Benefits of Lifelong Learning - Essay Example

With the onset of the internet age, some people resorted to self-study and research as a form of life-long learning.    

            Life-long learning offers several benefits for individuals in various stages of their lives.  For those who have just recently graduated and have chosen to undergo further formal education, whether, in school or their jobs, life-long learning presents numerous advantages.  Hildebrand asserts that “learning opens up so many doors… why choose to close them?” (Hildebrand, par 9).  According to Hildebrand, it sharpens one’s mind and improves memory.  One’s reasoning and cognitive skills are enhanced as the brain is exercised.  She goes on further to say that lifelong learning sharpens one’s confidence because one can learn something new and share it with others.  Moreover, it also sharpens one’s ability to communicate; thus, improving one’s interpersonal skills (Hildebrand, par 8).  For young professionals, life-long learning will increase their career opportunities, opening up more job options.

            For those who are retired, the benefits of life-long learning were outlined by Nordstrom in her book “Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years” (Nordstrom and Merz).  According to Nordstrom, life-long learning helps to fully develop one’s natural abilities and it opens up the mind through stimulating discussions.  She further stressed that life-long learning produces a curious mind that yearns for more information.  Moreover, Nordstrom stated that wisdom is increased with life-long learning.  She does not agree with the age-old adage, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”  Nordstrom believes that life-long learning helps people to adapt to change, especially those over 50 years of age.  They also find more meaning in their lives because they feel that they can contribute more to society with their newfound knowledge.   For those who are retired, life-long learning is an alternative way of socialization because they can meet new friends which enriches their lives.  Nordstrom summarizes the benefit of life-long learning by stating, “Through academic learning, educational adventure travel, and our renewed sense of volunteerism, we expand our awareness, embrace self-fulfillment, and truly create an exciting multi-dimensional life. It doesn’t get any better than that!” (Nordstrom and Merz).

            The relevance and benefits of life-long learning make one committed to making it a part of one’s life.  After graduation, one intends to further pursue formal, non-formal, or informal life-long learning.  One believes that life learning offers a plethora of benefits to both the individual and society.  One is convinced that one should never lose the urge to learn new things.  Completing a college degree is not the end of the learning process.  It may be the end of formal school education but it is not the finish line of learning.  Getting a job after graduation offers even greater opportunities for self-improvement.  Companies often offer training programs to improve the skills of their employees.  Other corporations send their employees to national and international conferences, seminars, or workshops to further educate their workers and increase their proficiency and expertise in a certain field.       

            As a fresh graduate committed to life-long learning, one is aware of the benefits that one can achieve with its practice.  Among these are the increase in the number of job options for a graduate and the ability to do one’s job better.  This would mean a more secure future for the graduate and; thus, a better provider for one’s family.  Life-long learning will make the graduate more knowledgeable of the current trends and issues in one’s field of expertise. This will make one easily adapt to any changes which he might encounter in the future.  One will also feel more fulfilled and it will boost one’s ego.  Even at home, with just a laptop on hand, one is determined to continue life-long learning by undertaking valuable research on the net.  There are many ways by which one can enrich one’s knowledge.  Learning is not confined to the four walls of the school, learning is everywhere.  Be it on the job, in a conference or a workshop, or simply exploring a new personal interest, learning will always put one at an advantage. 

            Life-long learning should not be a burden.  It is something that must be enjoyed, something that will put more meaning to one’s life.  The pursuit of knowledge will always be a rewarding experience both for the young and the old.