Thursday, May 30, 2013

Never stop learning

Graduation has come and gone. I believed that I would have a little bit more time to myself after my studies were completely done but I'm happy to say that I am currently busier than ever.



My latest degree is in Historic Preservation. It's a term that I feel is a little overused in today's speech, along with calling something "green" and "sustainable." Watching and participating in this program for the last two years, I often wonder where it is going and whether it will withstand the rigors and challenges of our modern society and "technologically advanced" work habits.

I never felt the program had a defined goal in mind. For some, the goals were very open, like myself. I knew absolutely nothing about Historic Preservation so anything I ran across was always new and exciting. I was fortunate to really enjoy the hands on courses and found a true joy in historic research. I was also extremely lucky to meet with and work along side masters in the crafts and to have been apprenticed to one for the past year.

I did not always agree with the subjects being taught, or even the instructors at times, but the bottom line is that I did learn, more than I could have ever anticipated. And the learning continues.

In the past two weeks since graduation: I helped build porches on a 1760 house, dipped 8,000 wooden shingles, watched and learned as a chimney and firebox is built, and even had my own contract to remodel a business lobby in Tarboro, North Carolina. Like I said, I am extremely busy.

Does the fact that I graduated mean that I have stopped learning? Goodness no. I spend everyday learning a little more than the last, whether it's about chickens and coops, chimneys and mortar, or gardens and dirt. I have just finished one chapter of my life and am now ready to begin anew. My biggest hope is that I never stop learning.

2 comments:

  1. I love it when I see someone go back to school.
    I am a late bloomer in this way. In fact one of my college classes was also one that my daughter was taking . . . that was an adventure in its self. One day in class a young man was asking her out for a dinner date . . . she turned around looked at me, sitting behind her and says, "what do you think, Mom?" Boy, did his face turn red, LOL
    My husband and I are presently restoring an old wooden sailboat . . . hardly a historic preservation, but you might enjoy seeing what we have been doing.
    Here's wishing you great adventures in your new field, and congratulation!

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  2. Thank you very much for your comment, Connie! I really appreciate that You stopped by and commented on my blog.

    I'm not sure currently what my future professional student goals are, but I do have some of my military educational benefits available. Two of the ideas I have currently are to get a Master's in Preservation or to attend the North Bennett School in Boston for furniture making. I'm going to take a few years to really think about where I want to go from here. The fact that my wife is also in the middle of a career change makes it easy for me to stay put for a time and think it over.

    I'm a huge fan of anything woodworking, a fact that lead me to the degree in Preservation. I took a look at your husband's blog and read about your beautiful Gypsy Pose. I am very envious! You are both doing very beautiful work and I'm sure it will be a great pleasure to sail soon. Your photos reminded me of the boat restoration scene in the 80's John Candy movie "Summer Rental." ;)

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful work and for stopping by my blog!

    Dan.

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