By: Wanda Campbell
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. – Albert Einstein.
The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson. – Tom Bodett
Many prominent men and women, from Oprah to Warren Buffett, are huge advocates of continuing your education. “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” John F. Kennedy, 35th President.
Your pursuit of continuing education is a great reason to feel good about your life. Companies recognize you’ve invested in improving yourself, and want to reward that. Continuing your training can also make you more qualified for advanced work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced education of every kind increases your income by thousands of dollars a year. Overall, your image will increase, as will your job marketability, if you pursue continuing education. Experts agree that learning should be a lifelong process, and devoting time to continuing education can be a journey of personal development.
So now you’re convinced that continuing education is a good path for you, what’s the next step? At Athens State’s Center for Lifelong Learning, we offer a variety of professional and career development classes, personal interest classes, online programs, and concerts. These programs are offered as traditional classes, online formats, and one-on-one tutoring formats.
New this fall, we will offer a Lunch & Learn Series: Advocates and Opponents of the American Constitution. This four-week series will not only point out the significance and historical debate that took place while writing the Constitution, it will highlight, in retrospect, the key strengths and weaknesses of each side of the debate. Classes are scheduled on Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and join us each week for this interesting discussion. Session One: The Significance & Historical Debate is October 31. Session Two: Separation of Powers, Part 1 is November 7. Session Three: Separation of Powers, Part 2 is November 14. Session Four: The Bill of Rights is November 21, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. These classes are free.
Also new this fall is Friday Night Movies: How to View and Appreciate Great Movies. Classes will be offered the first Friday of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. In class we will discuss the impact of great films. Was it well-acted? Was it the dramatic lighting? The emotion of the music? Join us as we discuss what impacts us in the movies. Session 1: September 6 – Shawshank Redemption – we will uncover and explore the hero journey as a plot device. Session 2: October 4 – Good Will Hunting – we will dive deeply into examples and meanings of several genres to help define what it is you like. Session 3: November 1 – The Dark Knight – we will focus on the history and science behind the magic we see and believe. Session 4: December 6 – Out of Africa – we will allow music to carry us from scene to scene, providing emotional cues and setting the stage for what comes next.
Look for Pottery, Painting, and Blacksmith Classes on our website. Also available are ACT Test Strategies and College and Career Prep classes for teens. This new Leadership Certificate Program is The 21 Laws of Leadership: The Art of Coaching, Mentoring, Connecting, and Empowering. Check out all the classes offered this fall on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL. You can call us at 256-233-8260 for more information.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262
