5 Ways to Be a Consummate Student

The kids are back to school and if that’s got you jonesing for a little brain-boosting of your own, we’ve got you covered.  Here are five ways to make Fall a season of learning.

1. Cyber Student. Everything you could ever want to know is on the internet. Instead of Googling random facts as they come up, try signing up for some in depth tutelage. Check out free virtual lectures (many universities offer them) or pay for an online program (we happen to love Top Chef University and Lynda.com). The commute to campus is short and there’s always a seat at the front.

2. Listen and Learn. Always on the go? No time for expanding your knowledge base? Pshaw! Podcasts are a great source of information and ideas. You can listen and learn while driving, cooking dinner, cleaning or running.  Download and go. Maybe you want to start with our podcasts? There’s always time for learning!

3. Tap Your Talented Friends. You marvel at your friends’ amazing (fill in the blank) abilities. Why not ask them for a few pointers or a crash course in their genius? Invite them over to teach you their coveted guacamole recipe, spend an afternoon on a photo walk gathering tips and pics, or buy a few skeins of yarn and find out how to knit those adorable mittens.  Socializing mixed with wisdom sharing. 

4. Become a History Hound. No, we’re not talking about curling up to an Antiques Roadshow marathon. Dig into your own family’s history. Fleshing out the family tree is a great excuse to spend an afternoon pulling old stories out of your great aunt or encouraging your dad to reminisce about his dad. Armchair genealogy has never been easier with sites like ancestry.ca helping you piece together the clues of the past. You never know what secrets you'll find in your bloodline.

5. Find a Mentor. Mentors aren't just for high powered business executives. Learning at the heels of someone you admire (whether you call them sensei, guru or teacher) will not only make your smarter and better at what you love to do but you'll be showing them how much you value their expertise. Once you've become super-learned, don’t forget to return the favour and become a mentor to someone else.

A lot of kids begrudge having to go back to school. Luckily, as we get older we discover how much fun getting wiser can be.    

Make the Fast Friday Five list grow. What can you do to get S-M-R-Ter this fall?