About two hundred transition students (mostly the age of my two oldest boys) were herded into a room for orientation to a new school. As the (very) young speakers shared how to get involved on campus and what clubs they should join, I heated up.
AS IF I didn't feel old enough already! Seriously. Hot flashes at college registration?! So I strategically placed myself under the nearest vent and watched the interaction of the kids. Trying to look as if I was somehow involved in the staff milling about in the back of the room. Good Grief!
Two of my boys are out of the house and moving forward in their lives with my third to follow in two years. And here I am, tipping my toe back into the water of continuing education. Then again, this is not new to my family.
Everything is a learning opportunity to me! A new grass or animal or why the moon follows us. Politics, faith and family drives me to learn more. Old school, new school and un-school is all attractive to me!
My college/professional education track looks more like a giant maize obstacle course and cross fit test all in one! A zig zag mix of community, state, undergrad, graduate, ministry, extension and professional development courses scattered throughout.
I began as a traditional student studying Christian Education for two and a half years until we moved to begin our careers. In South Dakota, I loaded sleepy babies into the car at ungodly hours to drive two hours to summer school and night classes. One or two classes at a time. Next stop was Nebraska. I worked to wrap up my AA and then my BA.
Even when I was home with my boys, as a child care provider, I read to keep learning. The privilege of reading instilled in me at a very young age.
The book mobile would come to our country school with brown library boxes that we could fill to keep during the time between its coming. I will never forget the smell of that van as I dug through the treasures. At home, I had to hide in the bathroom or in the hay mow in the barn to "sneak away" with my books way past bed time.
"Reading is easy for you," some have said. Or the common, "But you like school!" Just ask my teachers and superintendents that question! I work to learn just like everyone else.
Learning continually is a choice.
So I ask you friends and family..."What are your learning goals for the new school year?" Back to school with hotflashes or dentures?
A new career, workshop or conference? What books have you determined to read BEFORE Christmas? Do you have a book challenging you at this time?
We are never too old to learn!
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