yah it's Latin. 📚😍

This is my motto. Despite sounding like a party anthem, Semper Disco translates to, “Always Learn” in Latin. Education is one of my top values—not just because I love to learn, which I do, but because I am one hundred percent convicted of the foundational value of education-- for individuals and communities, and for the future of humanity.

I believe in learning all the time, everywhere. But I also value a well-structured course, class or program. Unfortunately, not everyone—including myself—has the time or money to commit to the format of a traditional, formal education. Thank the Sparkle Gods it is 2021 and online classes have evolved to be absolutely amazing—and very often, free! Sound too good to be true? Check it out all these awesome reasons to try online learning:

>>> I originally wrote this article before Covid was a thing. Obviously, lockdown has changed education for many of us, and forced us into at-home learning when it is not ideal or effective. As much as that SUCKS, I also stand by the benefits and freedoms listed here. <<<

/1/ You can take a latte break. Or bake cupcakes, or walk the dog. Hell, you can do your coursework in your PJs, blasting music, IPA in hand at 3am if you want! Online classes fit your schedule, and allow you to learn comfortably…whenever, wherever, and however is best for you.

/2/ You don’t have to buy luggage. Or apply for a passport. You don’t have to skip town, leave your family or quit your job in order to access the best courses and teachers in the WORLD. They are accessible wherever you are! *Magic!*

/3/ Dabble dabble! You don’t have to commit to a major, or an industry right away—or even at all. You can study anything and everything you want, try new things, and change your mind, and your courses, whenever is right for you.

/4/ Only eat Ramen every day if you want to. You don’t have to make financial sacrifices or take out huge loans in order to access high quality education anymore. Many online courses are completely free!

/5/ You have something to look forward to. Fighting depression or boredom? Feel like you’re in a rut? There is nothing like learning something brand new in a challenging, engaging class to get you excited about life! Having something positive to focus on in difficult times can be super helpful.

Chances are, you are going to feel *awesome*. Taking classes not only improves your self-confidence and discipline, but it can help you stay competitive in your current industry, open up opportunities for a new career, or even change the entire trajectory of your life. Are you ready?

Here is a list of several amazing alternative forms of education available online. (Most of these are absolutely free, some require fees to attend or for certification or credit.) EdX https://www.edx.org/ Coursera https://www.coursera.org/ Lynda https://www.lynda.com/ Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ SkillShare https://www.skillshare.com Alison https://alison.com/ Udemy https://www.udemy.com/ CodeAcademy https://www.codecademy.com/ Instructables http://www.instructables.com/

MasterClass https://www.masterclass.com/ Duolingo https://www.duolingo.com/

Babbel

https://www.babbel.com/

Go for it! Pick a class, try something new. Challenge yourself. Change your life. #semperdisco <3