Learning Never Stops

Growth doesn’t just happen at work. For me, it’s a lifelong pursuit that goes far beyond my job description. Education has always been my passion, not only gaining knowledge but sharing it with others. This personal journey has shaped who I am and how I show up every day at Gallagher.

Why Education Is My Personal Pursuit

I’ve been a knowledge seeker for as long as I can remember. I was that kid who spent hours at the library, and honestly, I’ve never stopped learning. Today, I’m an almost-52-year-old part-time university student, but school has always been part of my life. Over the years, I’ve taken courses in insurance, French, income tax preparation, wilderness survival, and public speaking. I even read science journals and textbooks for fun and then try to teach everyone what I just learned.

Attending university was a dream that wasn’t financially possible until recently. At 45, I finally started, and it’s been an incredible experience. Alongside that, I’ve volunteered with the Dartmouth Learning Network since 2008, taking on roles like tutor, teacher assistant, mentor, and now board chairperson. I’m certified in Tutor and Instructor Training for Adult Education and currently enrolled in Dalhousie University’s Certificate Program for Adult Education.

How This Journey Fuels My Growth at Gallagher

Dr. Seuss said it best: “The more you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” My educational pursuits have helped me grow in ways that are hard to measure. The skills I’ve gained are transferable and compoundable. Earning an A+ gives me confidence, while setbacks keep me grounded.

What I learn about commerce in school applies directly to the insurance industry. I see concepts play out in real time, which helps me brainstorm and problem-solve with colleagues. Teaching at the Dartmouth Learning Network has been humbling and inspiring. Helping someone learn to read or earn their high-school equivalency is a privilege. Leading the board to make decisions that impact learners is equally rewarding.

Through these experiences, my mindset has broadened. I’ve met people from all walks of life, heard stories of struggle and success, and learned empathy, tolerance, and perspective. These lessons don’t just stay with me; they ripple out into my work and my community.

What Inspires Me and Keeps Me Going

I honestly can’t remember a time before learning was part of my life. Growth and improvement are what get me up in the morning. My motivation isn’t external; it’s a labor of love. I believe my purpose is to learn and share what I’ve learned, whether formally or informally.

The work we do at the Dartmouth Learning Network matters. Education makes people more self-sufficient, and that improves lives. I’ll graduate from university in 2029, at 55 years young. I don’t know what my next learning journey will be, but I’m already excited about how it will help me grow and help others.