Roots and Branches: Reflections from Donna Bullock (Winter 2025)
I love learning. I am indebted to learning. My education has expanded my horizons, given me purpose and helped me break the cycle of poverty. Now every new challenge humbles me and teaches me that there is still so much I don’t know. Whether it is reading a policy paper to gain a deeper understanding of my work or joining friends to grasp the steps of a new line dance, learning is a never-ending adventure for me.
At Age 87, Michaelango offered these parting words “I am still learning.” His words are a reminder that no matter how accomplished, educated, or experienced we become, lifelong learning is an empowering tool for exploring and acquiring new skills, meeting and connecting with people, and immersing oneself in the beauty of new places and experiences. I couldn’t agree more.
During quarantine, I adapted to remote work, used new platforms to create and edit videos, enjoyed bird- watching with my kids, and mastered family recipes. Unable to commune in the ivy halls of universities, museums, galleries, libraries, theaters, and other formal institutions of learning, many of us sought out other mediums to fill our innate thirst for knowledge. We dusted off the books in our home libraries, subscribed to online magazines, watched webinars, and explored nature. We welcomed new hobbies to occupy our time. We embraced technologies to upskill or reskill for the modern workplace.
Many adult learners, though, didn’t have the same access to the internet or computers, or the time to consume hours of on-line tutorials because they had to care for loved ones or were on-call as essential workers. For some, these barriers to learning existed before and continue long after the pandemic.
Everyone should have access to learning pathways, regardless of their resources or schedule. In a rapidly changing environment, digital literacy and a working knowledge of new technologies are critical to remain relevant in the workforce, enhance personal growth, and adapt to an ever-evolving world.
A few months ago, I met a woman working as a certified peer specialist for a partner organization. She earned her certified peer specialist certificate at the Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Labs. This skill led her to gainful employment. But she learned something else at the HLCCTL... podcasting. She now has her own podcast. This brings her joy.
In this newsletter, you will read about Project HOME’s adult education and employment program and how they empowers our participants to break the cycles of poverty and homelessness.
