There’s an old saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. With a new school year fully in session, so kicks in my nostalgia for learning in a classroom. And while a lot of us think we might be past the age of participating in a traditional school system, I truly believe you’re never too old to learn new things. In fact, lifelong learning is just a few keystrokes away, courtesy of The Brampton Library.

I was introduced to Gale Courses by a lovely librarian stationed at an information table at the Four Corners branch during a Sunday afternoon visit. While it was the first time I had heard about the online learning portal, it wouldn’t be the last… Upon my return home, I decided to do some digging.

That was almost three years ago.

Since then, I’ve taken almost a dozen online courses on various topics (that include both professional and personal interest). Here’s just a snapshot of the things I’ve learned:

• Certificate in Mindfulness. This was the first Gale Course I took and I absolutely loved it. In fact, I still practice some of the mindfulness methods I learned to help stave off anxiety and promote calm in my life.

• Writing for Children. I love writing almost as much as I love reading, so this one was one I just had to take. Plus, having a little one at home, I was curious about the process. It was a great introduction to the art of writing for children – and introduced me to a few authors I had yet to meet.

• Become a Veterinary Assistant. While I took this course during a “what should I do with my life?” phase, it was extremely interesting and I recommend it as general knowledge for those of you who have furry friend(s) at home.

• Using Social Media in Business. Love it or hate it, social media seems to be here to stay. This course provided me with a solid foundation and thorough understanding of what social media is and how you can use it to grow your business. This is also a great one if you’ve just started wading in the water of all things social, and need a little encouragement to dive right in.

• Certificate in Women’s Health Issues. Did you know women’s diseases are often understudied and funded? Or that the ability to effectively communicate their needs also impacts women's health? This course was an eye opener, and empowered me to learn about key health issues facing women, both globally and nationally.

I love online learning for a few reasons: ease of use, convenience, and flexibility, to name just a few. So whether it’s personal growth or professional advancement, your portal to online education is just a click away. Simply visit bramptonlibrary.ca > Learn > Online Learning.

Have you taken an online course through the Brampton Library? Share your stories with me @whatandrearead and @Bramptonlibrary!