It is often said that the teacher appears at the right time and when the student is ready, bringing the lesson with them. Just as fish are surrounded by water, we are surrounded by knowledge – it is everywhere. Life constantly presents us with opportunities to learn. There is no need to wait for knowledge as one waits for Godot. We must keep our eyes and ears open, occasionally close our mouths and sip, absorb or devour – depending on our hunger.
At our EAAL Forum (in Slovenian), Marjan Ogorevc surprised me by suggesting that unnecessary learning also exists. According to him, any lecture we attend or book we read that holds no clear practical value is nothing but a burden – wasted energy. Personally, I have always trusted the selectivity of my mind: what I do not need simply fades away while what matters to me shapes who I am and stays with me forever. This is also how I came to understand who I am. Ogorevc is undoubtedly right that our time is limited, so we should direct and use it according to our preferences and needs. It is worth choosing our learning wisely – sometimes like a hunter who seeks their prey, other times like a fisherman who waits for it.
The environment shapes me
I pay attention to what comes my way because I know the environment I inhabit shapes me. Sometimes the lessons are obvious and transform us instantly – we are never the same again. Other times, they shape us slowly, like a frog being cooked – they seep in unnoticed. We become someone else without intending to. Often, we do not even have time to pause and reflect on what we are immersed in, what has touched us or who we are becoming. That is why we must at least remain aware of the importance of choosing the right company, teacher and lesson. Let us seek spaces where we feel good – only then will we receive what we truly need; otherwise, only what we deserve.
I have just emerged from an intense period of learning. Life has granted me a dozen new stories and lessons. And since my role is to share them with you, they are now yours as well. So here I am, passing them on as I present a dozen fresh recipients of the SIAE Awards for Lifelong Learning, each with their own story and each carrying a lesson.
What have I learnt from them?
I learnt that wrong choices and actions can be corrected through hard work and determination, and that life is not always fair – sometimes we are struck by misfortune we did not deserve – but we must fight for our space and time, inspiring those with more luck who may not even realise it. I have learnt that others can help me reach my goals. It is worth making the effort – for ourselves and our loved ones – to achieve what we strive for. I now understand that my communities and the people within them shape me profoundly – whether it is my family, local associations or public institutions that create both physical and heartfelt spaces. Investing in these is worthwhile because the rewards are not always financial – sometimes they come as gratitude, a hug or a spark in the eyes.
Twelve recipients of the 2025 SIAE Awards for Lifelong Learning come from all Slovenian regions. Their portraits (in Slovenian) are available on the website Lahko.si (in Slovenian). Among them, the Best Lifelong Learning Story was chosen via online voting – see article.
Darijan Novak (darijan.novak@acs.si), SIAE