When was the last time you thought about your education? In the uncertain world we live in, keeping your education up-to-date is a choice full of wisdom.
Men and women alike, it is in the best self-interest of all to seek learning. For example, President Hinckley stated to women:
” … women today are afforded the same opportunity to study for science, for the professions, and for every other fact of human knowledge. You are as entitled as are men to the Spirit of Christ, which enlightens every man and woman who comes into the world … ”
Of course the Lord desires that women keep family and marriage as first priorities, because children need their mother’s nurturing now perhaps stronger than at any other time in the history of the world. But President Hinckley did instruct women that where applicable to “pursue educational programs” and an “appreciation of the arts and culture” (Ensign, Nov 1985, 89).
Whether for women or men, there are many options to increase your education. Perhaps your company offers financial aid if you go back to school. Some companies do this, if the courses or degree you pursue will aid you in your company job. What better way to increase your education for little to no money!
One way to pursue education is to look for the time-cracks in your life. In other words, do you have your summers free? What about going back to school during the summer term? You could start slowly by taking one class, as a way to test the water and see where your interests might lead you. Remember, the Lord blesses those who are proactively bettering their lives.
What about night classes. This might feel very comfortable when you discover how many adults are in your class. It’s an enjoyable way to wiggle back into the academic world, because oftentimes the classes will just meet once a week. The schedules tend to be shorter and the homework assignments sometimes are abbreviated for night-time students.
Another option is that of correspondence classes. Even BYU offers these. I’ve participated in these. You can find a broad range of opportunities, from photography classes to science classes to even complete degrees offered through long-distance programs!
The Lord teaches us:
“seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&B 88:118).
It takes faith to initiate education; it takes study. Both please the Lord. And you never know when pursuing additional education will come in handy – when you need it most!
