About Angela: Born Oct. 20, 1987. Daughter of James and Lynnette DiNino, of Lansing. Sister to Jamie and Derek.

Graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School class of 2006.

Accomplishments: Angela DiNino recently passed the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter Exam on her first attempt, which is rare. She plans to take the national exam Nov. 1 and then start looking for work as a freelance court reporter. "I definitely want to work downtown in the loop," she said.

DiNino completed the South Suburban College program with the second fasted completion time in its 20-year history n two years. The first year of the program is spent learning shorthand theory and the keyboard with classes related to legal and medical terminology, software and how to build a transcript. The remainder of the program is spent building up speed to the required goal of 225 words a minute. Each speed class is eight weeks with tests administered twice a week for advancement. DiNino recently passed a five-minute testimony at 240 words a minute. She remembers how difficult it was to learn in the beginning. "My first day in class I almost walked away in tears," she said.

"I worked very, very hard and then it seemed to come naturally."

Personal heroes: "My grandparents, Robert and Gerry Bushnell, of Lansing. They set a great example for my family and I want to be just like my grandma."

What I read: "I only have time to read court reporting journals and magazines."

Advice: "Don't stress the little stuff. No one is perfect."

How to get involved: For information on court reporting, contact the course coordinator at South Suburban College at (708) 596-2000, ext. 3216.

People might be surprised to know: "My biggest fear is failure."

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.