Older and more teachable

Let me explain. The ‘Older’ remark always sets people north of anywhere near 40 back on their heels. Forty is the new 20, 60 is the new 40. Have you heard these new remarks? Well, I’m 40 and people tell me I dispel this witty, catchy saying. That’s fine I’m at peace with being 40. Actually if someone mistakes me for 40 I’ll take it, especially since I’m closing in on 42. A few months back I received in the mail a brochure from the Quakertown Community School District. Adult classes covering a range of topics are offered at the Senior High School on Park. Everything from cake decorating to mastering some basic computer programs is available. I’d received this before in my mailbox, no doubt many of us have but didn’t take a stab at the classes. The ones I liked were on bad nights ( read that as doing stuff with the boys ) and more excuses popped around in my head.

Funny, we adults clamor all day long to our kids. I know I do. ‘Get your head in the books’, ‘Take your education seriously’. ‘Some day you’ll be glad you studied so hard’. The predictable rants come pouring out of me as if they were programmed to begin the moment I became a biological dad. Often times when we adults have the chance to learn some new things we don’t follow our own advice. I certainly haven’t. I’ll admit it. I’ve been a slacker in growing areas of my computer skills. I’ll admit it. I own it. When it comes to me and computers our relationships have been acrimonious and often times down right nasty. How do I get by with it at work? Well, I know the basics, the simple stuff. How to use word, merge documents and more I can handle with not too much strain. I am certainly adept at using email and getting information on the internet. But then I hit a brick wall when it comes to one of the most used computer programs in my job and several other jobs where managing money and merchandise are critical. The program is called Excel. Excel is a Microsoft product that for the simple definition allows you to itemize expenses, track sales, manage accounts and much more. Excel. I certainly don’t.

Thanks to my instructor I’m learning how to manage excel. It’s not that complicated, arguably with trial and error along with checking a lot of notes given to me and making some mistakes along the way, I’ve learned a little about an important computer program. When I told my kids I was taking a class there was mild interest. Hopefully it will serve as a small example that you’re never too old to learn. Time will tell. It always does.

The neat thing about taking the class as I’m discovering ( I’m about half way through ) is that a lot of us older adults want to get adept at computer programming and improve ourselves both personally and professionally. The beginning of this class, just like back in the day and still to this day in school comes complete with students introducing themselves and why we’re taking the class. Everyone in the room knows why everyone else is there. For the same reason we’re there. Computers and in this case excel are frustrating the heck out of us and we want to gain control of it rather than it controlling us. After a few weeks it looks favorable. My counterparts and I are learning a lot and I’ve already improved two master files at work that will no doubt be much more useful following what I’ve learned and applied.

The Quakertown Community School District offers a variety of programs to its residents. If you have interest in registering for a range of classes and can spare a weeknight for a few consecutive weeks then you to can make some life improvements. Check your mailbox, the invitation to the classes comes twice a year. There are costs, but they are extremely inexpensive. Money won’t be a barrier to taking these classes they’re priced to everyone’s budget. Stay teachable I was told as a younger person. Advice I’ve not heeded as much as I should and hopefully take seriously today. Here’s hoping if you’re in class you make the mark to upgrading yourself. See ‘ya around town.