This week’s theme is Education. I’ve always liked school and the learning process.  When I was in high school, my counselor advised me to be a professional student. I followed that in the traditional sense by obtaining my bachelor’s in business administration, and later an Executive Master’s degree.

I appreciate how with the internet, I can easily google something I don’t understand or know about. And when I decided to leave my full-time employment in Corporate Accounting, I was able to formally educate myself about genealogy by using the internet. I have spent the last two years completing genealogy studies at Boston University, taking various webinars, an Institute Program, and participating in study groups. I have been able to learn from and interact with peers, instructors, mentors, and interact with some of the top people in the genealogical field.

I have researched my own family tree for many years. But I do know, if I had not invested in all the education I have over the last two years, I wouldn’t be ready to take on my next step, my research business.

Genealogical education, much like our genealogical questions, is never done. We, as professionals, are encouraged to continue to learn, and to put into practice what we learn. For 2023, I’ve committed to doing just that. I have a client I’ve been working with since the beginning of the year. I’m working on marketing this business. I have a study group starting in mid-February.  I have an online conference coming up in March, and I’m looking to attend another in person. There are always webinars and genealogical society meetings to attend and learn from.

And there is this blog. I view this as part of my education too. I want to write well for my clients, and to publish articles in the future. I’m finding, with every week, I’m enjoying the process more and more. Until next week, when the topic will be “Oops” – that should be fun!