Life, Learning, and Being Connected
Being a lifelong student keeps us connected to the things that matter most.
“Seek ye diligently and teach one another.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
We often think of learning as a solitary experience: hours of studying followed by hours of reviewing and then a test in a quiet room where all you can hear is the nervous breathing of students. It’s true, we do learn when we read and study. But learning with someone else or in a group accelerates the process. The perfect classroom is where the students come prepared having learned a principle and are ready to discuss it.
Creating a learning environment.
Lifelong learning may begin with formal education, but it continues throughout our lives as we seek learning from the best books and discussion from the best people we know. Family dinner discussions are a great way to continue learning. Topics can range from the day’s homework assignment, to a discussion on a book the family is reading together, to a discussion prompted by a question. Open-ended questions are a great way to help children think and speak clearly and grow in confidence. Your questions can be simple: What does it mean to be meek? If you were building an ark, where would you start? How do you think God answers prayers? You might even include some research assignments: How does a bee find its way back to the hive? Can we calculate the height of a tree in the yard? Who was Philemon? When you create a learning environment, your family members will likely experience a greater sense of trust and support.
Creating a habit of learning.
We can learn to be curious. All it takes is a little observation. Nature is a good teacher; we can watch how plants grow, how seeds are spread, and what soil is best to promote healthy growth. Libraries are also a good place to spark curiosity. As a family, or with a group of friends, try this game: Stand in the library and direct each member of the group to a random aisle and row. Each member of the group should quickly pick one book from his or her assigned row (without examining the book to see what it’s about) and take fifteen minutes to read as much of the book as possible. Then group members can join together and discuss what they have read. You might end up with a history book, cowboy poetry, or facts about space exploration. You’ll be surprised by what you can learn in such a short time.
Making your education formal.
Most people look at college as an almost insurmountable task. Think of it as stacking blocks. You start with a few classes, maybe three. Each semester you stack a few more blocks, and before you know it, you’ve finished with a degree. You don’t even have to start with a degree in mind; just start by taking a few classes that interest you, and see where they lead. And don’t forget the power of the group. At the beginning of each class, extend yourself to others and form a study group. This is where the real learning happens; reading and discussing together until everyone understands.
Connecting is the real reward in learning.
As you continue to build and make progress, you will start to notice that, just like stacking blocks, you are becoming stronger, more developed. One truth leads to another, and we find ourselves not only understanding principles on a deeper level but also developing qualities of compassion, kindness, and discipline. And as you grow in wisdom and intelligence, you will also feel a deeper connection to God.
We all long to belong. We are part of the human family, God’s children. We celebrate the high scores, and we work together to bring up the lows. Some of the most important friendships we develop will be forged in the crucible of trial and error.
Education and learning are the keys to opportunity, not only for a richer, fuller life but also for more meaningful connections to each other and to the divine.