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Dear Lifelong Learner,
Writer and activist Frances Lear once said, “I believe the second half of one’s life is
meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And
the second half is enjoying it.”
How are you enjoying this time in your life? Where does your enjoyment come
from?
For many of us, the first half of our life is spent growing up and gaining
responsibilities. Along the way, we learn about ourselves, what matters to us in life,
and what brings us joy.
New experiences allow us to continue to learn about ourselves and the world
around us.
There are many opportunities for new experiences at ILR this fall, including writing
and literature classes.
You’ll surely learn about yourself and the life lessons you wish to impart onto your loved ones through Dottie O’Neal’s
popular and long-running course, “Writing Your Life Story: Tales for the Grandchildren.”
If it’s someone else’s life you want to write about, check out the course, “Writing Your Short Story or Novel,” taught by award-
winning author Judy Kelly.
If you’re more interested in reading instead of writing, Erik Anderson’s new course, “Medieval Literature & Culture: England
from the 800s through the 1300s,”will explore the literature of Old English and Middle English, and the cultural, technological,
historical, and economic forces that shaped early English literature and paved the way for modern English.
In addition to writing and literature courses, ILR has courses in almost every subject, taught by passionate, experienced, and
thoughtful professors like Dr. Karen Gray.
Dr. Gray, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology from Harvard Divinity School and a Ph.D. from the University
of Edinburgh, is a recent retiree herself. After 20 years of designing adult study tours for the Smithsonian Associates, her
expertise in world religions and education make her an ideal instructor for our fall course, “Ethical Explorations: From the
Ancient Greeks to the Present.”The course will delve into the history and sources of diverse human codes. Dr. Gray will
encourage students to consider their own moral codes and the ways in which they interact with those whose codes are
sometimes not just different, but in conflict with their own.
Wherever your interests lie, let ILR ignite your curiosity through our many course offerings.
This fall, take time to enjoy life, follow your passion, and learn something new. We know you’ll be glad you did.
Sincerely,
Kelli Ackiewicz
ILR Program Manager
301.624.2732 •
[email protected]