CCR Alumni Spotlight: Heidi Masters
Place you hang your hat? Erie, Pennsylvania
Arguably one of the best days of your life (aka graduation date!)? January 29, 2016
Lucky employer? Ferguson & Holdnack Reporting, Inc.
Title? Court Reporter
Certs? RPR
How did you get interested in court reporting?
I really had no idea what I was getting into with court reporting. I graduated with a degree in English and Secondary Education and absolutely no interest in being a teacher. I was constantly panicking about choosing what to do with the rest of my life when my stepdad suggested court reporting out of the blue. I spent some time researching it, and decided to just dive right in. Best decision ever!!
Why did you choose CCR?
Unfortunately, I was a wayward child. I started at a different school that was way too expensive for what I was getting. I resisted transferring schools for a very long time, because I was so afraid of making the change. I have only ever heard really amazing things about CCR, so I decided to try it out. It turns out that every single good thing that everyone has ever said was right! CCR is the best! I've literally never heard one bad word about our amazing school.
Best tip for a brand new court reporting student?
The best advice I could give a new student is to practice, practice, practice!!! Everyone says that, but it's true. You will have days where it feels like you're wearing boxing gloves while you're on your machine. Then you'll have amazing rock star days where you can write anything forever. It's all worth it in the end. Every single tear and temper tantrum and moment of self-doubt is so worth it!
Best advice you got while in court reporting school?
This advice helped me finally pass the testimony portion of the RPR: So all throughout school, everyone tells you to calm your nerves while you're taking a test. Just try to be calm and relax yourself. That works sometimes, but what really helped me was using the adrenaline I had during a test. Instead of trying to calm my breathing and slow my heart rate, it helped immensely to just get myself super pumped up. We all have that fight or flight response. For me it was better to acknowledge what I was feeling and use it (fight). I am not as good at explaining it as the person who explained it to me, but it works sooo well!
What do you ALWAYS make sure to pack in your CR bag when doing a job?
I ALWAYS make sure I have food with me. Some days are very, very long, and I've found that oftentimes no one really wants to take a break in the interest of expediting things. A protein bar or pre-cut bag of veggies can save the day. I don't know how attorneys are able to go without eating, but I get very, VERY hangry!
***Alright, enough about court reporting! Let’s have some FUN!***
Favorite Band/Singer?
My favorite band is the Rolling Stones. I'm very old on the inside :)
Any guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is watching the Middle. I have the weirdest obsession with that show. I'm not sure why. Something about it just really speaks to me. I can tell you the two channels that show the reruns and what time it's on any day of the week (never on Sundays). Actually, I could probably tell you anything about that show! It's weird, and I know it's weird. I can't help it! (I'm actually watching it as I answer these questions. Obsessed!!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Zen and the art of Court Reporting
What superpower would you most like to have?
I would like the ability to refill any container I have. Wallet's empty? Instant refill! I could definitely feed a lot of hungry people around the world too!
Favorite movie?
I love Irving Berlin's White Christmas. I could watch it all year!
Celebrity crush?
My celebrity crush is Jeff Bridges. I love him and everything about him. My dream would be to just have a beer with him!
Least favorite food?
I don't like condiments or dressings of any kind. I can eat a salad without any dressing. I'll have ketchup on a hot dog occasionally, but that's a very rare occurrence
Who is someone you admire and why?
One person I really admire is one of my yoga teachers, Heather. She just has this really cool, laid-back way about her. The more I've gotten to know her outside of the yoga studio, I've realized that we're basically soul sisters. She is super passionate about whatever she does, and I think that's awesome.
If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be and why?
I would love to go back to 1969 and go to Woodstock. I listen to mostly classic rock, and it would be amazing to see some of my favorite bands live! I just wouldn't do any of the drugs, though. That's not my style.
Favorite childhood toy?
My favorite childhood toy was Barbie. I still love her. I'd probably still play with Barbies if it wouldn't be totally creepy.
Thank you for answering my questions, Heidi! You’ve joined a wonderful profession, and CCR wishes you many years of joy (and clean writing)!
Slàinte Mhath,
Natalie Kijurna
#iheartccr
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