiers and individuals. Depression is a side of effect of Hep C, and as many know, depression is an often misunderstood illness.
Kevin designed a website that he and LeighAnn Vogel built to assist veterans, families, professionals and children of diagnosed individuals. Some of Kevin's work may be accessed at http://www.geocities.com/hepvet/index.html.
Their web site was the first private web site to be attached by the VA, Veterans Administration, sharing information Kevin gathered to specifically veterans and their families.
The afternoon of his death, prior to the call, my family gathered with my dad to help his recovery from cancer surgery. Due to dad’s surgery and recuperation, I flew alone to Kevin’s funeral.
(August 10th, 2000, in Calverton Cemetery, a military graveyard, I waited in the noon sun for his casket to be delivered to the empty hole in the ground – the gravediggers went to lunch.)
I humbly share that it was the comfort of mentors, court reporters, NCRA, National Court Reporters Assocation, staff and kind strangers who strengthened me.
I canceled my JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, “Beyond The Comfort Zone” column from one airport, stood on long lines alone.
Stunned, I phoned a few friends as I waited to board planes. They helped me to go, stand tall, listen, fly home, then find sense of my world.
During the quiet time, I experienced many incidents that spurred me to write this article. I am honoring those moments. And now I have a special message to share.
Traditionally, my CART, communication access realtime translation (instant voice-to-text display on a computer) request assists deaf, hard-of-hearing, people learning English, etc.
But I received a unique request many moons ago. They wanted CART and a verbatim disk immediately thereafter. Fine. The consumer was not deaf or hearing challenged. Fine. I was requested because “sometimes high energy field surges blow out electricity recording the event.” Excuse me?
I needed more information. The person scheduling the event was a medium, a clairvoyant. The client wanted to speak to a dead relative. (Yes, like you, I paused a little there too.)
They requested CART for an instant verbatim text record. Could I write on battery to prevent electrical blips?
In court I wrote hearings, motions. Was the plaintiff really injured?
I wrote jury trials. Was the defendant, alleged criminal, in fact, innocent? I know they are innocent until proven guilty, but officers of the court often are entitled to information the jury may not receive.
I still remember the divorce law firm that nailed everything down - stapler, sofa cushions, books, etc. I did not judge others when my skills were used then. Was this different?
I thought about seven years of CARTing deaf masses, PTA/school meetings, religious events, university Latin classes, the McGruff Dog (he had paw surgery, so he could sign to the deaf children), country dancing lessons, funerals, conventions, where I felt privileged to share CART. They required instant verbatim text delivery.
I thought about friends who would scream if they knew. I envisioned my mom smiling, praying; my Jesuit-schooled father sighing, glancing skyward.
With an open mind, lots of prayer, I accepted. I entered terms in my job dictionary to include psychics, mediums, shamans, metaphysical, tarot, clairvoyants, mystics and yes, ghostbusters. I realtimed with the screen turned down, charged batteries to avoid electrical problems.
The ‘reading’ began with prayer, moved quickly into personal information. Pets, nicknames, childhood memories, favorite foods were shared before communication began. I remember holding my breath – concerned sudden inhales could invade their privacy. I ended with wonder (and some shock). Everyone was so thankful I shared my CART skills. I’d been part of something very personal. I received other calls. Each different; each adhered to a Code of Ethics. And, yes, I continued to pray and attend church.
As a result of that work, I received a CART request for a telephonic medical intuitive. Their appointment had been scheduled two years earlier. This was a medical doctor with a Ph.D. using psychic abilities to ‘read’ problems from the past and future for someone’s heath.
Again, I charged batteries, globaled, moved forward. Later, I CARTed a homicide detective sharing a file report.
I am convinced that when someone asks for any verbatim record, a court reporter is the necessary professional. I tease that as an experienced court reporter I can write anything spoken and/or mumbled.
CART providers can bring comfort to people who are grieving. When CARTing funerals for individuals who are hard-of-hearing and/or deaf, I experienced peace while sharing so others could participate. We can assist with closure involving people close to the center. I feel privileged to sit at the edge of the circle, to hear what I did.
Faith is personal. Messages are private.
My brother died young and sadly, much too fast. He is no longer here to share laughter, to guide me with his courage, wisdom, friendship and wicked sense of humor.
Kevin will never send a funny or informative email which I could keep or could choose to share with friend, court reporters and mentors. I draw comfort from my quiet moments, from those with insights, loving guidance.
We can instantly realtime anything … verbal, spiritual and, now I know, even spirits. I’m grateful for spiritual moments, for hearing ‘Up and Out’ utilizing CART with an open mind and an open heart.
My work is still private. My life forever changed due to my CART skills, the death of my brother and the hope I desire to share with each of you.
Further information about Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly is included: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=32
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author: Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Now and then we’re granted special events we remember for a long, long time. Some can be confidential. The jobs I’m writing about here were not your typical day at the office.
Originally I wanted special CART (communication access realtime translation, instant voice to text) moments to remain private. Then my life shifted; it was altered.
Two weeks after the San Diego installation of NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, president Mike Brentano, my world changed forever. I received the call no one wants.
My terminally ill youngest (he hated the word ‘baby’) brother died August 5th, 2000.
Two years prior, 12/23/97, Kevin was privately diagnosed with Hepatitis C, HCV.
After his diagnosis, Kevin learned that in 1976 he was infected during experiment vaccinations in the military.
Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly passionately spent day and night researching, assisting veterans, their families and medical researchers. He died suddenly, tragically alone.
Many court reporters knew of my brother’s illness and his work. At my request, Kevin also helped veterans, family members, deaf, hard-of-hearing and court reporters (to include members of their families) each diagnosed with HCV. Kevin encouraged everyone, researched information specific for each person, so they could move forward with hope and facts.
Kevin also worked to develop the first of Hepatitis C Support Forums and proved that the virus and other viruses are shared by pneumatic guns, which routinely shared the same needles with multiple soldiers and individuals. Depression is a side of effect of Hep C, and as many know, depression is an often misunderstood illness.
Kevin designed a website that he and LeighAnn Vogel built to assist veterans, families, professionals and children of diagnosed individuals. Some of Kevin's work may be accessed at http://www.geocities.com/hepvet/index.html.
Their web site was the first private web site to be attached by the VA, Veterans Administration, sharing information Kevin gathered to specifically veterans and their families.
The afternoon of his death, prior to the call, my family gathered with my dad to help his recovery from cancer surgery. Due to dad’s surgery and recuperation, I flew alone to Kevin’s funeral.
(August 10th, 2000, in Calverton Cemetery, a military graveyard, I waited in the noon sun for his casket to be delivered to the empty hole in the ground – the gravediggers went to lunch.)
I humbly share that it was the comfort of mentors, court reporters, NCRA, National Court Reporters Assocation, staff and kind strangers who strengthened me.
I canceled my JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, “Beyond The Comfort Zone” column from one airport, stood on long lines alone.
Stunned, I phoned a few friends as I waited to board planes. They helped me to go, stand tall, listen, fly home, then find sense of my world.
During the quiet time, I experienced many incidents that spurred me to write this article. I am honoring those moments. And now I have a special message to share.
Traditionally, my CART, communication access realtime translation (instant voice-to-text display on a computer) request assists deaf, hard-of-hearing, people learning English, etc.
But I received a unique request many moons ago. They wanted CART and a verbatim disk immediately thereafter. Fine. The consumer was not deaf or hearing challenged. Fine. I was requested because “sometimes high energy field surges blow out electricity recording the event.” Excuse me?
I needed more information. The person scheduling the event was a medium, a clairvoyant. The client wanted to speak to a dead relative. (Yes, like you, I paused a little there too.)
They requested CART for an instant verbatim text record. Could I write on battery to prevent electrical blips?
In court I wrote hearings, motions. Was the plaintiff really injured?
I wrote jury trials. Was the defendant, alleged criminal, in fact, innocent? I know they are innocent until proven guilty, but officers of the court often are entitled to information the jury may not receive.
I still remember the divorce law firm that nailed everything down - stapler, sofa cushions, books, etc. I did not judge others when my skills were used then. Was this different?
I thought about seven years of CARTing deaf masses, PTA/school meetings, religious events, university Latin classes, the McGruff Dog (he had paw surgery, so he could sign to the deaf children), country dancing lessons, funerals, conventions, where I felt privileged to share CART. They required instant verbatim text delivery.
I thought about friends who would scream if they knew. I envisioned my mom smiling, praying; my Jesuit-schooled father sighing, glancing skyward.
With an open mind, lots of prayer, I accepted. I entered terms in my job dictionary to include psychics, mediums, shamans, metaphysical, tarot, clairvoyants, mystics and yes, ghostbusters. I realtimed with the screen turned down, charged batteries to avoid electrical problems.
The ‘reading’ began with prayer, moved quickly into personal information. Pets, nicknames, childhood memories, favorite foods were shared before communication began. I remember holding my breath – concerned sudden inhales could invade their privacy. I ended with wonder (and some shock). Everyone was so thankful I shared my CART skills. I’d been part of something very personal. I received other calls. Each different; each adhered to a Code of Ethics. And, yes, I continued to pray and attend church.
As a result of that work, I received a CART request for a telephonic medical intuitive. Their appointment had been scheduled two years earlier. This was a medical doctor with a Ph.D. using psychic abilities to ‘read’ problems from the past and future for someone’s heath.
Again, I charged batteries, globaled, moved forward. Later, I CARTed a homicide detective sharing a file report.
I am convinced that when someone asks for any verbatim record, a court reporter is the necessary professional. I tease that as an experienced court reporter I can write anything spoken and/or mumbled.
CART providers can bring comfort to people who are grieving. When CARTing funerals for individuals who are hard-of-hearing and/or deaf, I experienced peace while sharing so others could participate. We can assist with closure involving people close to the center. I feel privileged to sit at the edge of the circle, to hear what I did.
Faith is personal. Messages are private.
My brother died young and sadly, much too fast. He is no longer here to share laughter, to guide me with his courage, wisdom, friendship and wicked sense of humor.
Kevin will never send a funny or informative email which I could keep or could choose to share with friend, court reporters and mentors. I draw comfort from my quiet moments, from those with insights, loving guidance.
We can instantly realtime anything … verbal, spiritual and, now I know, even spirits. I’m grateful for spiritual moments, for hearing ‘Up and Out’ utilizing CART with an open mind and an open heart.
My work is still private. My life forever changed due to my CART skills, the death of my brother and the hope I desire to share with each of you.
Further information about Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly is included: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=32
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author: Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, a companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
One Lost Sheep And What If ...
One Lost Sheep And What If ...
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Do you have the skills to realtime for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person? You won't know if you don't try. What if you could find a comfortable environment to become realtime proficient?
What if you could nurture your realtime skills, build your confidence and attract new clients outside legal arenas. You can expand your skills by growing into the technology. You can realtime for people that appreciate you and your talents. The hardest part will be not taking yourself too seriously.
As a CART, communication access realtime, provider writing to large screens, I've realtimed unique events, assisting people who wouldn't have participated if I wasn't there: McGruff the Crime Dog who signs to children, religious gatherings, baptisms, funerals, voter forums, cochlear implant meetings for tots and children, theatrical plays, large conventions, banquets and much more.
I realtimed a deaf mime acting skits of Mr. Ed meets Batman. The audience joked that they always knew that horse wasn't speaking because they knew how to read lips. The humor in this community just floors me. I've been the victim of more practical jokes than I care to admit, but I'm grateful for inclusion in their world.
Recently, I wrote a child singing "Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O" in the middle of a technical presentation. And yes, I've asked: The Deaf Society I work with prefers to be known as the Deaf World; not people who are deaf. When in doubt, ask. They don't want us to define their world. They'll be honored that you cared enough to ask how they describe themselves.
Where do you start? What if you wanted to begin, and someone said you had to become a certified court reporter, RMR and CRR, and have zero percent untrans? Where do you start to practice? That answer differs for each person, group, even and upon your skills.
Evaluate where you are. If you edit much of your work and haven't purchased a laptop, you're in for a bigger learning curve. But this is where the goal is created. Seek a group, arena or person. Ask if you can practice to expand your vocabulary. Knowledge of their culture and (to me) a sense of confidence develops to be able to write on a screen as a room watches -- or laughs. Yet you have to keep writing. The earth will not swallow you, no matter how much you wish for it.
Study the group. Go slowly, but go forward. Where do people meet that might want this service? Call LHA (formerlySHHH), AGB, ALDA, United Way, the American Association of Retired Persons and sign interpreters.Why do they need you to provide this service?
I keep explanations simple. Our wires, equipment, plugs and technology are foreign to people.
Prepare answers to questions that you think you'll be asked. The rest will flow from your heart.
I prepare fliers in several colors. Each is targeted to the event or educational level of the group: elementary/high school, adults, educators, hard-of-hearing, oral deaf, etc. When someone asks for information (usually as I'm writing in realtime on my steno machine), I point to fliers. When a person calls, I ask for the color of their handout. This saves me time.
Learn about their world. Reporters ask me: How do I write with a sign interpreter? Interpreters sign when people voice (speak). I call it "thigh-by-thigh" reporting. Interpreters, thigh by thigh, whisper words, interpreting signed discussions, so I can write on a screen.
Find one place - a church, class, organization open to the public - and attend regularly. Call ahead and explain what you'd like to do. Ask if you can take your equipment, sit in the back and practice. Tell the group you need their help. Once I offer my "deer in the headlights" look, they share information and speak so I can write their words into my dictionary. This is empowering to people you want to assist. Every person has thanked me for allowing them to help me. They tell me it makes them feel good to contribute. And I'm told the misconceptions I need to avoid. They tease, laugh and enjoy my struggles. Don't be offended.
Expand your vocabulary. Write the news. Rent Robin Williams videos. Create a dictionary with terms other than legal terms and preponderance of the evidence.
Ask to be included. A group will become protective of you. Teach them to be protective of your equipment. As your skills and friends expand, you become more confident. Get the details. How long is the meeting or event? Is the content technical? If someone is reading your screen, should there be two court reporters to ensure an accurate job? How long will they need the writer to write? When ‘they’ take a lunch break, are you given a lunch break? What speed do I need? Can a student do this? Always define "this." Each group and situation will differ. Prepare as best as you can, then get into that saddle and just write.
After they've embraced you, your professional dictionary's expanded, your confidence has grown, you're realtiming live on a screen/laptop, then think about local meetings and state and national groups.
Consider your fees. How much do I charge? They can't fire a pro bono writer in the corner with her shoulders at her ears. Earn your wings, then consider by the hours, level of difficulty, ASCII, day/evening rates and long-term commitments.
Think ahead. How do I handle multiple speakers when I'm used to stopping people? You can't rely on a tape recorder when you CART in a public setting. Learn to fingerspell. I began by writing the alphabet with my left hand and then the right. I did this over and over until I could realtime the alphabet without hesitation.
If you're unable to interrupt speakers (in a large setting and this is not a legal proceeding) and you are unable to write verbatim, analyze your group. Are you on a large screen or laptop? On a laptop, I'll write, "fastest set of lips in the west." On the large screen, I avoid editing, but if I have to get the message, I drop false starts and repetitions. At first it feels illegal to drop a word. I think this is an art - to write, keep it clean and understandable. One wise reporter said, "When you're struggling, give 'em the Reader's Digest version." I gasped. But if I'm unable to get it all, I know the message is more important than incorrect trans with dashes.
When I’m struggling with a fast speaker or technical material, I focus on writing prefix, root word, suffix, punctuating, hoping my body language doesn't reveal how much I may be struggling or how much I want to be perfect. Reporters I know browbeat themselves for what didn't translate. But the audience remembers what enabled them to understand the event. The same personality that drives a person to become a qualified reporter can be hard on the reporter.
Get over your fears. Many reporters tell me they're certified - a CRR and RMR, they realtime in court or in depositions and are too afraid to begin to realtime on a large screen. Prepare, prepare, prepare. There are so many wonderful resources available now; reach up and out and make the commitment. Understanding that fear is a natural emotion when approaching a new path, you can harness your fear, channeling it as you focus, focus, focus.
Stop hanging around with reporters. Many reporters can be negative about their limitations. Cultivate people who don't quote 100 percent translation. Look for positive feedback. Be prepared to work for your goal.
As I write, I'm hugged, rubbed, tapped, thanked. They will open their hearts and kitchens to you. If you want to realtime, the work will be serious; so is my commitment. But I'm determined to enjoy some of this while I'm sweating bullets.
So what if you could find one place? What if you wanted to expand your life and skills? What if there was one lost sheep?
I realtime a mass for the Catholic Deaf Community to a large screen, which may be viewed by all who attend the service. There's a signing priest who voices and signs ASL, American Sign Language (ASL syntax differs) during the mass.
One Sunday I wrote about leaders and Pharisees. The priest’s ASL voiced-words, as he signed were:
"Jesus doesn't understand about these people. If He knew really who was the sinner, He would avoid them. Jesus gave them a story. He said, what if you have 100 sheep, but lose one? What do you do?“Do you ignore that one and take care of 99 or do you leave 99 and go out and search for that lost sheep until you find him? And you find it, pick it up and put it on your shoulders. Go back, and you announce, 'Come, rejoice with me! Because my lost sheep, I have found.'
"How many sheep were in that story? The story said 100; 99 stayed home. Maybe that sheep was deaf. He was calling, 'Come back. Come back.' God said, 'Go, look. Find him. Don't ignore him. Go, look, find him. That one is precious, bring it back.' Every day, pray, smile, help others. God bless you."
Parishioners immediately voiced, signed, "Yeah, what if that sheep was deaf? That's it. Maybe he was deaf."
And now I ask you: What about that one lost sheep? What if you made a difference to one person? What if you extended your hands and heart one step, one event, one realtimed word at a time? What if you are the one lost sheep?
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Do you have the skills to realtime for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person? You won't know if you don't try. What if you could find a comfortable environment to become realtime proficient?
What if you could nurture your realtime skills, build your confidence and attract new clients outside legal arenas. You can expand your skills by growing into the technology. You can realtime for people that appreciate you and your talents. The hardest part will be not taking yourself too seriously.
As a CART, communication access realtime, provider writing to large screens, I've realtimed unique events, assisting people who wouldn't have participated if I wasn't there: McGruff the Crime Dog who signs to children, religious gatherings, baptisms, funerals, voter forums, cochlear implant meetings for tots and children, theatrical plays, large conventions, banquets and much more.
I realtimed a deaf mime acting skits of Mr. Ed meets Batman. The audience joked that they always knew that horse wasn't speaking because they knew how to read lips. The humor in this community just floors me. I've been the victim of more practical jokes than I care to admit, but I'm grateful for inclusion in their world.
Recently, I wrote a child singing "Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O" in the middle of a technical presentation. And yes, I've asked: The Deaf Society I work with prefers to be known as the Deaf World; not people who are deaf. When in doubt, ask. They don't want us to define their world. They'll be honored that you cared enough to ask how they describe themselves.
Where do you start? What if you wanted to begin, and someone said you had to become a certified court reporter, RMR and CRR, and have zero percent untrans? Where do you start to practice? That answer differs for each person, group, even and upon your skills.
Evaluate where you are. If you edit much of your work and haven't purchased a laptop, you're in for a bigger learning curve. But this is where the goal is created. Seek a group, arena or person. Ask if you can practice to expand your vocabulary. Knowledge of their culture and (to me) a sense of confidence develops to be able to write on a screen as a room watches -- or laughs. Yet you have to keep writing. The earth will not swallow you, no matter how much you wish for it.
Study the group. Go slowly, but go forward. Where do people meet that might want this service? Call LHA (formerlySHHH), AGB, ALDA, United Way, the American Association of Retired Persons and sign interpreters.Why do they need you to provide this service?
I keep explanations simple. Our wires, equipment, plugs and technology are foreign to people.
Prepare answers to questions that you think you'll be asked. The rest will flow from your heart.
I prepare fliers in several colors. Each is targeted to the event or educational level of the group: elementary/high school, adults, educators, hard-of-hearing, oral deaf, etc. When someone asks for information (usually as I'm writing in realtime on my steno machine), I point to fliers. When a person calls, I ask for the color of their handout. This saves me time.
Learn about their world. Reporters ask me: How do I write with a sign interpreter? Interpreters sign when people voice (speak). I call it "thigh-by-thigh" reporting. Interpreters, thigh by thigh, whisper words, interpreting signed discussions, so I can write on a screen.
Find one place - a church, class, organization open to the public - and attend regularly. Call ahead and explain what you'd like to do. Ask if you can take your equipment, sit in the back and practice. Tell the group you need their help. Once I offer my "deer in the headlights" look, they share information and speak so I can write their words into my dictionary. This is empowering to people you want to assist. Every person has thanked me for allowing them to help me. They tell me it makes them feel good to contribute. And I'm told the misconceptions I need to avoid. They tease, laugh and enjoy my struggles. Don't be offended.
Expand your vocabulary. Write the news. Rent Robin Williams videos. Create a dictionary with terms other than legal terms and preponderance of the evidence.
Ask to be included. A group will become protective of you. Teach them to be protective of your equipment. As your skills and friends expand, you become more confident. Get the details. How long is the meeting or event? Is the content technical? If someone is reading your screen, should there be two court reporters to ensure an accurate job? How long will they need the writer to write? When ‘they’ take a lunch break, are you given a lunch break? What speed do I need? Can a student do this? Always define "this." Each group and situation will differ. Prepare as best as you can, then get into that saddle and just write.
After they've embraced you, your professional dictionary's expanded, your confidence has grown, you're realtiming live on a screen/laptop, then think about local meetings and state and national groups.
Consider your fees. How much do I charge? They can't fire a pro bono writer in the corner with her shoulders at her ears. Earn your wings, then consider by the hours, level of difficulty, ASCII, day/evening rates and long-term commitments.
Think ahead. How do I handle multiple speakers when I'm used to stopping people? You can't rely on a tape recorder when you CART in a public setting. Learn to fingerspell. I began by writing the alphabet with my left hand and then the right. I did this over and over until I could realtime the alphabet without hesitation.
If you're unable to interrupt speakers (in a large setting and this is not a legal proceeding) and you are unable to write verbatim, analyze your group. Are you on a large screen or laptop? On a laptop, I'll write, "fastest set of lips in the west." On the large screen, I avoid editing, but if I have to get the message, I drop false starts and repetitions. At first it feels illegal to drop a word. I think this is an art - to write, keep it clean and understandable. One wise reporter said, "When you're struggling, give 'em the Reader's Digest version." I gasped. But if I'm unable to get it all, I know the message is more important than incorrect trans with dashes.
When I’m struggling with a fast speaker or technical material, I focus on writing prefix, root word, suffix, punctuating, hoping my body language doesn't reveal how much I may be struggling or how much I want to be perfect. Reporters I know browbeat themselves for what didn't translate. But the audience remembers what enabled them to understand the event. The same personality that drives a person to become a qualified reporter can be hard on the reporter.
Get over your fears. Many reporters tell me they're certified - a CRR and RMR, they realtime in court or in depositions and are too afraid to begin to realtime on a large screen. Prepare, prepare, prepare. There are so many wonderful resources available now; reach up and out and make the commitment. Understanding that fear is a natural emotion when approaching a new path, you can harness your fear, channeling it as you focus, focus, focus.
Stop hanging around with reporters. Many reporters can be negative about their limitations. Cultivate people who don't quote 100 percent translation. Look for positive feedback. Be prepared to work for your goal.
As I write, I'm hugged, rubbed, tapped, thanked. They will open their hearts and kitchens to you. If you want to realtime, the work will be serious; so is my commitment. But I'm determined to enjoy some of this while I'm sweating bullets.
So what if you could find one place? What if you wanted to expand your life and skills? What if there was one lost sheep?
I realtime a mass for the Catholic Deaf Community to a large screen, which may be viewed by all who attend the service. There's a signing priest who voices and signs ASL, American Sign Language (ASL syntax differs) during the mass.
One Sunday I wrote about leaders and Pharisees. The priest’s ASL voiced-words, as he signed were:
"Jesus doesn't understand about these people. If He knew really who was the sinner, He would avoid them. Jesus gave them a story. He said, what if you have 100 sheep, but lose one? What do you do?“Do you ignore that one and take care of 99 or do you leave 99 and go out and search for that lost sheep until you find him? And you find it, pick it up and put it on your shoulders. Go back, and you announce, 'Come, rejoice with me! Because my lost sheep, I have found.'
"How many sheep were in that story? The story said 100; 99 stayed home. Maybe that sheep was deaf. He was calling, 'Come back. Come back.' God said, 'Go, look. Find him. Don't ignore him. Go, look, find him. That one is precious, bring it back.' Every day, pray, smile, help others. God bless you."
Parishioners immediately voiced, signed, "Yeah, what if that sheep was deaf? That's it. Maybe he was deaf."
And now I ask you: What about that one lost sheep? What if you made a difference to one person? What if you extended your hands and heart one step, one event, one realtimed word at a time? What if you are the one lost sheep?
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
Monday, April 16, 2007
Then Al Weinstein Asked, “Did I help You?” Chief Reporter, United Nations
Then Al Weinstein Asked, “Did I help You?” Chief Reporter, United Nations
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Al wanted this story. Al asked for this story. My intent was to surprise Al Weinstein in this JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, July 1999 special collector's edition. When Al died, I felt it. No one told me. I knew. I bowed my head and prayed.
In prayer, I apologized for the delay with my promise to share what Al had requested. I had been waiting for the special edition of NCRA's JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, the special anniversary edition. I knew Al would want his story preserved in the historical publication.
Sadly, I must share: I waited too long. As I've written this article, I smell flowers -- often. This 'is' Al's article, per Al's request.
One snowy day long ago, I attended my first convention. I drove a long distance; I didn't know anyone -- not one person. As I picked up my handouts and registration, I still remember turning around in the large foyer bustling with activity and being a little overwhelmed by the large numbers of people -- everyone seemed to be in groups, clusters -- not alone, as I.
At noon, timidly, I entered the luncheon banquet. Approaching large round tables, I was promptly informed all seats were reserved, as people guarded empty chairs. After my fourth attempt, I started backing out of the room, too shy to stay. (After the fourth attempt, I made a plan: I would grab a bite to eat up the street; then go back to the seminars after lunch. I would avoid the large round tables with formal plate settings.)
As I was backing up, someone firmly held my right elbow. A man in a gray suit, gray eyeglasses, gray hair said, "The lady will dine with me." We walked to the front of the room. He started up the stairs to the dais.
I pulled back, he pulled forward. Slowly he leaned over and said, "There are 600 people in this room. And they're all watching you."
I pleaded, whispered and begged, "no." He held my hand; we walked onto the podium to a round table. He pulled out a chair, pointed. He sat across from me at the large table. Each chair soon was occupied; a man approached the table where I sat, the only female. Al jumped up, threw his white napkin down, pointed to me, talking to the man. I tried to get up and to give him my chair. Al waved his hand in the air. That man left the podium.
Each person introduced himself. I was sitting with head reporters of distinguished courts. I lifted my water glass; the ice cubes shook. Buttering bread, the knife clinked against the plate. I remembered my granny used to say, "When in doubt, sit tall, hands folded, smile." My voice shook as I introduced myself, smiling. I whispered that I was a court reporter in Buffalo, New York, of just one year and sat tall. Al laughed, instructed me to speak up.
I looked across the table and finally inquired, "What's your name, sir?" He proclaimed, "I'm Al Weinstein, Chief Parliamentary Verbatim Reporter, United Nations." I gasped. The men asked, "You didn't know?" My gasp and big brown eyes answered each.
During lunch, attention was turned to me by Al. Where do you work? How do you like it? He pried until I opened up. I had a job where we reported chemical/gas inhalations, medical testimony all day. The CDC, Center for Disease Control, arrived to record the correlation with Love Canal, the large factories and the many illnesses.
On many a day, I'd write 40 doctors each morning. (The doctors all wanted to be first as and would line the walls, waiting to hurry in, hurry out.) My supervisor was tough. The men at the round table on the dias were impressed that a court reporter straight out of college could do this. I told them: That's my point -- I was struggling. Tapes weren't allowed. I had to type my own notes to prove I could write accurately. When I had problems, each day I was told I'd be fired by 4:00. On my first day, my supervisor pulled a chair next to me, watching my paper as it rolled out, while I wrote. She did this often, to see if I was 'getting it'.
I softly, slowly shared with Al and the men at the table - now all focused on me- how I was so nervous, sweat appeared on the tips of my fingers and a few times my fingers had slipped between the keys on my steno machine, as my supervisor hovered next to me.
I spoke slowly, bright red, head down. Their comments, conversations during that lunch changed my life. I didn't eat. I couldn't get the pasta around the fork or spoon; my hands shook. I listened to the mentoring, their wisdom.
After lunch, Al thanked me for joining them. Thanked me? I left a new person. Someone believed in me. I made changes in my life, enrolled in paralegal school, moved to Miami, Florida. I reported in the federal and state courts, then relocated to San Antonio, Texas, continued my education.
I never forgot this man. I dedicated my second book, The Court Reporter Reference CSR, RPR, RMR, RDR Written Knowledge Test Workbook to him. When I next attended an NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, convention I asked, "Where is the man who works in the U.N."
Someone pointed to a petite man, white hair, white pants, white shoes, gold glasses. "No. I want the U.N. man." I was firmly told, "That's him!" One hand holding his NCRA packet at his left hip, his right hand circled high above his head as he spoke. I waited until many had finished speaking to this important man. I waited by the elevator to introduce myself. Softly, slowly I recounted how we met. Puzzled, he listened, head tilted.
I continued to fill in details – waiting for recognition. When we were done, tenderly this man, Al Weinstein, Chief Reporter of the United Nations, held my hands asking, "Did I help you?" I gasped. I told him, "You changed my life. You don’t remember the incident? How many people do you drag up podiums?"
Al Weinstein's eyes filled with tears. He hugged me like a long-lost friend. Then I shared, I'd dedicated a book to him. Al smiled, holding my hands to his chest and said, "I still don't remember you, but I did help you; right?"
Crying softly, Al's eyes filled with tears; he asked me to write about this.
That moment and each thereafter, Al Weinstein would introduce me saying, "I don't remember Monette, but see the difference someone can have!" Thus began our friendship. Each year, he'd ask, "Do you have someone to sit with? Want to sit with us? Need a ticket? I'll get you one."
I did sit with Al. At every banquet, he'd tease me about getting us seats on the dais. Across rooms, Al would yell, “If you need a ticket, just let me know …”
Oh, I enjoyed watching him. He never stood still. Approaching those who stood alone, always introducing himself, Al Weinstein was perfection in motion; our consummate diplomat.
The last time I saw him, he moved slower. Still dressed as a golfer ... hand on his hip, the other grasping his forehead as Al talked and listened.
Al Weinstein, I've finally written your article. It is now preserved in the special anniversary edition of the National Court Reporters Association JCR, Journal of Court Reporting under my column Beyond The Comfort Zone.
Al, my life is graced because of you. And yes, I will dine with you again ... promise.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Al wanted this story. Al asked for this story. My intent was to surprise Al Weinstein in this JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, July 1999 special collector's edition. When Al died, I felt it. No one told me. I knew. I bowed my head and prayed.
In prayer, I apologized for the delay with my promise to share what Al had requested. I had been waiting for the special edition of NCRA's JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, the special anniversary edition. I knew Al would want his story preserved in the historical publication.
Sadly, I must share: I waited too long. As I've written this article, I smell flowers -- often. This 'is' Al's article, per Al's request.
One snowy day long ago, I attended my first convention. I drove a long distance; I didn't know anyone -- not one person. As I picked up my handouts and registration, I still remember turning around in the large foyer bustling with activity and being a little overwhelmed by the large numbers of people -- everyone seemed to be in groups, clusters -- not alone, as I.
At noon, timidly, I entered the luncheon banquet. Approaching large round tables, I was promptly informed all seats were reserved, as people guarded empty chairs. After my fourth attempt, I started backing out of the room, too shy to stay. (After the fourth attempt, I made a plan: I would grab a bite to eat up the street; then go back to the seminars after lunch. I would avoid the large round tables with formal plate settings.)
As I was backing up, someone firmly held my right elbow. A man in a gray suit, gray eyeglasses, gray hair said, "The lady will dine with me." We walked to the front of the room. He started up the stairs to the dais.
I pulled back, he pulled forward. Slowly he leaned over and said, "There are 600 people in this room. And they're all watching you."
I pleaded, whispered and begged, "no." He held my hand; we walked onto the podium to a round table. He pulled out a chair, pointed. He sat across from me at the large table. Each chair soon was occupied; a man approached the table where I sat, the only female. Al jumped up, threw his white napkin down, pointed to me, talking to the man. I tried to get up and to give him my chair. Al waved his hand in the air. That man left the podium.
Each person introduced himself. I was sitting with head reporters of distinguished courts. I lifted my water glass; the ice cubes shook. Buttering bread, the knife clinked against the plate. I remembered my granny used to say, "When in doubt, sit tall, hands folded, smile." My voice shook as I introduced myself, smiling. I whispered that I was a court reporter in Buffalo, New York, of just one year and sat tall. Al laughed, instructed me to speak up.
I looked across the table and finally inquired, "What's your name, sir?" He proclaimed, "I'm Al Weinstein, Chief Parliamentary Verbatim Reporter, United Nations." I gasped. The men asked, "You didn't know?" My gasp and big brown eyes answered each.
During lunch, attention was turned to me by Al. Where do you work? How do you like it? He pried until I opened up. I had a job where we reported chemical/gas inhalations, medical testimony all day. The CDC, Center for Disease Control, arrived to record the correlation with Love Canal, the large factories and the many illnesses.
On many a day, I'd write 40 doctors each morning. (The doctors all wanted to be first as and would line the walls, waiting to hurry in, hurry out.) My supervisor was tough. The men at the round table on the dias were impressed that a court reporter straight out of college could do this. I told them: That's my point -- I was struggling. Tapes weren't allowed. I had to type my own notes to prove I could write accurately. When I had problems, each day I was told I'd be fired by 4:00. On my first day, my supervisor pulled a chair next to me, watching my paper as it rolled out, while I wrote. She did this often, to see if I was 'getting it'.
I softly, slowly shared with Al and the men at the table - now all focused on me- how I was so nervous, sweat appeared on the tips of my fingers and a few times my fingers had slipped between the keys on my steno machine, as my supervisor hovered next to me.
I spoke slowly, bright red, head down. Their comments, conversations during that lunch changed my life. I didn't eat. I couldn't get the pasta around the fork or spoon; my hands shook. I listened to the mentoring, their wisdom.
After lunch, Al thanked me for joining them. Thanked me? I left a new person. Someone believed in me. I made changes in my life, enrolled in paralegal school, moved to Miami, Florida. I reported in the federal and state courts, then relocated to San Antonio, Texas, continued my education.
I never forgot this man. I dedicated my second book, The Court Reporter Reference CSR, RPR, RMR, RDR Written Knowledge Test Workbook to him. When I next attended an NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, convention I asked, "Where is the man who works in the U.N."
Someone pointed to a petite man, white hair, white pants, white shoes, gold glasses. "No. I want the U.N. man." I was firmly told, "That's him!" One hand holding his NCRA packet at his left hip, his right hand circled high above his head as he spoke. I waited until many had finished speaking to this important man. I waited by the elevator to introduce myself. Softly, slowly I recounted how we met. Puzzled, he listened, head tilted.
I continued to fill in details – waiting for recognition. When we were done, tenderly this man, Al Weinstein, Chief Reporter of the United Nations, held my hands asking, "Did I help you?" I gasped. I told him, "You changed my life. You don’t remember the incident? How many people do you drag up podiums?"
Al Weinstein's eyes filled with tears. He hugged me like a long-lost friend. Then I shared, I'd dedicated a book to him. Al smiled, holding my hands to his chest and said, "I still don't remember you, but I did help you; right?"
Crying softly, Al's eyes filled with tears; he asked me to write about this.
That moment and each thereafter, Al Weinstein would introduce me saying, "I don't remember Monette, but see the difference someone can have!" Thus began our friendship. Each year, he'd ask, "Do you have someone to sit with? Want to sit with us? Need a ticket? I'll get you one."
I did sit with Al. At every banquet, he'd tease me about getting us seats on the dais. Across rooms, Al would yell, “If you need a ticket, just let me know …”
Oh, I enjoyed watching him. He never stood still. Approaching those who stood alone, always introducing himself, Al Weinstein was perfection in motion; our consummate diplomat.
The last time I saw him, he moved slower. Still dressed as a golfer ... hand on his hip, the other grasping his forehead as Al talked and listened.
Al Weinstein, I've finally written your article. It is now preserved in the special anniversary edition of the National Court Reporters Association JCR, Journal of Court Reporting under my column Beyond The Comfort Zone.
Al, my life is graced because of you. And yes, I will dine with you again ... promise.
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, 'The Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook' and the ‘CATapult’ Dictionary CD Software Program series. Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced http://www.crrbooks.com/.
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, realtime court reporter, tutor, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals. Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and http://www.artcs.com/
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