Learning–A Continuous Process

Posted on June 22, 2007
Filed Under Friends, School, ACET, UPCAT, etc, Travel | Viewed 1151 times

Friend and former officemate, Bles, treated our barkada for lunch last Wednesday at Sbarro in Mega Mall. After three years of persevering and commuting from Ortigas to the University of Philippines, with 2 semesters of field work, she finally completed her Masters in Community Development. We were very happy for her, what next, we asked?

In our barkada of 9 (most of the time for the past 15 years since SM Mega Mall opened, we would have lunch together), 2 of us have taken early retirement, 2 have migrated to Canada and New Zealand, and 5 are still working. Of the 5, 2 have reached the age for early retirement, while 3 need about 4-10 more years.

And 3 of us have opted to take further studies while working. Best friend Bing took up her MBA at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Rockwell and Bles finished Masters in Community Development in UP. I completed my MBA, also at the Ateneo, a 2-year in-house program, despite the fact that I have been travelling a lot. In between flights, airport lounges, and hotels, I had to go online, write assignments, and coordinate with groupmates and professors who were very understanding with my situation. Finally, we had our graduation in July 2006—unfortunately, I could not make it, I was in Bangladesh, doing field work. I would have cut short my trip, but it was a midterm review of a large project.

The 3 of us, Bing, Bles and myself, have been convincing our 3 other friends, short of selling the idea, to take up post graduate studies, while there is still time, and while the office provides 75% scholarship to its staff. I myself now reap the benefits of taking up the MBA, even if I was already in my mid-40s when I started taking it. By the way, I took up 1 semester of MBA (and had to drop in my 2nd semester) when I was newly married, but could not finish it because babies came one after the other. My young family had to take precedence at that time.

Because of the MBA, even only for the bragging right I derive from it, I was able to make myself more respectable and more saleable for writing and research work after retirement, an advantage over others, perhaps.

Learning is a continuous process, no matter what age one is in. I took up creative writing workshops shortly after retirement, continue to join son J Angelo when he gives talks on problogging and e-business, read, and surf the internet both for blogging pleasure and information reload. For pleasure, and to keep my mind alert, I solve crossword puzzles, jumbles, sudoku, and play scrabble occassionally. Plus, listen to my children when they deliberate about their projects, do homework, talk about the days’ activities (like in applied physics for BA or law cases for Monica).

My friends were kidding me—would my taking up further studies benefit me if I were already in nursing homes when I live up to age 80 or 90? Oh well, it’s still a long way to go, that will be more than 30 year from now In the meantime, let me enjoy my retirement, doing what I like most—writing and the pleasures that come with it.

So dear friends, think about it. If you have the chance, why not take up further studies. If you have the opportunity, dont let it pass you by. Learning is always a win-win situation.

Comments

21 Responses to “Learning–A Continuous Process”

feng on June 22nd, 2007 11:15 am

your post inspires me more SexyMom. i haven’t finished my MA yet (Mass Comm major in Comm Research), actually am on my way to finishing it, thesis na lang. but since i had my son, i became too lazy to pursue earning the degree. i’ve thought of finally pushing with it next school year. i hope my sked, no matter how hectic it will be, will permit me to go back to school.

SexyMom: good luck, Feng, you will not regret it.
Prudence on June 22nd, 2007 12:22 pm

I do agree that learning is a continuous process. I’m sorry to see individuals who seem to remain stagnant and were only satisfied that they’re able to get by in their daily lives. It isn’t all about earning money. Learning different stuff can enrich one’s life. Also, one has to take advantage of the time available at hand. While I wouldn’t say that at your 70’s studying will be impossible, I think at your 70’s, priorities will shift to worrying about one’s health and adjusting to a less active life. So, I guess take the opportunities for learning while still young!

SexyMom: True, Tess, while still young, one should take the opportunity for continuous learning. true also for the not so young.
Girlie on June 22nd, 2007 1:35 pm

hhhmmm why not? but at this point i’m contented with what I learn teaching or more like helping my kids with school work, nare-refresh ako kahit papano

SexyMom: oh yes, Girlie, for the kids, it is learning, for parents, it is re-learning.
Kyels on June 22nd, 2007 2:05 pm

I play online Scrabble too but still prefers the traditional way of playing.

(:

SexyMom: i also still play traditional scrabble with my kids, but sometimes, when there is no one to play with, online is an option.
amymd on June 22nd, 2007 6:07 pm

learning also allows your neurons to work all the time (neurobics) so that they will not degenerate early. hindi ka magiging malilimutin ng maaga

SexyMom: this is why my best friend, Bing, has opted to continue studying—she’s afraid she would inherit her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. She wants to keep her brains working.
Toni on June 22nd, 2007 9:50 pm

wow, that’s a very good attitude you’ve got there I’m sure even when you get to that age of a nursing home tenant your wisdom and personality will always be with you That’s a very motivating barkada you’ve got, each with an aspiration to be better and more educated Studying can really be a lot of work (and stress of course)!! It sure is nice to have someone who reminds you, you can do it and why you need to do it.

SexyMom: we’re still trying to convince the remaining barkada mates who have not continued their studies. Even the 2 who have migrated the Canada and New Zealand are now taking further studies in the evening. It would have been cheaper if they continued their studies while they were still in Manila.
KK on June 23rd, 2007 3:23 am

Thank you for inspiring us to take post grad studies Sexy Ate Dine. I hope to one day. I continue to learn online right now.

SexyMom: oh, yes, online! internet has endless possibilities for learning.
Sonnie on June 23rd, 2007 7:07 am

what an inspiring example both as mom and your passion to learn. And you creatively incorporated BTP links to your post

SexyMom: oh, yes, Sonnie, i try to be creative with my BTPs.
pinayhekmi on June 23rd, 2007 7:48 am

Continuously challenging your brain works your brain cells much like exercise works the muscles and joints. Learning keeps the brain sharp, and fights the onset of senility. Great reason to keep on learning huh!

SexyMom: really, one of the reasons to continue learning—to deter senility.
Mari on June 23rd, 2007 8:54 am

I read about an 84-year old lady who took computer classes in the early 90s. She wanted to learn how to use the computer even at that age. I don’t believe it when people would say I’m too old for that or for whatever. We are never too old to learn.

I agree with you…”learning is a win-win situation.”

SexyMom: wow! an 84-year old on a computer. 30 years from now, the computers must have evolved to something else, i can’t imagine what.
cielo on June 23rd, 2007 12:17 pm

we are both passionate when it comes to learning…

i totally agree with you mommy dine that learning is a continuous process just like life.

SexyMom: kudos to you—for the passion!
Chateau on June 23rd, 2007 6:02 pm

I have always wanted to pursue an MBA degree, but like you, my young family comes first and the MBA is shelved for now. But yes, when my kids are grown and would not want me bugging them every second, I better have something good to do with my time! For now, I am learning a lot (believe me when i say A LOT) being my hub’s tech-researcher and my kids’ tutor (as in, I’m also learning Mandarin with them!). haha

SexyMom: that’s a lot to learn, Chats. and you can still play online scrabble in between!
Rach on June 24th, 2007 1:32 pm

Hi Dine. I took up my MBA at DLSU. I finished all my major subjects but sadly I had to go on an indefinite leave due to a difficult pregnancy. I had to go on bed rest for the first few months of my pregnancy. I only need to take electives and do my thesis to complete my MBA. However, I have lost the momentum I had for my graduate studies and haven’t returned to school until now.

I agree that learning is a continuous process. I learn many things each day and it’s amazing what I learn from Yohan.

SexyMom: we all learn from our children. i’m sure when Yohan is a little bigger, you would find the time. You see, i went back to school, only when my youngest was 8.
Kongkong622 on June 24th, 2007 10:52 pm

Hi SexyMom..I was really inspired by this post. I am all for continuing education. Learning is an ongoing process, no matter what age and status in life. I have told my husband that when the kids are older I would like to pursue studies in either law or culinary arts. Or both. He thinks its a fantastic idea. Thanks for this post

SexyMom: both are fantastic ideas! good luck.
vk on June 26th, 2007 1:27 am

dine, nice post….....when I got married, stay at home mama-wife, no more studies, I mean in the school, no more further studies….in short…rusted already.

When the kids started at the school I think it over to go in the school, do what can I do, what I learn in the phils. If I can practice or works here.

I let them evaluated my TR from Phil’s…..na ja…it’s a long process….lol…

And that time…8-9 yrs, stay at home, nothing to do…my brain was already stagnant….

Then I think this, there is no old in studying….as long I have time.

So, I asked some Info…...presently, I do only some semester courses, like languages, arts, health, touring, or any makes me happy and interested….
.

But, this MBA or further learning—-academics way….

I just say…..I am already Master-MBA or PhD….if my kids are already finished there schooling and also MBA or PhDs, when they have these titles too….....heheheheh

na, vk, wakes up….....it is already late, stop day dreaming….....lol

Thanks for sharing, dine…........
vk on June 26th, 2007 1:48 am

Yes, meeting our old friends….
Talking over n over….the past , the present n the future….
It’s so fantastic, makes me happy…...my feeling is like as before, school time and working time, while singles…

But, sometimes, when they say, what they have achieved…their positions at works, their family, their businesses…. I am a little bit jealous…..lol…

They have positions, very nice house, but me, a plain housewife……an ordinary mama, care and do my owned households, there is no anybody that I can say…..do these and do that, that when I arrived in the house everything is finished and prepared….……lol
Again, I am day dreaming….hehheeheh

Then, I may say….I am not a chief or pres. but I am happy of what I have,
My family is the best…..........
Thank you, God.
Beng on June 26th, 2007 4:50 am

ciao bella

firstly, i’d like to thank you for those comforting words. i’m feeling better now…i was under stress tapos dami pang asungot. ayon sinumpong tuloy si lukring.

well anyways, i do agree with you Learning is a continuous process, no matter what age one is in. buti nalang, ginawa ko ang gusto at di yong gusto ng iba (hehehe).

miss you a lot
annamanila on June 26th, 2007 2:33 pm

We never stop learning … and it doesn’t have to be classroom learning. My alibi for having stopped after my undergrad. But well, life is not yet finished with me or i am not yet finished with it. So … i have half a mind to finally take my MA after retirement. I hope and pray I can really do it … so many plans, so little time or so little follow-up energy.

Here’s to friends, old and new. They make life so much more fulfilling and interesting, don’t they?
julie on June 27th, 2007 7:55 am

I’m short having my M.Ed. degree because during my last semester, I became pregnant with my Trixie. Haven’t finished it till now (I have 30 units) and I’m afraid I can’t go back because 10 years have lapsed already. What I did was get additional teaching units to qualify for a PRC license which I eventually got plus another teacher certification. Would I want another post-grad degree? I think I do but not exactly about education. I’m thinking of getting a Sociology degree. If I have the time to do it, perhaps when the kids are a little older.
Paris on June 29th, 2007 7:49 pm

Learning is a continuous process indeed. There are a lot of technologies that I want to learn but I have to take it one step at a time. So little time, so much work to do ü
coldsiren on October 1st, 2007 3:16 am

yes, learning is a continous process. i used to hate school when i was in gs and hs. ironically, when i entered college, i started enyoing most of my subjects. i never seem to get bored w/ my studies.

i’ve enrolled in creative writing in UP a few years ago. but i just finished 1 sem. i felt too old/ more mature than my classmates. i was only 26 year old while my classmates were in their teens. my other professors told me, that i should have enrolled in the MA CW instead of the BA CW, because i already have a college degree.
but i don’t regret not finishing that.

after a year i enrolled at admu for my mba. i’m on my 3rd term in my mba. so far so good, i’m still enjoying it.

when i tell my classmates/new friends my story, they just end up telling me that “ang dami mo namang gustong pag-aralan”. because i have other plans.

i think young and single individuals like me should try to get another degree while we have the time, energy and money to do it. now is the perfect time to go back to school.

but of course, everyone should try to enrich oneself every now and then. our education doesn’t stop after getting our degree.