Are you among the many people who resolve to make changes in the new year? I am, and I tend to set a variety of small attainable goals rather than one big resolution. The pressure to achieve a momentous goal, let alone see it through all year can be challenging and may place additional pressure on us. When we don’t achieve that goal, we can be left feeling defeated. It appears starting small, rather than a life overhauling resolution, just might give us the space to incorporate a variety of fun and rewarding opportunities for 2024.
Good Housekeeping recently published the article “65 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for Building a Healthy, Happy Life” by Zee Krstic and Cameron Jenkins. The list has so many great suggestions of small resolutions for those looking for some inspiration and direction as we head into the new year. Several goals from their list are related to enrichment opportunities you can pursue right here at Lincoln Land Community College. LLCC Community Education is a wonderful resource for non-credit learning activities, with diverse offerings for people of all ages.
Check out the following resolutions from Good Housekeeping and the LLCC Community Education program offerings that will benefit you on the path to new resolutions, new opportunities and a new you.
Resolution: Cook something new
Try a vegetarian class like no other. Our Vegetarian class on Feb. 8 will expand your international cuisine experience by embracing a variety of vegetarian dishes, including recipes such as French ratatouille, Indian paneer makhani and others from around the world. Or learn to make the classic rich, creamy rice dish in the Risotto class on Feb. 15. Chef Gordon Ramsey would approve of this restaurant-worthy menu item becoming a staple at your family table. Registration for class is required. Please visit Community Education culinary offerings for more information.
Resolution: Join a club
Adults 50 and greater are invited to join a group of individuals devoted to the lifelong pursuit of learning. With 10 to 12 opportunities available each month, the Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) provides enjoyable experiences in learning with a variety of opportunities to develop new friendships. Attend the upcoming ALL Winter Celebration on Jan. 26 from 1-3 p.m. Guests are invited to come and learn about opportunities and activities for ALL members ages 50+. Enjoy snacks and entertainment by Capital City Improv. View all of the ALL member opportunities.
Resolution: Continue fun learning
Learning can be fun, especially when there is play involved. We have a variety of youth offerings to keep the kids engaged. Our spring classes include Dungeons & Dragons, Lego Club Builders and Lego Club Engineers. All three of these series are held on Saturdays and start Jan. 13.
Our popular STEM classes include Chemistry Matters on March 23 where we will explore how matter changes form through a variety of hands-on chemistry experiments. And Inventioneering, a new class for youth in grades 4-6 on April 13, invites kids to create their own inventions. Participants will be able to plan, test and improve their inventions, and then share them at the end of the class! Complete class and registration information can be found on the Community Education youth programs web page.
Resolution: Exercise your brain
Learning a new language is a great way to keep your brain active. We offer a variety of language classes from American Sign Language and Conversational Spanish to Beginning Japanese and French.
Resolution: Explore new hobbies
We all want to capture the moment, so why not “develop” a hobby in photography? Multiple courses, each with their own “focus” are available this spring. Our most popular classes include Photography for Beginners, General Portraiture and Photoshop. Want to take your hobby to the next level? Becoming a Professional Photographer class on Feb. 1 will help guide you in transforming your passion into profit. To view the full list of available personal enrichment opportunities, visit Community Education youth enrichment web page.