I think about the learning that was part of the process of getting to my current new job in cataloging work at the Addison Public Library. I attended meetings and met with coaches who, besides helping me with applications, guided me to reflect more on who I am. I came to embrace that I have much going for me in life. I have been driven by a sense of purpose ever since I graduated from ValpU, especially in living by faith and exercising my relationship with God in the community of His Church. In the light of faith, I've sought to realize my God-given vocation in my work, which was a motivating factor when I discerned enrolling in graduate school for my MLIS degree. With an awareness of myself and my skills came a better sense of how to express what I'm capable of in the workplace, based on what I've already accomplished.
One story I've often told about my work is that I've been in several different library settings, each of which uses a different integrated library system, a type of computer system geared for libraries to have records for all their items and patrons. I've been able to readily learn each new system and be well on my way to using it for getting work done because I can draw upon previous technical knowledge and keep building upon it.
This example speaks to what lifelong learning is about: We attend school to establish a strong basis of knowledge, and then we go into post-school life to gain more knowledge, because there's so much out there. We can gain new ideas as knowledge builds upon knowledge. It's something that can constantly motivate us and give us purpose as we use what we've gained especially in serving others.
On the eve of my first MLIS graduation anniversary, I visited Frederick Douglass's Cedar Hill House in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. As an enlsaved person, once he learned how to read, he recognized its power. It is only fitting that he had a large library of books in his study at his home to continue fostering lifelong learning.
I've found it meaningful to be in an environment that focuses so much on lifelong learning, for both patrons and employees. Along the way, I've had some fun. I recall 5 years ago when I helped carry Bubba, the 300-pound alligator start of Jim Nesci's cold-blooded creatures, into the Orland Park Public Library for a program. Toward the end of my time there, I agreed to dress in a Woody costume as part of OPPLCon, the library's version of Comicon Fan Fest.
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| Talk about "other duties as assigned": I thank my co-worker for photographing me as Woody--I think it was Dianna. |
I certainly seek to emphasize the important of lifelong learning with my students in RE class, that there's so much to learn about faith, and as we continue doing it beyond formal Religious Education classtime, it helps us grow in relationship with God, inspiring us to put faith into action so that we can be a blessing to others in the world.
Just over a week ago, on the evening before Confirmation was a prayer vigil. Diane, the RE coordinator for sacraments, asked the 8th grade teachers and catechists to offer remarks of affirmation for the students. I spoke about how the students in my class asked lots of good questions. As a librarian, I enjoyed answering them, because I was helping my students in the process of finding the answers and to be impacted by that process. I encouraged them, upon the start of their lives as Confirmed Roman Catholics, to keep asking the questions that would deepen their relationship with God and inspire them to put faith into action.
It's a great gift that we can acquire knowledge and then use it to achieve higher purposes. While wearing my Dominican University socks today, I have much to celebrate on this anniversary as I've seen this process at work in my life.
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