Back To School...As Summer Begins You may be working, raising kids, busy with your favorite charity, or all of the above. As busy as you are, this may also be the best time to consider goals you've always wanted to reach in life.
If you've thought about taking a class, finishing a degree or even starting one, I strongly urge you to look into it.
When I graduated from high school in Canada, I immediately enrolled in what they call "post-secondary education" north of the border. In the summer after my first year, I got a job at a radio station.
At the end of the summer, I was offered a full-time job in the news room if I stayed on. I was able to convince my parents that taking the job would be better for my broadcasting career plans than any "post-secondary education" could ever be.
So, I left school with the plan to finish my degree down the road. Many years passed, and I was fortunate to have many opportunities for advances in my career along the way.
But, in the mid 1990s, I yearned for that degree I'd never finished. So, while working full time, I went back to school.
Maryville University offered (and still does) a weekend college program that allowed me to complete my Communications degree.
I was one of the best things I've ever done. It was hard work. But I learned more, and got more out of learning, than I think I ever would have when I was 18 or 19 years old.
I wouldn't recommend any soon-to-be high school graduates follow my example. Young people need a degree to compete in today's world.
But if you've always wanted to go back to school, or start from scratch for that matter, don't let age or your schedule hold you back.
Many schools, including Maryville and even Washington University, offer educational opportunities that are affordable and flexible.
Don't worry about being the oldest in the class (I was many times) or that you haven't taken a test in years (believe me, it builds character.)
You can research many of these programs on-line. Or check out University College at Washington University this Wednesday.
University College will be serving free food at The Grind at 4239 Lindell Boulevard from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at an event called "Party With A Purpose." You can learn more about starting a degree, finishing one, or just taking courses.
Dream big, and learn. Two of the best things you'll ever do.
You can also visit www.ucollege.wustl.edu. for more on the Washington U. program, or http://www.maryville.edu/admissions/weekend.asp for more on Maryville's Weekend and Evening College. ¶ 11:14 AM