Have you, as an adult, taken a class or workshop since completing your formal education? In today’s fast-changing world, there is a constant need to learn, refresh and modify our skill sets as adults. Luckily, we have literally hundreds of options available to help us keep pace.
Yes, we lead busy lives, and most of us spend much time doing what we have to do, rather than perhaps those things we like or want to do … But, has learning and/or practice a new (or rusty) skill been on your list of resolutions? Are you planning to make a life change sometime soon (e.g., retire, change careers, get married, see your children move out of the area)? Are you hoping to meet some new and interesting people? Taking a local class may be right for you.
BENEFITS OF ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION
Sometimes, the benefits are obvious. Taking a dance class should help a student build endurance, develop flexibility and meet new people.
The documentation of the benefits of adult continuing education classes in general is quite convincing.
Prepare for Career Success: Documentation shows that those adults who take at least one career-related adult continuing education class yearly are typically going to have a wage increase of 5-10 percent higher than their counterparts.
Gain Knowledge of New Technologies: I was not surprised when I visited my alma mater’s website and saw classes that I had never heard of. Then, when I saw AARP’s most recent magazine, I was amazed at all the technologies retirees are using to launch new businesses (e.g., TaskRabbit and DogVacay).
Help in Decision-Making: Sometimes, you may take a class just to learn you don’t plan to do it again and, in fact, you will be glad to pay others. One of my own examples is an auto mechanics class.
Increase happiness and community engagement – What better way to meet both like-minded people and very different people than in a class?
Become More Independent: I’ve learned basic website design skills just so I won’t have to wait for my contractor.
Improve Health: Studies show that taking a class will help you retain your memory and overall general health.
ACTION STEPS:
Be aware of what our community offers. Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities comes out with a free guide that you can view online at http://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/ProgramGuide.pdf. You can also sign up online to have the free guide mailed to your home seasonally. ACPS also offers adult classes.
If interested in a particular subject or skill, call a local nonprofit to see if the organization might offer a class for you. This is also a wonderful way to support a local charity, while also gaining or improving a skill. Here is a very short list of what some local organizations offer:
The Art League (http://www.theartleague.org/school/) – Dozens of classes including jewelry making, weaving, photography and mask making. Even workshops to the Bahamas and to Ethiopia in early 2016!
Beekeepers Association of Northern Virginia (http://www.beekeepersnova.org/) – Beekeeping classes.
Computer C.O.R.E. (www.computercore.org) – Hands-on workshops include Quickbooks, Intermediate & Advanced Excel, Salesforce.com, IT Troubleshooting, Computer Maintenance & Repair 101, and Microsoft Office refresher.
Empowered Women International (http://ewint.org/grow-my-business/) – Courses for women business owners and aspiring business owners, including “Entrepreneur Training for Success” and “Grow My Business.”
Little Theatre of Alexandria (http://www.thelittletheatre.com/) – What about an Improv class, or the Dec. 6 class, “A Broadway Christmas: Musical Theatre Dance Workshop”?
Olde Town Fencing Club (http://www.oldetownfencing.org/) offers classes and competition opportunities.
Senior Services of Alexandria (http://seniorservicesalex.org/news/speaker-series/) – A yearlong series of free presentations, open to all ages. This month, “Finding Your Passions — Leaving Your Legacy” offered in partnership with ACT for Alexandria and featuring speaker David Speck. January will be on healthcare options.
YoKid (http://yokid.org/) – Workshops, training and certification programs in learning techniques to teach yoga and mindfulness to kids.
Do it – sign up for a class or workshop now. And, consider bringing a friend, neighbor or family member with you. The good news: 93 percent of adults who take that first adult education class keep signing up for more.