Lifelong Learning

Elaine1
Originally uploaded by gloriadrake66

I had a small epiphany today. Have always perceived myself as a lifelong learner (Habit #2), but did not fully realize that my mom sees herself that way as well. She is just shy of 80 and neither of us can believe it. She informed me today that she had to quit her Spanish class because it was just too hard ... so after a friendly chat with a Hispanic waitress, she decided a personal tutor is a better idea. They begin Tuesday night.

It simply does not occur to her that it is too late to learn Spanish or that she is too old to learn Spanish. She is interested; therefore, she runs with the idea. She is also really good at my worst habit, i.e, play. Learning is fun. At least she makes it fun, anyway. She loves people and craves excitement. I am generally shyer and crave quiet time. No matter. We have this in common ... we love to learn.

Study Buddy

BIG BLACK LAB
Originally uploaded by Larners

I have a confession to make. This is not my dog. He sure looks like him, however. Like any good canine study buddy, Boo (named for Boo Radley of "To Kill a Mockingbird" fame) keeps me company, only occasionally demanding a belly rub for his services. Today he is helping me with my homework which involves becoming familiar with Flickr.com. I have discovered how to link my blog to Flickr to create easy access to importing photos. It has also been fun searching for useful photos based on their tags. Soon I will import some of my own so I can claim a few photography skills as well. I hope you have a great study buddy, too.

The Path to Meaningful Work

The day has finally arrived that I have been steering towards. Employment! Talk about beginning "with the end in mind" as posted below. On Monday, September 15th, I begin working as a paraprofessional at the Adult Reference Desk of the Oswego (Illinois) Public Library. This is precisely where I wanted to land, i.e., a busy, modern, and well-funded library that is close to home.

Oswego is located in Kendall County which is one of the top five growth areas in the nation. Our new census figures were just published and they state that we have 29,000 citizens. In 2000, there were a mere 13,000 residents, so you can see this is true. My hope is that this part-time position will turn into a full-time position when they open a major branch in July, 2009. I am looking forward to gently incorporating the many ideas shared in the course of pursuing the MLS degree. Promise to keep you "posted!"

New Ventures

Doesn't everyone have a blog these days? Actually, probably not. To be sure, however, it is increasingly common for someone to hint that you ought to check out their blog, and so here is mine.

I've been learning about the 7.5 Habits of Lifelong Learners, which include:

Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind
Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning
Habit 3: View problems as challenges
Habit 4: Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner
Habit 5: Create your own learning toolbox
Habit 6: Use technology to your advantage
Habit 7: Teach/mentor others
Habit 7 ½: Play

Which one is easiest? For me, it's right up front with "Begin with the end in mind." I have been a 15-year fan of Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It is this habit that allowed me to begin the Master's in Library Science Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007. With the end drawing closer (May 2009), it is a good habit to embrace.

As for the hardest habit? I bet a lot of people think #6 (technology) is hard to master, but believe it or not, it is hardest for me to play. Yes, play. I have an over-developed sense of responsibility towards those closest to me and that is probably the biggest obstacle to experiencing unrestricted playfulness. I look forward to working on this!