Back to School

 Winter quarter is a great time to go back to school. Whether it's your first time going to college, or you just want to learn a new skill, there's something for you.

Maybe you, like so many of us, find that after the holidays the darkest months of the year start to get you down. You have many long evenings to fantasize about the next thing that you want to do. What are you waiting for?


My First Day of School

Taking classes in the winter gives you something to look forward to. Rather than sitting on the couch all evening — every evening — watching TV, you can learn a new subject or skill.
 

If you've ever thought about going to college, but haven't started yet, find a local community college near you and start now.

If you want to learn a new skill or craft, check out the continuing education programs offered at your local community colleges or art school.


Many local food-based businesses offer classes in their specialty and you can spend a very nice weekend afternoon learning  to make something delicious that you have always wanted to try.

Hell, go to lectures at your local museum and learn something new about an artist or an era.

There really is something out there for everyone, if you just look around for it. Even if you are working full time, there's something that will work for you. It's fun and affordable.

I would be willing to bet that there is something being offered this quarter that you've always wanted to try. Check it out.

Here are some (fairly local) resources to get your going. Most of these are for the Puget Sound area, but you can almost certainly find something similar near you. Feel free to add resouces within your comments on the blog:

Green River Community College

Pierce College

Tacoma Community College

Pratt Fine Arts Center — What sort of art have you always wanted to create? Learn how here.

Pacific Fabrics & Crafts — Learn how to reupholster a chair or make yourself some very nice pants (much like mine above)... or any number of other useful skills.

Seattle Languages International — Dip your toe into a language that interests you.

Pierce County Beekeepers Association — Want to keep bees? Learn how to keep them alive and you safe.

The Wood Working School — Masters of all sorts of wood working.

University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education — Dozens of programs to help you grow in your field or start in a fresh direction.

Tacoma Glassblowing School — Make your own work of art.

Photo Center NW — Increase your skill and learn from truly skilled photographers.

Heavenly Chocolates — Who wouldn't want to spend a few days surrounded by chocolate and go home with some wonderful truffles?

Swanson's Nursery — A beautiful Seattle garden center with seminars and event for every gardener.

Master Gardeners of Western Washington — A big commitment, but for devoted gardeners it is a program that offers incredible learning with the opportunity to educate.