Empowerment Through Lifelong Learning
So maybe you’re not too cool for school—just too busy (or too broke!) for a full course-load at the moment. While many women take advantage of formal education courses and enroll in online curriculum, there are plenty of other, informal ways to keep growing your knowledge.
From seminars that enrich your life, to staying informed about staying healthy, it’s never been easier to make expanding your horizons a priority. Consider these accessible ways to enhance your personal development.
• Read all about it. There’s a world of information right at your fingertips—at your own pace. Choose a topic you’ve always been interested in and start exploring online. Or pick up a book on the subject at your library or favorite bookstore. Participating in a book club is another rewarding way to discover new worlds and ideas by reading and discussing diverse viewpoints.
• Join a club. What’s your passion? Chances are, there’s a club or group focused on what you love. Getting involved in a club lets you learn from experienced members and gives you the chance to share your own expertise. Many clubs sponsor workshops, speakers or field trips to let you grow your interest or skills. Clubs are also an ideal way to cultivate interest in a new hobby, too.
• Enjoy local museums. Learning opportunities are as close as your nearest visit to an art or history museum. Exhibits let you observe artifacts up close, providing a great sense of discovery and wonder. Many museums also offer an app or a lecture series presented by respected subject experts.
• Attend wellness seminars. Local hospitals frequently sponsor seminars to bring the latest medical information and health tips to their communities and many are free. Raise your health IQ on a wide range of topics including nutrition, stress management, exercise, and yes, menstruation and PMS.
• Go on guided tours or set off to sightsee. Make a weekend escape to a landmark or historic place in your area. Many tours are free or available for a nominal fee or donation. There are a wide variety of opportunities to see places or explore subjects, whether you’re traveling afar or just being a “tourist” in your own hometown.
Your brain has an infinite capacity to learn. Each time it does, your life is enriched in new and exciting ways. Why not learn something new today and every day!
What others are saying
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Anna, 9/24/2009 10:27:04 AM
I decided to go to college 2 years ago. It has proven quite the challenge, but my two boys have been such great sports. They are 10 and 8 now, and they seem to understand how important it is that Mom gets her school work finished. It has been a rough road at times, but I am determined to graduate. -
Trice, 9/24/2009 5:43:40 PM
I returned back to school August 2008 and has been very hectic especially when life circumstances try to consume what little time you have left. But its been a blessing because school has enlightened me and I'm able to spend time with other adults who share the same experiences which helps you get through your tough times. Stay focused and sure enough you will be tossing your graudation cap in the air looking to the sky to see whats next on your road to refining yourself.
Be Blessed,
Wife, Mom of 2, & Career Woman -
Mamma, 9/24/2009 6:33:52 PM
It's never too late. I'm 41 and finishing my bachelor's degree. We need to show our girls that we can be anything we want, just like they can. -
Kim, 9/24/2009 8:49:01 PM
I decided to go back to school this year, to get my Masters. I have a 4 year old and a house to take care of, along with a full time job. I just started in August and I will finish with my Masters in School Counseling. I will graduate, to provide a better life for my family. -
Jessica, 9/24/2009 9:51:37 PM
I am a single mom of two teen age boys. I have a a full-time job and attenting school part-time. I have little down time for myself and when I do have free time, I like to spend it with my children. School is extremly important part of my life. The best part about attenting school as a mom is that my children and I sit down together to do our homework; and we share conversations about school. Can't wait for the boys to see mom graduate! -
Mini, 9/24/2009 10:37:22 PM
Iam a mother of 3 ages 10,3 and 1.5 yrs. Iam an undergraduate in my native place, but i have decided to shift my career to the nursing field and am doing my pre-reqs. It is a tremendous challenge to raise 3 kids and do household chores and look after the childrenand do school too. And for some reason...the scheduele keeps going, whether you like it or not. Its a big stresser...but I think its worth it and my older daughter helps me in the process. I have no plans to give up as of yet. Kudos to all moms who are having bigger issues than this and still doing school. -
melissa l, 9/24/2009 10:42:21 PM
My son was 3 months old when I went to college. I was sad to miss out on a few milestones and missed him while I was in class all day. Now he is 8 and I'm in graduate school part time. If I had not made the sacrifice, I would not be able to afford living on our own, a car, vacations, etc. Its so worth it. Its an investment into not only your future but that of your children as well. The chance of your child going to college too increases dramatically! -
Nicole, 9/25/2009 7:40:34 AM
I started back at college the beginning of the summer. I've been wanting to go back for the last 3 years, just never got serious about it. At the beginning of the year, I decided that if I got enough financial aid (that I did not have to pay back) to cover my tuition and books, I would go back. Things have worked out well so far, but with a 2 year old running around the house and starting preschool herself, things have definitely been hard. But I know, in the end, it'll all be worth it. I'm pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and will start my first year of teaching at the same time that my daughter will start Kindergarten. (I'm hoping) -
Laura, 9/25/2009 9:25:49 AM
After my fourth child, I began thinking that I should go back to school to finish my bachelor's degree. I am a stay at home mom. I have taken two classes a semester for the last 6 years and graduate in May. My kids love that I am going back to school. They tell all of their friends that their mom is a student, too. It has been stressful at times with finals, but I have my classes on-line so I can do most of my work when the children are at school or sleeping. I take the LSAT's in December and hope to attend law school in Fall 2010. By the time I graduate law school, my youngest will be in middle school and I won't feel too bad about leaving he kids at home while I go to work full time. -
Mona, 9/25/2009 12:00:10 PM
I met my husband as a single parent. He was very supportive for about a year into my basics and later convinced me to quit school and be a stay-at-home mom. Big mistake. The ecomomy changed, he was laid off in Feb from the only job that suported us, and we now we have three kids, 8, 3, and 1 1/2. It has been 5 years since I attended school, and I'm so ready (and eager)to go back. -
Christy, 9/25/2009 1:41:26 PM
I lost my HR job of 10 yrs when the company closed. Im 36 and I decided I had to get my degeree if I wanted a job with the same pay scale. I want to provide a good future for my 3 yr old. I want him to see his mom be successful. Its going to be hard, but im also excited. -
Theresa, 9/25/2009 3:48:54 PM
I'm starting school next semester, and my baby will be about 7 months old. I feel encouraged to hear about other mom's stories of going back to school and taking care of MORE than one kid! I hope I can do it, too! -
Angie, 9/25/2009 6:53:57 PM
I just start school in August after being laid off of work for over a year and a half. I'm a single mom, my son is 21 and my daughter is almost 4. I had planned to go back several years ago when I found out I was having my youngest child. Her dad wouldn't man up and do his part so I had to put my plans on hold.
I had to wait for my daughter to start preschool before I went back. Its been hard because my daughter is so use to being round me and now tries to guilt trip me into quitting so she wouldn't have to go. I have to remind myself why I'm going when she does that. Sometimes I wish my son would take her for a couple of hours to give me more study time but I know better.
When I finish school my daughter will be 10. I'm hoping to set a good example for her and make her proud. -
Christian , 9/25/2009 8:44:02 PM
For me and my husband it is a strugle to be seperated from our 4 girls but without each others support in seeing the future,we are now on our third yr in college together.But for me, I am now in college with our oldest daughter. Don't doubt what our Lord had in plan for us in raising his children with knowledge no matter what age. -
Kim, 9/26/2009 4:04:35 PM
I am 43 years old and have been seeking my degree in Human Services If all goes well I well graduate in the spring. I am awife and the mother of 3 children 2 are out of the house and I have a 16 year old daughter at home! I have 2 grandsons and a new grandchild on the way and two daughter in laws, I tell them it is never to late to change your life! but that doesn't mean it is gonna be easy! Some days I feel like I am going to lose my mind trying to keep up with everything! my classes, home, daughters school, visit with my Grandsons, band, baton team, dinner, groceries, friends, church etc...! I just have to remember I can not be everything to everyone! It will be worth it in the end!!! All I can do is believe! I can Do! I think? -
Deborah, 9/27/2009 11:13:09 AM
Thanks Kotex for posting these encouraging comments. My divorce was final summer of 2003. I promised myself that i would finish getting my degree. Well things happen but prayerfully i will start back in January 2010. Thanks again for the tips and comment board. -
Chiomostris, 9/28/2009 1:42:05 PM
After being a stay-home-mom I decide to get some courses in my Community College, since I'm for other country is tougher to get a job being a immigrant, so I taking classes to sharpen and refresh my skills, My 21/2 boy knows than mom goes to school twice per week, My husband has been really supportive , I hope to finish early next year, thanks for the article. -
Grace, 12/18/2009 8:01:17 AM
I am happy to say that I have just completed teacher's college with my twenty three year old daughter! No only have I fulfilled a life long dream, but getting my masters degree with my daughter is something that I have never expected.
I was not easy putting everything on hold but the support of family really helps. Tapping into your children's computer skills is really great advice. I have learned a lot and not just in the classroom. -
melissa , 1/22/2010 1:08:02 AM
i love going back to school but paying for it is hard. Is there any grants i can get as a married mom. I don't have a job and need help paying for school.
missajt1313@gmail.com
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