Learning in a Community

Happy National Taffy Day!  This holiday got me chewing on how eating taffy is a bit like learning something new.

When you first get into it, it's exciting! You taste all that sugary goodness and you want more of it. After that initial taste, though, you realize that it's going to take some time and effort to really conquer it.

At this point, you might decide that you've had enough, that maybe the effort's not worth it. Maybe you think you'll try it again later, when you have more time or more energy to tackle it. Or, maybe you keep going, because you know it'll be worth it in the end - and you’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment!

If it's a truly excellent piece of taffy, it sticks with you long after you've finished it. You remember the experience and can’t wait to try it again.

But, here's where the metaphor differs. Eating a piece of taffy is a solitary endeavor - only you can chew that taffy and taste the deliciousness.

Learning, on the other hand, is something you can do in community. You can take a class or workshop and learn with other students. You can learn from your coworkers or friends. You can even learn with a coach, who can personalize the learning so that it really sticks with you.

Learning in community allows you to share the experience - sharing the thrill of trying something new; supporting each other through the chewy parts; and celebrating accomplishments together!

There are so many ways to learn something new - what's your favorite?

I think I'm going to try learning something new while eating a piece of green apple taffy.