Learners possess certain attributes that distinguish them from the learned. They anticipate rather than react to change.  Some call that vision. They become essential facilitators of change within their altered environment. They can skillfully communicate the new and technically esoteric with a clarity that leads to understanding and advocacy. Organizations that don’t value learning and the change that springs from learning will struggle to stay relevant in this fast-paced ever-changing marketplace.

Learners influence change in an organization and, in turn, their leaders allow people to adapt to that change.  As an Educator, my ambition here is to express my view that education, the learning process, is not a one-time event but rather, something you do all the time.  Sounds a lot like Vince Lombardi when he talked about doing things right, not once in a while but all the time, right?  Winning is everything… remember that?

College students are there to learn, to prepare for a life of success in a leadership role with an organization of their instigation or rather, maybe one of their choosing.  In my undergraduate classes, especially when they are mostly seniors, and certainly in my graduate classes at Monmouth University, I congratulate them for the progress they have made so far in their collegiate work as learners and no matter the future, each and every one of them has earned the right to be called highly competent individuals……as long as they continue to nourish the learning process.

Eric Hoffer observed, “In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”