Welcome to COLLI

Everyone who knows me would tell you that I am and have always been a learner. Growing up, I loved school and my favorite season was “back to school” season. I loved shopping for new clothes, school supplies, meeting new teachers, and reconnecting with friends after a summer of fun. My love for learning runs deep, which led me to pursue multiple degrees and advanced training programs mostly because they were enjoyable for me.

Education has been a lifelong journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow through formal learning. As the first person in my family to graduate from college, the value of education was ingrained in me from a young age. I remember sitting on my grandparent’s porch as my Nana taught me to read at the age of 3 or 4. In today’s world of pre-school early reader programs, this doesn’t sound so unusual. But considering the context that my grandfather was never able to read and had only ever completed as much as a 1st grade education due to his family’s need for extra help with farming, it was significant in my family.

When I reflect on my learning journey, it has never been about the achievement that come from degrees or certifications, as if learning is a place to arrive. It’s been about the new experiences, relationships, and lessons learned along the way. I believe we can learn from anyone, anywhere, at any time—if we remain open to new people and perspectives. In fact, the most impactful lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks, but from the people around me. I’ve always been curious and I ask more questions than I answer. I prefer to listen and observe, knowing that our greatest resources for learning are the connections we make with others and the stories that they share.

I have noticed that the times I feel most fulfilled in my life are the times I am connecting with others to encourage their growth or wellbeing and, inadvertently, find that it stimulates an area of personal growth as well. As humans, we thrive in times of growth, creativity, and helping others. And yet, so much of contemporary society is about hustle, isolation, and survival. Gallup’s thriving index is very telling, demonstrating that only nearly half of the population would consider themselves to be thriving in their Life Evaluation Index (Gallup Health and Wellbeing Index). I have found this in my personal life as well, as success in my career led to more and more responsibility… often literally being asked to be in two places at once. Time to create and innovate or build relationships felt non-existent as metrics of production in the form on task-completion were prioritized. Thriving was not in the cards, because my focus was on surviving another day of a never-finished to-do list.

I believe there’s a better way to work and live. I believe innovative solutions can enhance well-being for individuals and society as a whole. The potential for innovation lies in the collective exchange of ideas, fueled by collaboration and a passion for lifelong learning.

This belief is what inspired the creation of the Community of Lifelong Learning and Innovation. My vision is to create a space where people can come together to connect, grow, and work toward the well-being of both individuals and the communities they belong to. Every member of this community brings their own unique perspective, and by fostering curiosity and openness, we can all learn from and with each other.

I am excited to build this community with each of you. Let’s learn, grow, and thrive together!

Warm regards,
Beth Collier