Tracy M. Odlum

State

CT

Favorite Color

White

Current Speed

100 wpm

Age

41

Kids

1 daughter, Ava, 6 ½ yrs. Old

Pets

Isabelle (Golden Ret. Mix); Bugsy (Lab/Beagle/Who Knows Mix); and coming in 2 weeks from Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue, Maverick, (Golden Ret.)

Favorite Food

Thai Food; Chocolate

If court reporting didn’t exist, I’d be -

Legal secretary/assistant, or I would have liked to work for a judge

Hidden talent -

Organizing fund raisers; decorating; gardening

Greatest non-court reporting achievement -

My husband, David and my daughter, Ava

Secret desire -

Can’t tell you! : )

Best advice I’ve ever received -

Don’t waste time worrying about the future or what ifs, because everything works out and sometimes even better.  Also, all the time I wasted worrying about the future prevented me from living in the present, which in turn was wasted.

I love court reporting because -

It is challenging, mentally stimulating, and it is just so different from anything else anyone does.  The fact that there are only a certain number of people who are court reporters makes us so unique and we should be proud.

When I have 2 spare hours, I -

Usually work out

Favorite singer, musician or group

I like many but don’t have an ultimate favorite

In 5 years, I will be -

A court reporter and a mother of an 11 ½ yr.-old

How I discovered court reporting -

I was interested in it when I graduated high school in 1985 and wish I had pursued it.  However, about 5 years ago, my girlfriend in NC was typing for a voice writer/reporter making extra money.  I thought why type if I could report, so there you have it….I began researching the field and schools.

Favorite Movie

When I was 22 I loved Steele Magnolias for the longest time.

Favorite TV Show

True Blood; Friday Night Lights, Dancing With the Stars

Best Court Reporting Tip

Just keep plugging away, put your head down and just do it, don’t think ahead and stay in the moment, no excuses (From my husband, not a court reporter)

Anything you want to add about yourself

I am thrilled to be in the SimplySteno program and honored to be working with others who are on this same journey.