Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Higher Education

I would die to be able to continue my education. When I was young (and stupid) I simply wasn't interested in any more school...math to be precise. I finished a 2 year degree after my divorce and had a partial transfer scholarship, but I was out of time. It was time to get a full time job to be able to support myself. I honestly wouldn't mind being a professional student. There is so much more I want to know. Art and History were my favorites. Philosophy and Literature were next on the list. I even felt some relief to discover that I could learn math.

What were your favorite subjects in school? Has your attitude changed about learning since you became an adult? Is there anything that you wish you understood? How do you feel about continuing your education? Do you specifically do anything to expand your mind. Do you try new things? I have slowly been trying to read classics that I never read.

8 comments:

  1. Steviewren, there are many options for education nowadays. There is internet learning, vacation schools, (i.e. go to Tuscany on a cooking school vacation---cook in the morning, and free to be touristic in the afternoon), as well as so many non-schools offering courses, like museums and art galleries.

    My favourite subject was English because I loved to read, and my attitude since leaving school is "Thank God that's over". While I love to learn, I don't think I would have the attention span necessary for any more classroom time, or ---especially---the necessary book reading list.

    I am more interested in someday taking the kinds of courses described above. I like the idea of combining holidays with learning.

    Anything basically that lacks the pressure of academia!

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  2. As you well know, I was not over joyed about going to college (who doesn't want the easy way out). But thanks to a very wise woman (you). I did go to college and I actually finished.

    I am so glad that I have my degree! No matter if I use it for 3 years or 30 years, I will never regret getting it.

    I don't think I enjoyed school as much as you did. However, I love to have my mind filled with new and exciting concepts. I think my favorite classes were the ones for my major. I ate up almost every word my professors said.

    I would love to go back and get my masters. Will that ever happen? I don't know. But I am open to the idea.

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  3. Great question, Steviewren!
    My father passed away when I was 19 and so there was no money for college, so I went to a city nursing school for free. I graduated, became an RN, and as I was working I went to city college part time in the evenings to get my bachelors in health administration, then married and had children so further formal education stopped then.
    I love to read, however, so I feel my informal education has never ended. I love science,history, art, literature and poetry, health issues.
    I am thankful that both of my children have Master degrees in their fields, and continue to love learning new things too!

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  4. I am right there with you. I would love to be back in school. It took me from 1973 to 1998 to graduate college. I am still paying off student loans. ugh, but as soon as I get the chance I will be back in school. I don't ever think you are too old to learn, but you don't have to have formal education. I plan to return I just don't know when it will be. There are so many subjects I love, but math is not one of them. I love history,art, English, psychology and religion.I enjoy your blog and your art is wonderful. The beginning of a new class is thrilling to me....one of these days I shall return.

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  5. Lavinia, cooking classes in Tuscany sound really nice! I will need to win the lottery first though. I really have thought about art vacations...I read about some where you stay in a villa, paint in the morning and have the afternoon to explore...let's go together...you'll cook, I'll eat and paint us some wonderful pictures of long tables set up under the trees laden with fruits and vegetables and the labor of your hands...

    Rachel, I'm so happy you got your degree. Look how the experience has impacted your life!

    Pat, I only wish I had started school sooner. It sounds like you worked really hard to achieve all that you have. You impress me. It isn't easy to go to school and raise children.

    Nanatrish, I love a new class also. I didn't take many that I didn't enjoy. Even the math classes, because I was so excited to discover that I wasn't the math cretin I has always thought I was. Thanks for the compliments about the drawings. I enjoy scribbling.

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  6. Let me see my favotire subject in school was history. I wish I would of went to college to be a history teacher. American history is something I love. I never thought about what I wanted to do after highschool. I got my diploma and continued working at a local fabric store. Kind of sad.
    I have to say yes, my attitude has changed about learning. My kids were going to college, it was not even a question of if, it was when. I know you me my personal feelings about learning. Yes, I would like to take an online course, just to get my feet wet. I do not think I am ready to attend a real live class. Yikes! I am not sure what class I would take, I will take a look at the local junior college, if they still call it that?
    Math and science were difficult for me, I would have to put math on the top. I never went further than Algebra II. Since I started blogging a refresher course in English would not be a bad idea.
    As far as trying new things, maybe I could take an art class.
    I did state before that I have never read Gone With the Wind, maybe I could read a classic or two. That could be a summer reading course.
    Please forgive any errors in the post, I am tired and that is that.
    Have a wonderful Thursday.
    denise

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  7. It is interesting, but you are more interested in things as you get older, than when you "have" to learn. It's a joy now, it use to be a bore. I think education is wasted on the youth!!!

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  8. Steviewren,
    There are so many things I'd love to learn about but time is the essence. I'm more impressed with what you've accomplished going through a difficult time 10 years ago. I've been there myself. You have a wonderful outlook on life. Don't lose it!
    The Bach

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I'm glad you stopped by and I look forward to your comments. As Dr. Fraser Crane would say, "Hello, I'm listening."