By Suzanne Cochrane
Financial literacy and community outreach
You know the feeling you get when you try something out for the first time, and everything goes smoothly and you just get it? It’s a great feeling — you are energized, confident and you want to continue.
The reality, however, is that most learning comes with a feeling of discomfort. It’s not realistic to expect to know what you’re doing right away. It’s about trying to make sense of why you are doing it and trying to continue a sometimes unpleasant path.
Sometimes, we give up because we weren’t good immediately, we are afraid to ask for help, or we didn’t know help existed. We may blame others or tear ourselves apart for not getting it immediately. We forget that the greatest learning happens when we stumble and fall, but we get back up and try again.
When we’re given another opportunity to succeed, rebuild our support systems (ask for help), re-evaluate our expectations and give ourselves time, the odds of success greatly increase.
Give yourself some compassion when you are learning, seek out support when needed and give yourself time.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy (CCPL) is a non-profit that supports adult learning initiatives in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We have many free adult learning programs available at our two offices – in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House – as well as locations throughout the community.
Some of our learning opportunities include English language learning, education upgrades, help with government forms and applications, support using technology, financial literacy help, parenting book clubs, support for families in the school system and more.
CCPL staff understand the many challenges that come with learning something new and are happy to support a variety of learning styles and backgrounds.
To find out more, call 250-392-7833 (in Williams Lake), 778-482-0016 (in 100 Mile House), email info@caribooliteracy.com or visit us online at www.caribooliteracy.com.
Family Literacy Week takes place across Canada January 21-28 as a way to celebrate adults and children reading and learning together. Every year Black Press Media community newspapers join with local groups to promote literacy.
