One thing I know is that life is short

So listen up homeboy, give this a thought

The next time someone's teaching, why don't you get taught?

It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is.  Huh!

Run-D.M.C., those pioneers of Hip-Hop told us their opinion of higher education way back in 1983. I don't suppose I appreciated these lyrics then. Now, even though I don't listen to any kind of rap music, this song – "It's Like That" – is one of my favourites. It's filled with truth, and this verse is quite poignant.

Now, at the tail end of the semester, you might think you're wrapping up your studies. But you're not. You've only begun. Education is not a one-time thing. You will always be learning.

The world is in a constant state of change. In my field (I.T.) we always have to be willing to learn to keep up. And this isn't limited to I.T. Across my campus I talk to trades teachers, such as the electrical teachers in the classroom next to mine, and their industry is in constant change too. I'm sure if I had a chat with any TAFE teacher, they'd tell me their industry has drastically changed in the last 20 years.

That means if you're entering the workforce this year, regardless of your field, it's going to be radically different by the time you finally leave it. Change is constant.

Is that a curse? I see it as a blessing. I think learning keeps me young. I think it gives me a chance to constantly reinvent myself. It gives me a chance to keep mastering the skills I want to master and learn new ones when I get bored with those I've already learnt.

These days the many available ways to learn is amazing. From ebooks to websites to vodcasts, the Internet offers so many resources just waiting for you.

Or perhaps you prefer hands-on learning. You might find there's a group you can join to learn from. And don't forget TAFE - check and see if we offer a short course or a part-time course that's in your field of interest.

Don't be afraid of education. Employers want to hire people eager to learn.

So embrace it. Enjoy it. Don't stagnate. Don't be boring. Challenge yourself.

It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is!