Lifelong learning is “The provision or use of both formal and informal learning opportunities throughout people's lives in order to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfillment .“* This picture also depicts how life gives us choices on which way to go. This is my life and how it has unfolded so far.

 

Even at a very young age I was learning, probing and pursuing knowledge. 

 

I learned more about spirituality and how it went beyond my religion (Catholic) to an everyday practice that brought me confidence, peace and purpose.

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The divorce was life changing in two ways, one was emotional but secondly I took a class in Divorce Care and was encouraged by the facilitator to help her with future support groups. I became a transitional life coach and applied this skill with the students who came to my office at University of Central Florida (UCF).

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My area of concentration in Behavioral Science enabled me to take the course that enhance everything I need for work, life coaching, and positive psychology along with counseling and pastoring. The Anthropology classes enriched my vision of the world beyond the United States. The Leadership courses have added to my professional and personal toolbox. The Education classes that I have planned will give me a deeper understanding of Human services.

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UCF has many classes on diversity and this is an area of surprised learning. Taking classes on Safe Zone Advocacy, Inclusive Communication, and Privilege and Oppression were all thought provoking. These are areas that enable me to communicate in more levels then I thought possible. Stretching my insights in the classroom, in life, in work and in coaching brings me back to my lifelong learning.

 

A young lady came into our offices looking depressed, down-hearted and in need of help. After several meetings she had come away with a plan to transition from one career to another outside her original degree. Several weeks later she came back and was almost unrecognizable. She had hope in her eyes. An excited attitude and a new career direction that changed her outlook of herself and her self worth. Truly transformed.

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Lifelong learning is the "ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Therefore, it not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development, but also self-sustainability, as well as competitiveness and employability.

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