Building Speed to Succeed in the Future

BUILDING SPEED TO SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE

The instructors are fantastic, and they are constantly helping me build and improve my skills.

Lake Land College introduced the Court Reporting and Captioning Degree program in 2021 in response to a nationwide increase in demand.

This new program prepares students for a high demand career in court reporting or captioning by providing word-for-word translation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population in educational, civic and corporate settings.

Court Reporting and Captioning student Lydia Madlem said she initially scoffed at the idea of making a career of typing, however after exploring what the job entailed, she discovered her passion for the field.

A court reporter and captioner uses a specialized, 22-key, shorthand keyboard known as the steno machine to “write” entire words or even phrases with just a few strokes. Throughout the program, Madlem has increased both her skills and writing speed, so far having reached speeds of up to 200 words per minute.

“When we first started learning the theory and how to use the stenograph machines, I had to focus on where the letters were,” Madlem said. “Now I don’t even think about where they are, it’s just muscle memory.”

Madlem also had the opportunity to sit in on a jury trial and practice writing, which she said was a very beneficial experience.

“When I’m in the courtroom, I like to practice writing with Q and A settings,” Madlem said. “Those definitely present the biggest challenge, but that’s why I enjoy them.”

Madlem is in the second to last speedbuilding class of the program, and she said that while the program’s coursework is rigorous, it is certainly beneficial to learning the necessary skills to succeed.

“We have to practice writing at least one hour every day,” Madlem said. “Even if I miss just one day, I can feel the loss in muscle memory, so I know that practicing like that really makes a difference in building my speed.”

Even with the program taking place entirely online, Madlem said she has felt a great deal of assistance and support from her instructors.

“When my instructors tell me something, I find that it comes back as I am writing later,” Madlem said. “The instructors are fantastic, and they are constantly helping me build and improve my skills.”

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Tynia Kessler, Division Chair/Business Instructor

For nearly three decades Division Chair Business/Business Instructor Tynia Kessler has been helping students succeed.

“I think my favorite thing about Lake Land is that we are always here for the student,” said Kessler, who began her career at Lake Land as a bookkeeper in Accounting. “Any decisions that are made are made with the intention of putting the student first.”

Making personal and lifelong connections with students is also important to Kessler, and she said she makes relating to her students a priority.

“I try to make sure they understand that I sat in the same seat they did once,” Kessler said. “I make every effort to be approachable and let them know that I understand where they’re coming from.”

Dedication to students as well as eagerness to help students learn in a way that is best for them are ideals that Kessler said are consistent with many faculty at the college.

“I think that’s really what sets us apart from other colleges,” Kessler said. “Our faculty take the time and effort to prepare our students above and beyond what the industry expects of them.”

Kessler expressed gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to share her knowledge and impart wisdom on her students. She said one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career is doing what she can to make it easier for students to meet and exceed their educational goals.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make sure my students get what they need,” Kessler said. “I do my best to give them life skills they can use, and I can only hope that I’ll have made a difference in their lives by the time they leave my classroom.”

BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Accounting

Business

Business Development

Electronic Marketing

Entrepreneurship

Management

Marketing

Professional Sales

Business Management Exploratory Area of Study

BUSINESS OFFICE PROFESSIONALS

Court Reporting and Captioning

Medical Coding & Health Information

Medical Coding Specialist

Medical Transcriptionist

Office Assistant

Office Manager

Office Receptionist

Office Support Specialist

Office Professionals Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Business Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu.