In a strange twist of fate, I recently taught a class on basic computer use.

It all came about one day when I sent my resume to our local college with an email that basically said I know about marketing, if you ever need a sub I may be able to help. To my surprise, I received an email immediately after asking if I could meet.

I met with a man whose job was to coordinate various short courses that the college was often asked to facilitate for a variety of organizations. As I sat in his office that day and listened to him explain to me that he needed someone to teach a basic computer class I immediately felt nervous and a bit outside of my comfort zone.  After learning more about what the course would entail, we agreed to proceed.  

I showed up at the College just a few short days later to meet my class. I had spend the entire weekend before, day and night, writing lesson plans and playing the “what if” game in my head obsessively. I wanted to be sure I was prepared for anything that was thrown my way.

They first lady was already there waiting for the class to arrive, 45 minutes early.  She looked about 50 and a little uneasy sitting in the student lounge waiting for the rest. I introduced myself and immediately felt a connection with her. Very warm and down to earth. As we chatted 2 more ladies entered the lounge, both about the same age as the lady I was speaking with. Here I stood with 3 ladies about my mother’s age as young college students sped through the halls around us making their way to their classes, laughing and giggling. Like they belonged there. 

Next we were joined by a gentleman who very sweetly shook my hand and asked if he could take the bags I was holding off my hands. A true gentleman from the beginning.

I led everyone down the hall to our classroom and eventually we had a class of 9 mature students. I could tell they were anxious about the idea of learning something new and feeling a little bit like they were the last people on the face of the earth to now know how to work a computer.

I don’t know how many times I explained the difference between right click and left click…countless. I don’t know how many times I explained “the Google”…countless. I don’t know why every time they send an email to each other they spend the next minute and a half saying “Sally, did ya get it?” “not yet” “how ‘bout now?” “nope” and then why they finally receive the email, spend another minute and a half celebrating it. Baffling.

The class is over now and I have mixed emotions about this. Sad that I won’t see them everyday now and laugh so hard that it gives me a pain in my side. Sad that this short journey has to come to a close. Happy that they are walking away so much more confident in themselves and their abilities with a new found sense of accomplishment.

This post may not be directly related to marketing but I think its message is lovely. Putting yourself out there can be intimidating.  Whether it’s teaching a new class or learning a new skill, it’s not always easy to step out of our comfort zone but the rewards can be life changing.

To Sally, Judy, Linda, Nancy, Tom, Barb, Sylvia and Corrine, thank you for the laughs, the learning and the memories