
It’s back to school season, and my mind can’t help but wander off to
the years I readied my own kids to start the new school year. As old as I
am, it’s not hard for me to remember walking into a new classroom the
first day of school, checking out the kids, teacher, and classroom and
wondering what the new year would hold.
I was blessed to be raised
by parents who stressed education… but not always in a formal sense.
Although I went to college, I was encouraged from a young age to expand
my learning not only vertically but horizontally as well by progressing
scholastically through many diverse classes. My mom also encouraged me
to sign up for as many after school programs as I reasonably could
handle.
free. (My mom
was big on all the amazing free opportunities our community offered and I
still do too!) My summers were way fuller than the school year when it
came to experiencing new things. Hula, ballet, art, pottery, weaving,
sewing, theatre, swimming, surfing, book club, language classes, piano,
ukulele and guitar are just a few of the fun opportunities offered where
I grew up -- and I did them all. Some of those introductions stuck,
and I still do them over 50 years later. Others did not. But regardless,
they opened my eyes to the wonders of education and the fun of
learning.
During the summer she’d sign me up at our local Community
Recreation Center and local library for anything
Today, I still sign up for every workshop and lecture
offered. It doesn’t even matter the subject. I’m just addicted to
learning. A few years ago, after doing an art show next to a
stained-glass artist, I became fascinated with her work. I had a great
show and decided I wanted to own a piece for myself and carefully picked
one out. She explained in detail what went into creating it. Well, I
was hooked. After hanging the piece up in my home, I straightaway looked
up a night class offered at the local college which offered a course
and promptly signed up. For 14 weeks I learned to design, cut, solder
and complete a lovely piece of stained glass. I loved every single
minute of the class. I met new friends and learned way more than I
expected as I completed a beautiful work of art. At the end of the class
I came to the conclusion that despite the fact that I had an absolute
wonderful time,
I never ever wanted to make another piece of stained glass again!
Did I regret taking the class and “wasting my time?” Heavens, no. I’d
do it all again in a heartbeat. And every time I look at the magnificent
piece of art I had purchased, I now have such an overwhelming
appreciation for what was involved and the artistry she had executed. I
also learned that even though I had fun and thoroughly enjoyed the
challenge, it’s just not my thing. But absolutely no regrets.
My
husband, Al, has a Ph.D. in Speech Pathology and was a college professor
for ten years. He was one year away from being a full, tenured
professor when he decided it was just not his thing either. Without
hesitation or regret, he quit to go into business for himself. Simply
put, he changed his mind and followed his heart... towards me! His life
has been a wild roller coaster ride ever since. I'd like to think I'm
one of the high points. And now "Dr. Toronto" is selling Wonderful
Wacky Women paintings on the street corner with me and loves every
minute of it. He is also the brains behind the marketing that launched
my business into an international brand and handles all the licensing,
trademarks and left brained business stuff I don’t want to deal with. I
may be Suzy Toronto but it was Al who created the Suzy Toronto brand.
Does
Al regret the eight years of school to get a doctorate degree he
doesn't use? Not for a second. He values his education and time
teaching as some of the best and formative years of his life. Because he
believes that education is not simply the learning and memorizing of
facts, but true education is that of teaching the mind to think. It
made him who he is and is a vital part of his success in life. And it
is part of why I married him. He was obviously very smart, and highly
driven.
The point is, education is a springboard to the rest of
your life, no matter where it takes you. It gives you the skills and
discipline to launch your dreams and follow your heart. It ignites the
fire within you and fuels your passions.
I hope I will always be a work in progress and never, ever stop learning.