Education

C M Y K PAGE 2 2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 EDUCATION GUIDE BY CHARLENE ADAM F or years, many as- sumed that higher learning was solely for youth. Specialized life-long careers demanded a certain type of scholastic path. And once on that path, there was no turning back. But this attitude has been changing. Human rights icon, Mahatma Gandhi, embraced the merits of life-long learning, when he said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever." For some, no enticement to the path of higher learning is neces- sary. Sheer love of education is enough. Consider recent York University Master of Arts graduate, Varatha Shanmuganathan. According to a report that aired on CTV, 87-year- old Shanmuganathan has always considered life-long learning completely natural. She attributes her love of learning to a combina - tion of encouragement by parents and inspiration to higher ideals by Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. No doubt, drive and determination by Shanmuga- nathan also played a key role. And this isn't her final salvo, either. She plans to author a book. If Shanmuganathan didn't get you thinking that it's time to fol- low your destiny, consider that she isn't the oldest human on re- cord to earn a degree in one's later years. The oldest is Brian Lowe. He joined the ranks of a rather distin- guished lot when he earned his Master of Arts degree from Cam- bridge at the age of 102. While many of us plan to en- joy our golden years golfing rath- er than studying, this does not mean there isn't room to upgrade our education. Because not ev- ery scholastic endeavor needs to lead to a master's degree, sheer improvement of something as simple as computer skills is a ben - efit to most of us. In fact, keeping computer savvy is just a necessity for many people. Just consider how many of us who once shunned video calls – believing them to be the forte of the computer elite – have now mastered the medium. The past 18 months have forced us to log on, screen share – and yes – use a filter. Social media has metamorpho - sized from youth-centric enter- tainment platforms with emojis and memes, to fully accepted modes of government and busi- ness communication. While the pandemic has been incredibly difficult, a hopeful trend has emerged. Canadians seem to have a keener sense of self-awareness of what they want from life. Many of us better un - derstand what we want to pursue for our future lifestyles and overall career goals. This often includes updating education or starting upon a new path of learning. Whether beginning at square one with a new career or just tweaking a few skills along the way, educational institutions are excited to help Manitobans be - come their best selves. Know- ing how excited many of you are about potential life changes is one of the reasons why we are thrilled to bring you this publication. It is meant to remind you of the many schools and courses avail - able all over the province of Mani- toba. Hopefully, this supplement will encourage you, or someone you know, to start 2022 afresh. Whether you wish to follow your life-long dream as a ballet dancer, learn a language, seek a new posi- tion as a lab technician or pursue a career in computers, there are professionals who are eager to as- sist you. And if you think it's too late, just remember individuals such as Shanmuganathan and Lowe. If they can pursue their educational dreams, you can, too! Embrace your new future in 2022! CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY Where teaching is exceptional cmu.ca/admissions Small university – big opportunity Accepting applications for Winter 2022 WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEXT YEAR? Prov.ca/Apply #AccessUM To learn more visit umextended.ca/access or call 204-474-8000 Discover the path between you and your dreams ACCESS Program The Access Program includes two paths: The University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP) supports students in degree and diploma programs at the U of M. It is available to all Manitoba residents, with preference given to Indigenous people, residents of Northern Manitoba, low income earners, and newcomers. The Health Careers Access Program (HCAP) supports Indigenous (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) students for entry to health-related professions such as Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Sciences, Nursing, and Midwifery Program. Kaitlin Fosseneuve, UM student, UM graduate Métis and Cree from Cranberry Portage "I had so many obstacles and barriers that I had to break through, but the Access Program was a really big help for me. Have you applied for the Access Program?" Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever." — Mahatma Gandhi, Human rights activist, The ultimate symbol of peace and compassion Statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the south side of Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

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