Elaine started her learning journey at the Dunnville Adult Learning Centre where she was introduced to Good Learning Anywhere a few years ago. She registered and took courses, but was forced to give up on her online courses as she did not have access to a computer. She has recently returned in November as her nephew kindly gifted her a computer so she could continue her courses!
Elaine stood out to her GLA mentor, Michelle, not only because of her accomplishments but because of her positive attitude.
“ Although Elaine struggles with pain and health issues, she is always upbeat. She communicates with me regularly and talks about her day. In March with the CoVid-19 lockdown, she was scared and lonely and our ongoing communication was always something she said she looked forward to. She is always saying how much our courses bring to her life and how we are never too old to learn” – Michelle (Elaine’s Mentor)
Due to medical issues, she can only sit for an hour at a time but “can’t” isn’t a word in Elaine’s vocabulary. While she may have to take frequent breaks, Elaine loves to learn and she sticks with it. She really digs into each subject she is studying. She takes notes, reviews them and even does her own additional research. Elaine has completed several independent and live courses and is currently working on 2 courses at the moment.
Her determination, passion for learning and positive attitude made it a pleasure to choose her as our September Learner of the Month.
How did you first hear about online learning with Good Learning Anywhere?
Through the Adult Learning Center here in Dunnville.
Did you have any struggles during your learning? If so, how did you overcome them?
With anything in life there are struggles that we need to overcome, with my courses learning new things was a struggle in itself, but to get past the hurdles, I’ve learned to have confidence in my ability to never be defeated or give up.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting to improve their skills?
Just do it don’t give it a second thought its so rewarding to improve the skills you already have, and to learn new ones. At my age I just want to keep learning new skills, it keeps brain functioning. You should never stop learning the brain is like a sponge it can absorb more than you think.
What is your greatest achievement? Or what accomplishment are you most proud of?
My greatest achievement is when I started believing in myself as a person and realized that saying I can’t do this wasn’t in my vocabulary, and began doing things that were out of my comfort zone. What accomplishments I’m most proud of are in 2012 I quit drinking, and in 2017 I quit smoking, my greatest accomplishments.
What are your goals for the future?
To help my community in any way I possibly can.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
Michelle, Sharon, Linda, Cyd and others at GLA and Gina, and Ann at Adult Learning Center in Dunnville where my journey began in 2014.
Is there anything else you would like to share with people about winning this award?
I’m really honoured, it was a total surprise and a shock, I’ve received awards before but never one as cool as this especially at my age. I still can’t believe it happened to little old me. Just believe in yourself, and that anything is achievable if you really want it, the sky is the limit.