Whether we are young or old, in order to learn, grow, and expand our minds, we need to possess the mindset of a learner. Though I may already know a few things about the subject I am learning about, if I do not acknowledge that I do not know everything, then my mind will not be open to accept what other people have to say about what they know.

Never too old to Learn 

My favorite grandma’s formal education ended at the eighth grade, but that does not mean she stopped learning. Her formal education helped her to secure a job, and manage a household, but her attitude, “you are never too old to learn,” is what expanded her world beyond the confines of her home. 

Her options to acquire new knowledge included reading books and articles, listening to radio programs and corresponding with her large, wide spread family. I admired Grandma for her wit, her knowledge and her humility because she was a lifelong learner.  

What I learned from Grandma about her ability to acquire knowledge, gain understanding and be competent is that it requires courage, some discomfort, and acceptance. 

Presently, I am far from home and attending a professional development conference. In order to grow in knowledge as a public school teacher I had to first humble myself to TSA employees and the protocol of federal regulations and get on a plane. Secondly, since flying is my least favorite mode of transportation, I had to let go of my fear of being in the air. I wasn’t even at the conference yet, but had already jumped over two big hurdles. 

Arriving at the conference, picking up my schedule and choosing to attend two  workshops that required me to take on the persona of a classroom student instead of a teacher, made me feel a bit flustered. “Will I be able to do what I am asked?” crossed my mind. “Am I smart enough to do the task?” was another thought. Finally, just before I considered leaving the workshop because I felt incompetent, I wondered,“What will others think of me?” But being the adult that I am with an attitude of learning kept me where I was supposed to be; in the classroom taking on the persona of a student.

There have been opportunities to sit back and listen to the keynote speakers. I enjoy listening to their personal stories about becoming the teachers they’ve become. They, like me, had their first principal, their first job, and colleagues along the way who shared their wisdom. It was easy for me to accept them and their sageness because they had the courage to continue moving forward in spite of the obstacles. 

Why bother to keep learning? Even though acquiring new knowledge requires courage, some discomfort, and acceptance we are not alone in our journey. There are others just like us with whom we can grow with.