Do you ever feel like you're getting a bit dim? Like you aren't using your brain enough? Over the years I’ve taken classes in order to spur those little grey cells, mainly in areas of personal interest – wine tasting, dancing, improv – but I had been out of a formal education system for almost as long as I was in it.

Last fall I decided it was high time to change that. I felt the desire to learn, to challenge myself and to add to my professional toolbox.

Social media as a marketing and communication tool is of great interest to me. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest… I’d been on them for years. But I knew I wasn’t using these platforms to their full potential and wanted to know more.

I enrolled at UBC’s Continuing Studies program, taking night classes in their social media program.

First Day 

20 or so students, most of them professionals, looking all intelligent and scholarly. The teacher explains the homework process and grading system. WHAATT? Neither of these things had entered my mind.  Reality check.  Even though this was continuing eduction, it was offered through a university, and nothing like the Italian classes I had taken at the local high.  (No disrespect to them, they were challenging too!)

By the end of class I was invigorated, excited, downright high! I’d spent three hours scribbling like mad.  (Still kicking it old school, with my notebook and pen.) I had been focused and, to use a favourite social media term, completely and absolutely engaged. 

After class I went home and had to unwind with TV and a beer. There was no way I was going to sleep right away, not with my synapses firing.  My brain had a long overdue workout and it felt GREAT!

The last time I went to UBC 

Four Months Later 

The social media strategy class turned into content marketing, which then turned into a monetization class, and now, I’m knee-deep in metrics.  A couple more classes and I’ll have my Award of Achievement in social media.  I’m already perusing the calendar to see what I can take after that.   Something to do with SEO, most likely.

It helps that the teachers in the program are excellent – personable and incredibly knowledgeable about the constantly evolving world of social media. I also made some friends who have ended up being in all four classes with me. We’ve helped each other with homework and outside projects.  Not to mention that we crack jokes under our breath in class.  Some things never change. (Thanks Shirley and Sabrina, you’re the best!)

There has been something about this experience that has infused the rest of my life with renewed energy. I’m more upbeat, positive and as a result, clichéd I know, better things are coming my way.

Considering beefing up your education, or simply interested in learning some new? I can’t recommend it enough.  It’s good to think.