Learning For The Fun Of It

You’ll fit right in with your peer group by taking a class. Today’s retirees seem to be yearning for life-long learning. There’s almost no one who thinks of their retirement adventure without considering a class on a topic that’s dear to their heart. Some of you will be going back for a new degree, or even an advanced degree in a specialty or specific discipline.

Here’s a brief list of local possibilities, starting with McHenry County College (MCC) at http://www.mchenry.edu

One choice is MCC's program for lifelong learners (55+), also called Retired Adult Program (RAP). Through membership in this group ($25 annually last time we looked) you can access their local classes and programs.

Recent class offerings included:

  • Great Decisions 2007 A discussion of world topics chosen by the Foreign Policy Association. Includes the Middle East, Climate, Immigration, South Africa, War Crimes, Central Asia and Children.
  • Writer Wannabes Self directed support group that meets two times a month
  • Lunch/Brunch out A regularly scheduled lunch at an area restaurant
  • Great Masters of Art Current focus on Rubens
  • Book Nook A book club
  • Great Composers Current focus on the Baroque era
  • Current issues Exploring race relations, truth in food labeling, etc.
  • Handmade Greeting Cards
  • History of Russia Part II
  • Health seminar on Aging and Chiropractic Medicine

McHenry County is truly fortunate to have such a high-quality, vibrant educational institution right in our own backyard. Be sure to take advantage of this resource to start your quest for a richer retirement! All the regular courses, not-for-credit courses, continuing education and for-credit opportunities are found by starting at MCC's homepage: http://www.mchenry.edu

The RAP program also offer trips and excursions to non-members, described in more detail on our Educational Trips Tours page.

Other Area Colleges

Elgin Community College http://elgin.edu, Judson College http://www.judsonu.edu/ and Harper College http://www.harpercollege.edu are also worth your while.

If you want a way to stretch your mind once in a while without leaving the comforts of home, you can join a worldwide Internet book discussion at any hour of the day or night. Such clubs and discussion groups are just one of the options available at SeniorNet http://www.seniornet.org which covers topics such as Technology, Health, Money, Recreation and Volunteering News and Issues.

You can also take that home enrichment up a notch with a full online course. This market is exploding because online classes are so efficient and flexible. They’re a great way to extend your education regardless of your location or mobility. One source for classes tailored to adult students is the New School University http://www.dialnsa.edu — founded in 1919 — which now has more than 1,800 courses available each semester. Many universities and colleges offer such options. A listing of more of them can be found at the Directory of Online Schools http://www.directoryofonlineschools.com