Lessons from my parents

I am fortunate enough to have parents, Donald and Florence Walker, who embraced their "older" years and embarked on many adventures and learning experiences after turning 60. 

Among some of their ventures were volunteering for the Red Cross (they were actively working on site with the 9/11 victims and Hurricane Katrina), working with a Hospice Center (my mom still does at 85 years old) and traveling to Russia, Scotland, China, Germany and France. At 63, my dad auditioned to sing with the Florida Symphony Orchestra on a whim and ended up traveling worldwide with them. 

My parents set a wonderful example for lifelong learning. They inspired and encouraged not only myself but also my children to live life to the fullest and continually learn. 

I’m currently reading a book that reinforces living your best life at any age, "Atomic Habits," by James Clear. It is an action-oriented guide to finding out how and why good and bad habits are formed and then learning the science behind breaking out of those cycles so that you have freedom to be your best self.

This book along with listening to daily meditations by Jay Shetty (available on the free Calm app offered by ND) have made a positive impact in the way that I live. I am currently attempting to learn Italian on Mango (another free ND app) as I prepare to go to Italy with my sons this April. 

I try to follow in the footsteps of my parents by embracing lifelong learning and adventures and hope that I can be as good of an example to my sons as they were to me!

Wendy Walker

Program and Events Manager

Specialized Masters Programs