The Ultimate Joy of Freelance Reporting

By Geanell Adams, RPR CRI CSR (MS)

I am getting ready to celebrate being a freelance reporter for almost four years.  I became a freelance reporter after working for almost a year as an official reporter.  I made the change because I realized I’d be the only full-time freelance reporter in my community.  As I look back over the last four years, I have no regrets for making the decision to switch and am reminded of how I made it successfully.

In the hustle and bustle of running a very busy freelance operation, I’m often asked “How do you do it all?”  I’ve found myself very actively involved in our national association as well as the state association, currently serving as president.  I spend a good bit of time mentoring students and serving on a couple of national boards and committees.

My passion for this profession is driven by the only thing I remember about graduation day from court reporting school.  While I wished I hadn’t been so caught up in the moment of graduation and was more alert to the speaker’s address, I distinctly remember Sara Prince, a legend in her own right, saying these words to the graduates, and they’ve rung in my ear since:  “Whatever you do, give back.”

The ultimate joy of my court reporting career hasn’t come from the financial stability I’ve obtained nor the satisfaction of meeting client deadlines.  My ultimate joy comes from giving back as much as I can to a profession that gives so much to me.  I find that I’m oftentimes on the phone or internet with a student answering questions; taking a student along for a deposition, court, or a hearing; providing guidance to freelance reporters who have worked less time than I have; and dedicating time to MCRA and NCRA. 

As I reflect, I truly believe my success is a product of all I give.  It definitely has been returned!