One of the clearest things that I remember about my childhood is how my dad began teaching me to read. Though I don’t remember all the details of our house, I remember sitting and learning my ABC’s from 3×5″ flash cards. I remember sounding out words and putting together sounds. I remember my dad telling me to “say them fast” when he referred to the multiple sounds that formed words.
And I have loved to learn since that time. I have not always been the best student, the most dedicated, but the process of learning has always been exciting.
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Learning happens all the time. Even after you graduate, you’re constantly taking in information and your brain gremlins are storing it away for another day. Some of it goes out with the trash on Tuesdays. Some of it stays with you forever. But as long as we’re alive we’re taking things in.
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Intentional learning does not happen all the time. But it should. One thing that a high school graduate should walk away with (aside from a diploma) is an ability to learn intentionally. To set your mind to focus on a particular topic or subject, and gain understanding and insight on that topic. But this kind of learning takes a directed will. This kind of learning doesn’t happen when you stare blankly at your television. Just like a garden that grows through proper husbandry, the mind grows through intentional learning.
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Learn to associate happiness with learning. I wonder how many people struggled to do well in school, not because they were unintelligent, but because their teachers failed to make the learning process engaging. Anecdotally, I know of several highly intelligent people for whom this is true. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Many of those same people who didn’t like learning in a “traditional” environment are excellent readers or insightful sports statisticians. Find those things that you get excited to learn about, and learn. And then branch out to other areas, knowing that you could potentially experience the same joy from the process of learning.
Learning is one the most exciting things in my life. I think it was meant to be that way.