This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Tent Poles at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/
Continuing Education
September 13, 2005
Rexlyn Nicole
Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator
Macon County Unit 2535 Millikin Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564 rxnicole@uiuc.edu
Taking the time to go back to school or learn a new trade is a valuable exercise in keeping the mind alert and the body active in community events. While you are learning in the classroom you are also gaining other skills; the ability to work in a team like environment, share your experiences with others, and fine tune that critical thinking skill that might be laying dormant while you are not in an employment situation.
Going back to school can lift your spirits and your outlook on life as well as move you ahead in your career. Working with others in a learning environment can and does elevate your mood even with the stress of class work and new learning situations. Try it!
If you look at life as a tent, do you know the importance of tent poles? When putting up the tent, the tent poles are hard to deal with, they are cumbersome and yet without them, there is no tent. The tent poles are there for support. They are the backbone of the tent. They are the foundation of the cover against the storm while camping. Tent poles are in your every day life as well. They are there propping you up when times are tough. Do you know who and what your tent poles are?
