Back to School

I’ve always been the type to get excited at the start of a new semester, eager to learn something new. I felt the same way in college, even though I finished my degree much later than most, at 32. I didn’t go straight from high school to college, though I wish I had. That just wasn’t how things turned out for me. When I finally returned to finish what I’d started at junior college, I was eager to learn. I had a goal and went after it with determination.

Now, at more than twice that age, I’m back in school, again eager to learn. This time, I’m focused on photography. I’ve been shooting since I was 16, so I know my way around a camera and all the settings. I know my style and tools. But learning new techniques, being among talented photographers, and having my work critiqued weekly is a new experience. I’m trying genres I never would have before, but each one teaches me something.  One important lesson is that I can still stay true to my style while incorporating those new techniques.  Hopefully, it will just enrich what I bring forward for people to enjoy.  

Going to class each week feels like being a kid heading to the ice cream store. I look forward to it every time. Some of my friends from the photo club are in the same class as me, and we all support each other. Sometimes we go out together to shoot photos for our assignments. If you’re worried about having nothing to do in retirement, here’s my advice: find what you love. Try the things you always wished you had time for when you were younger. Take a class or two. I’m even thinking about trying watercolor painting. I know I’m not good at it, but at this point in life, I can just say, who cares? Do it anyway.