Life Long Curiousity
The Learning Dialogue Never Ends
Far to often in the populist polarization that currently exists, we try to create a false dichotomy within further education. We have sides try to tell us that Trades are denigrated, or Post-Secondary degrees from Uni’s and colleges do not lead to employment. We’ve lost the script on learning. We have equated the only outcome with learning being tied into capitalist endeavours of what cog we have in the machinery. Not for growth, for discovery for curiousity. See I’m from a proud line of various tradesfolks, both my dad and big brother are masters of their fields, so I understand the amount of learning and engagement that happens within that path. I also understand through my own journey the amount of learning and discovery on the other path. Whether for credit or non-credit. See, it is about the learning. The subtitle comes from a learning concept I learn to explain the journey of learning at the beginning of each semester, one of my mentors from Seminary, who let me T.A. for his Biblical Hermeneutics class used this analogy (and I couple it with how we create a courageous learning space in these polarized times to unpack b.s. (belief systems) and understand roots and benefits), he was the prof who made the writings of the Johannine community come alive for me.
But I digress for my own learning journey reveals many different aspects.
Part of my journey of these reflections come from a re-engagement with Ignatien Spiritual practices, and the Daily Examen:
This is part of this process, as I settle firmly into my new, but also looking forward to the possibilities opening up ahead of me.
See, even though post-high school graduation I created consternation with my parents being the honour roll student opting for a gap year (s), creates a uniqueness, that many do not talk about. It is usually driven a bit by fear (of the unknown, of imposter syndrome, of fear of the cost to name a few), what is not mentioned is loss of relationships/friendships as those that engage with post-secondary do not usually stay in high contact with those who do not. Though I still stayed curious with continuing with writing courses from the Alexandra Writer’s Centre, continuing education courses at U of C (the history of espionage is still fun) which ties into the learning not always having to be for credit. Recently, a certificate from St. Andrew’s College (Saskatoon Theological Union) in their Lifelong Learning Pathway shored up a foundation in disbality theology within the scope of the new (that I highly recommend, the STU has intersected my journey with further learnings for many years). To courses/retreats from Spiritual Directions to the FCJ Christian Life Centre (that if you want to explore Ignatien Spirituality more they have two options coming up this fall).
But there is more of the journey, for I jumped into formal post-secondary as a government training progam on electronics that connected me with SAIT as a student. It created another gap year post graduation, but in the midst of learning it ignited my continued curiousity in learning. And yes, I am a proud alumni (just have to check out the latest issue of Link for that).
I have jumped around, and it took almost 8 years to complete my undergrad, so I do encourage students, explore, learn, learn how to learn. Get a diploma, trade ticket, or degree in what interests you, work will and does follow as you innovate and build networks. Also remember not every pathway has to be in the for-profit sector, for every private enterprise role for education you have there is public service, non-profits and NGO’s.
My meanderings and calling at the turn of the century led me to want to learn more about the Bible and theology (from a psychology/philosophy/English/History explorations previously this aided what I brought to the texts, much to the dismay of my professors I am sure). I was not a very orthodox explorer. My family knew of one college for learning such things in Three Hills, but then I remembered a school that we had seen driving back and forth to my Nan & Granddad’s house. Probably the most opposite of theological lens from the church I was in, so began my exploration of robust discovery (which I already usually did with justice and social issues I worked. on previously). I would become a student at Alberta Bible College in their day program, even got the one year certificate.
It was bumpy as the school was learning how to engage with those not formed in their tradition, and I was, forming period. A blessing of that was learning, being able to ask questions, taking things and wrestling through with others, some friendships that have endured, some mentorships as well, learning to preach which grew my public speaking skills, and they brought me back to the Mustard Seed for a deep dive of a week that ignited a passion and ministry connection, that connection also led me to disengaging from formal full-time education for a season.
I would pick up other classes from Athabasca University in Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Astronomy, and Labour. I would also take up U of C’s Weekend University for my economics and sociology, but neither would produce a full degree. I would go back once I reached 25 (back then there was an age qualifier) for a new program to complete the degrees at ABC, PACE, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry. This connected me with more mentors across the theological spectrum, pastors, workers, academics and graduating created a propulsion to get into my Masters (and following that my “tryout doctorate” as I needed supports for staff, volunteers, guests that was not being provided with the plan always to go back but life happens). My Masters was intended to be a Master of Divinity, but the journey had shifted and I was in an Anglican Church, that saw in my Franciscan formation, a living out of a vocation that would do more for the church than a formal priesthood or diaconate, led to a shift into a M.A. with a concentration in intercultural studies.
But these learnings would serve me well, and I would, sadly, tend to focus on the negative not the growths, positive and foundations that have aided me well in life. Even when I did go down with a life change. It was actually Alberta Bible College I ended up back at, it was there to see if my brain and energy could “people”, I attended a leadership conference, which was encouraging as other leaders shared and normalized their mental health struggles that had changed vocational pathways and trajectories, for this Trekkie, a blessing for a season of connection with a church and pastor in Vulcan aiding in spiritual growth. Then a try out audit of a course to see if I could still learn (my greatest fear during my down time, was what would I do if I could not have my brain like I always did).
As I journeyed back out of being on LTD to being cleared for work. And a new step into scrambling for something, landing into teaching (which my one psychiatrist had suggested for a new pathway). The first contract aided in navigating covid, but then a church job at a community hub with the cobbled together classes. Still feeling a bit like a tourist if you will in post-secondary teaching, I reached out to ABC exploring practicum placements for the Hub. It created a connection with a faculty member and their Dean, which opened up a field experience opportunity for the Hub, the Church and the Students to discover and plan a community liturgy. In the conversations, and supporting the students, I was given the opportunity to create a course on addiction studies for students, it was a hard course I am told, but connected with their faith, the intrinsic value of the person, and what little things can be done locally for prevention, support or healing.
This adjunct faculty role also created a connection and belonging point while I was there, to connect with other faculty, and to stop the over thinking or rationalizing that teaching was just a stop off. Space was created for contemplation and connection of faith and practice, student support, and a further in roads to my work on communities of belonging.
It also through re-engaging with the Alumni group, created a space for connection and belonging for my son (as has the previously noted, SAIT as well).
As I head towards another celebration of life around the sun, I have been trying to find ways to connect or support those places or folks that matter. You click on the link with SAIT and it will take you to a donation page, if the story of continued journeying with Alberta Bible College intrigued you or you want to explore, head to their website (it is set to the donation page) here.