Never Stop Learning

This past Saturday, I spoke at the Fort Clark Historical Society’s monthly meeting. If you read my article last week, I confessed that I was a little nervous about speaking. I am happy to report that it went well, and the audience was gracious and kind. Afterward, I had the opportunity to speak to many of the attendees. They asked very interesting questions and made engaging comments. That Saturday evening, I couldn’t help but think about all the information that I still don’t know about the subject I spoke about.

I spoke about Miss Charles Emily Wilson and the Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery Association. Something that I’ve learned as president of the association is that it is impossible to know everything, but I’ve also learned that that shouldn’t stop me from striving to learn as much as I can. I’ve learned that it is better to have too much information than not enough. That way, you can pick and choose what you need, instead of grasping at straws. So, I’ve decided that I am going to recommit myself to learning more about the history of the Black Seminoles, the Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery Association, and Miss Charles.
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The idea that learning and curiosity should vanish once you reach a certain age was debunked a long time ago. Luckily, we live in a time where we can continue our education, whether it is in a classroom, with a book, or with a computer. We can explore ideas and interests that might have once seemed out of our grasps. I’ve learned that the only obstacle to learning more is my desire to do so. I’ve decided that learning and gaining more knowledge is as vital as breathing. As long as I have the ability, I will do my best to improve upon what I know and, especially, what I don’t know. I’ve always seen myself as a student. I wake up every morning and, after thanking God for allowing me to see a new day, I wonder what I will encounter. I wonder what will I experience. I truly believe that it is possible to learn something new every day, a new word, a new recipe, or a new dance move. The only thing that can happen is that you discover something that you did not know, that you see something in a different way, that you become a better you.  
 
Note: This blog appeared as an article in the 3/2/17 edition of the Kinney County Post.