In my late thirties, I made an uneducated conjecture [guess] in selecting a career change and re-entered the university to complete my education. In my past were multiple hits and misses to gain economic advantages with a quick certificate or continuing education course. The realization hit me while on a work furlough that I needed to select a career path and develop the full range of skills and e
ducation to advance on that path. Information Technology was my career choice; however there were multiple directions I could have taken in the medical, teaching and financial fields. Through uneducated conjecturing I made a decision and stayed with it. What is "Uneducated Conjecturing"? The act of making a decision based on a hunch and without sufficient proof of a favorable outcome, but having a strong belief whatever the direction it would be positive. As an adult learner, I developed tools that gave me the courage to take action even when there was not any hard evidence that my choice was the best action to take. Through uneducated conjecturing I not only found the perfect career for me but I also developed behaviors to overcome perceived obstacles in both my personal and professional lives. There is an opportunities gap in our nation that needs to be bridged. You will find valuable resources for any middle-aged and older adults seeking to complete undergraduate studies or enter into a skills program to advance in a new career field. The consortium is teaming with like-minded adults to address wage inequality through continuously learning, mentoring and positioning adult learners for the opportunities that are left on the table due to a lag in skills or education in our communities. Join us! If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. –Booker T. Washington
