Forget the weekend, Thursday nights are my hands-down favorite. Thursday is the night of my community education class WOODWORKING. By Wednesday I’m giddy thinking of my night class and by Thursday mountains are moved here so I never miss a class. Many people have asked how I learned how to work with wood and build things… here’s my dusty little secret, adult community education classes! I’m a huge, huge fan and I think you should be too. And here’s why:
The teachers are pros at what they do and they truly care about the students.
My woodshop class is taught by Sheldon, is one of the coolest guys ever. He has taught woods at the local high school for decades and teaches a community ed class one night a week. There is literally nothing he doesn’t know or can’t do in the woodshop, in my humble opinion. But more importantly, I feel like he really wants to help the students. He is genuinely interested in what we want to learn and do. Dare I call him my mentor? Totally. And it’s not just Sheldon, other community education classes I have taken, photography, design, Bible study, Spanish, have all had phenomenal teachers. The instructors create a thriving learning environment because they know their stuff and they care.
Community Education classes are economical.
It’s no secret I love a good bargain. Well, someone doesn’t need to look much further than community ed for a smokin’ deal! My woodshop class provides amazing tools I could never buy or afford to upkeep. When building something like the barnwood dressers or my live-edge table or bookshelf the access to tools are priceless. Other supplies are available, sandpaper, glue, screws… all the little extras that really add up when completing a project. I could never supply a woodshop with all the supplies that are available in this class, or know how to use them! The materials and instruction are more than worth the small class fee.
You go at your own pace.
Unlike traditional classes there are no grades, no exams, and the only expectation is that you learn and enjoy the class. Yes teachers try to bring you up to a certain standard or increase your abilities, but the best you can is certainly good enough for any class I’ve taken. Forget college exams, these classes are designed to help you just learn.
Variety abounds.
I take classes through Utah Valley University. The variety of classes, duration, times and schedules are impressive. Usually when sifting through the class catalog I’m wishing I could take like a bajillion different classes that are offered, but alas, I usually only have time for my favorite (woodshop of course). If you want to learn how to build a house, plan retirement, sew, weld, speak French, enhance your professional skills, or make creations out of wood, chances are a school near you offers an evening class or weekend course to get you started.
Classes are a freakin’ blast!
I had to throw this one in. It might sound cliche, but cross my heart I have thoroughly enjoyed every community class I’ve taken. Well, okay there was a quilting class that was pretty painful because I’m really not a quilter, but that’s a story for a different day. Think of how the stars align with skilled teachers, no pressure, and self-guided learning. Who wouldn’t love that? Plus the people in the classes are always super cool. And in case you’re wondering in my 10-student woodshop class there is only one guy. Most of us are moms who love to create stuff for our homes and have huge aspirations that somehow Sheldon makes happen.
This may very well be my ode to continuing education. But, it is so heartfelt! Do you wish you could learn a new skill, language, or hobby you’ve always wanted to try? Community education classes are just the ticket. Check out the classes available near you, and then tell me all about it 🙂
Happy Creating!
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