As summer begins to wind down, we all start eagerly anticipating bonfires, sweater-weather and football, but we encourage you to create some time in your schedule to explore one of our life-long learning opportunities at the Co-Lin Natchez campus this fall.

Our Special Interest program offers a wide variety of classes. Many of these classes are designed to aid in your professional development, while some are intended to inspire your inner artist. Taking one of these non-credit evening courses will also give you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests or to spend quality time with a friend while learning a new hobby. There is sure to be something for everybody.

This semester we will offer two different computer classes covering Microsoft Office programs. Excelling at Excel will start on Sept. 11 and meet each Tuesday evening for four weeks. This class does require a very basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Then, starting on Oct. 16, meeting each Tuesday evening for three weeks, we will offer a PowerPoint Presentation class. CEUs are available for each of these classes, with the required pre-approval.

If you have been hoping to get your creative juices flowing, then you are in luck. This fall’s schedule boasts a wide variety of classes that will focus on unique interests, crafts and hobbies. Sculpting will meet on Wednesday evenings, Sept. 12 through Oct. 10, and will focus on creating and finishing small clay pieces without the need of a kiln.

There will be two opportunities to make a beautiful pair of dragonfly wing earrings in Metal Clay Earring Making, Sept. 25 or Oct. 23. Starting on Oct. 17 and meeting each Wednesday for four weeks, is a unique opportunity to design, create and bind your very own book in Handmade Books & Journals.  Following that, you will have a chance to take Self-Publish Your Book to the World starting on Oct. 25 and meeting each Thursday for four weeks. Finally, jump into the Christmas spirit by creating a beautiful mesh wreath for your door in Holiday Wreath Making on Nov. 8.

For those looking to refocus on de-stressing and health, you will have the opportunity to flex your brain or body. First, we are excited to offer chess for the first time, beginning on Sept. 20 and meeting each Thursday for six weeks. The world’s most popular game of strategy has benefits that extend far beyond the board itself. Yoga (suitable for all levels) will be offered for four weeks, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 3. CEUs available for faculty in related fields, but pre-approval is required.

If you have always been interested in yoga, but worry about stamina, mobility issues or just want a more mindful focused practice, then consider Restorative Yoga, which starts on Nov. 1 and meets each Thursday for three weeks. This will be a very calming and healing yoga experience.

Finally, we are happy to announce two courses that are back by popular demand. First, QuickBooks will be offered again starting on Monday, Sept. 24, and running six weeks. This workshop will take you from installation to tracking your payables, receivables and inventory.  Also, Grant-Writing Basics will be a two-night course this semester, meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4 and 11. You will leave this class with the tools you need to create award-winning grant proposals. CEUs are available for this course, as well.

All classes are offered at the lowest possible cost and are designed to be stress-free. Our aim is to provide an avenue for lifelong learners in our community striving toward new skills, hobbies, or personal enrichment. This program is created with you in mind so as always; we welcome any and all feedback. For more details on classes available, please contact Emily Edwards at 601-446-1103 or email emily.edwards@colin.edu. You may also register at the Willie Mae Dunn Library on the Co-Lin Natchez campus and don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page for the Natchez campus. Pre-registration is required for all courses. Class sizes are limited, so sign up today and give yourself or another the gift of lifelong learning.

Emily Edwards is the Learning Resources Coordinator at Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez Campus.