I recently attended a conference, and as I walked around the expo, I came across a booth for CAEL (The Council for Adult & Experiential Learning). As an adult learner, I recognized the organization from a program that I participated in while earning my bachelor’s degree.
A pleasant and personable lady named Kristen was working the booth. We struck up a conversation, and I told her about this program that I participated in, which extended the opportunity to submit a portfolio to earn elective credits. She said, “That was Learning Counts!”
It turns out the Learning Counts program was retired in 2020, but Kristen was still curious about my experience. She was able to locate my four portfolios and see the topics/courses I had submitted.
Kristen became a friendly face that I ran into a few more times during the conference, and we connected on LinkedIn. As my time at the conference was winding down, Kristen messaged me asking if I would consider writing a blog on my adult learner experience. My response: “Absolutely!”
What an honor to be asked to share my experience. I was excited and started writing at the airport on my way home. My adult learner experience has always been near and dear to my heart. In retrospect, it is truly at the core of my being, but as more time has passed, so have some of the memories. Writing the blog offered a chance to remember, reflect, and commemorate.
Going back to college as an adult and at a pivotal time in life reminds me that challenges and opportunities go hand in hand. One of the many lessons that I derived from my adult learner experience is that we must listen to ourselves and follow our gut. “Listen to yourself and learn from yourself.” That’s the Level Up motto of our career coaching services. There’s a reason for that.
I had a fair share of supporters during my formal adult learner journey, but not everyone understood the path I was on. Even last week, I had a wonderful conversation with a friend who recently earned an advanced degree. She shared that, to this day, her parents don’t see the significance of her educational accomplishments. She is also a first-generation college student.
Making the decision to become an adult learner isn’t as easy as it may seem. They say people fear what they don’t understand, and this is true. They also criticize what they don’t understand. Many adult learners are first-generation college students. They are creating a new baseline for future generations within their own family when it comes to education, career, and life in general. Family and friends who haven’t taken this route may not be able to relate. That’s them. We usually know what’s best for us, so keeping out the external noise is critical. The lesson — don’t let a lack of knowledge or the insecurities of others prevent you from achieving your goals. Listen to yourself and learn from yourself.
A decade ago, when I was still working on my bachelor’s degree, online learning was just catching on. Now, online learning is more accepted and respected. Hybrid and online learning models are the new norm these days. Many adult learners have full-time jobs, careers, families, or a combination of all the above. These learning models offer a sense of hope and possibility.
I share this blog with you today because there are so many people out there trying to figure out their next moves in their careers and life. In fact, I just read an article indicating that career confidence is at an all-time low. The idea of entering the adult learner arena may be a consideration. If this is you, know there is plenty of support and guidance from people doing what you want to do. Kudos to you for considering taking on something that will have a positive impact on your personal and professional development. You got this!
A huge thanks to Kristen and CAEL for the opportunity to compose a guest blog. Follow this link to read the full guest blog on CAEL’s website: At the Crossroads: My Adult Learner Story.
