When did I learn the specific skills I use in my job every day?
The "three Rs" came, predominately, from my homeschool studies. I did not pick up reading, writing, or arithmetic on my own (though, I've heard a few of stories of kids who did). I benefited greatly from the formal education my parents effortlessly infused in me <cough>. These fundamentals were essential. Without them I would not be where I am today.
But aside from the foundation of learning, when did I learn the skills I employ while employed?
Summers. Winters. Really any time I could find some time to tinker.
I picked up typing while writing a novel at the age of 10 (the manuscript is terrible but my typing is passable). I learned how to layout web pages in college during a friendly web design feud before the ugliness of MySpace took over. I discovered much of the technical basis for movie making when my parents got me a video camera I used until it fell apart in my hands. I've been utilizing software and websites every day for well over a decade now, which enables me to direct web development projects today. I started blogging for fun back in 2005.
I learned the skills I use for my job largely outside of school.
As a life-long learner, this makes perfect sense. In many ways, our time "doing school" is preparation for the "real" learning to come. We don't get an education merely to have a piece of paper at the end. No. We get an education so we can continue to learn more and develop new skills that enable us to make a positive difference in the world, whether you are a homemaker, physicist, missionary, computer programmer, doctor, soldier, veterinarian, Bible translator, blogger, ninja cardio-thoracic surgeon poet, filmmaker, or whatever God has called you to do.
Summer breaks are fantastic. They are not only a well-deserved vacation from daily school, but they also give your kids time to be creative as well as develop skills they will likely use throughout their lives.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester
