JOIN US IN CLOSING THE ADULT SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND OPPORTUNITIES GAP
In my late thirties, I made an uneducated conjecture [guess] in selecting a career change and re-entered the university to complete my education. In my past were multiple hits and misses to gain economic advantages with a quick certificate or continuing education course. The realization hit me while on a work furlough that I needed to select a career path and develop the full range of skills and education to advance on that path. Information Technology was my career choice; however there were multiple directions I could have taken in the medical, teaching and financial fields. Through uneducated conjecturing I made a decision and stayed with it.
What is "Uneducated Conjecturing"? The act of making a decision based on a hunch and without sufficient proof of a favorable outcome, but having a strong belief whatever the direction it would be positive.
As an adult learner, I developed tools that gave me the courage to take action even when there was not any hard evidence that my choice was the best action to take. The payoff was remarkable!
Through uneducated conjecturing I not only found the perfect career for me but I also developed behaviors to overcome perceived obstacles in both my personal and professional lives.
There is an opportunities gap in our nation that needs to be bridged. Our team is devoted to mentoring adult learners seeking to improve their employability or make a career change. You will find valuable resources for any middle-aged and older adults seeking to complete undergraduate studies or enter into a skills program to advance in a new career field.
The consortium is teaming with like-minded adults to address wage inequality through continuously learning, mentoring and positioning adult learners for the opportunities that are left on the table due to a lag in skills or education in our communities. Join us!
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. –Booker T. Washington
***Mentoring Group Update***
The Genius Tribe participated in the Sister Talk Conference on 10/14 at The Georgia Convention Center. Judge Penny Brown-Reynolds facilitated an inspiring session. Judge Penny emphatically stated, "No one has the right to tell you not to dream!" and then every session in the event provided stories and people and resources to show you how.
Our next monthly meeting will be held in January 2016. Email me if you would like to join.
The Genius Tribe...Women who mean Business!
Weed Out Courses
Fall Semester
2015 is underway for most students. Whether you are just starting as a freshman
or a returning adult student you will need to prepare for the "weed
out" courses.
I did not
know these weed out courses existed until I reenrolled in the University in the
early ‘90s. I expressed my concerns for getting a passing grade on an assignment with very
a young student sitting next to me in the near empty classroom. We both had
arrived early and I began to mumble out loud as I checked my paper once more
prior to handing over to the Accounting professor. “What is a weed out course”,
I asked. I was in my late thirties and had not been in a classroom setting
since the 1980’s.
A weed-out
class I soon found out is an introductory class or Level 100
course that targets students who may not be a good match for
their chosen major. For example, I was a student enrolled in the School of
Business. The Accounting courses were required for this major. Later, I
had to meet all of the math prerequisites to qualify for the Computer Information
Systems’ courses.
I am a
southern gardener and consider the weeds in my flower beds as plants in the
wrong place. To think University’s everywhere associated me with that dreadful,
unwanted plant life that I yank out, spray and dig up to maintain my beautiful
roses really raised my ire. But then why get indignant, I thought. I quickly
corrected myself sitting at that desk. I am not a weed! I intended to flourish
in that collegiate garden.
Well, I
struggled with a couple of those introductory classes, but I was determined to
accomplish my goals. I survived those courses without dropping out or failing.
If you are
bravely tackling those first-level courses to improve your skills or advance
your career, let me remind you that you are not a weed--you are a flower. Stay
the course and bloom!
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Photo of Amaryllis' in full bloom taken in my spring garden (2015) .
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