HOW IMPORTANT IS EDUCATION?

I was astounded recently to hear a journalist assert that bartenders who have a college degree earn more money than bartenders who do not.

Add to that the anecdotal evidence that people who further their education feel better about themselves. They also enjoy a higher level of satisfaction with life in general.

Even short courses and seminars can be beneficial. Community Business College has many great affordable online courses.

And don't forget to read good books. So, let's be life-long learners! The pay-off is terrific.

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A GOOD QUESTION - Do People Miss You When You Leave The Room?

I came across an interesting question recently that caused me to do some heart-searching.

Here it is: Do people miss me when I leave the room?

That led me to ask myself some other questions, like, what kind of people do I miss when they leave the room?
Here are some of the types of people I miss: People who bring leadership. I have had a boss is like that. He knew how to gives the staff direction and a sense that everything is under control. Instead of concentrating on problems, he seemed to thrive on finding creative solutions. People who bring constructive criticism and new ideas. Even though we might find these ideas uncomfortable, we know we need to hear them out. They make us think deeply.

People who are followers. Leaders are great, but we also need followers. These are the people we can count on to quietly get the job done. They do not ask to be in the limelight; they do not really ask to be noticed; they are content to serve God in the background.

It is a good idea to acknowledge these quiet workers though, and thank them for their service.

People who are peacemakers. These people seem to have the ability to pour oil on troubled waters. Instead of escalating conflicts, they bring harmony and calmness. Gentle people who bring sweetness to the situation.

A lovely fragrance seems to linger in the wake of these people. They encourage and affirm us and help us to aspire to be better.
Maybe you can see yourself in these different categories. I want to be missed when I leave the room. I hope you want that, too.

Being a Lifelong Learner

I get excited each time we start a new class at Community Business College. I never get tired of teaching the same classes over and over because it is such a joy to have a part in students' learning new things.

Every teacher is elated when a student has an aaah-ha moment.

Learning is so satisfying - we know we are alive when we are learning and growing. That's why I am both a teacher and a learner - in fact, I am would say I am a life-long learner. I am curious about so many things.

If you also are a life-long learner, check out our website. I have taken several of these classes and have benefitted from each one. Currently I am taking a course on writing a magazine article. . One assignment was to list 50 things you would like to write about. Piece of cake - I could come up with a whole lot more.

Taking a short on-line course . is a fun way to stimulate your mind and expand your resume. And if you're a show-off like I am, it gives you lots of new stuff to learn about and talk about.

That could be a goal for 2014 - take some classes.

Frana is an instructor and Director of Training at Community Business College in Modesto, California