Missy Testerman

There’s a rhythm in nature—a cycle of curiosity, change, and renewal—that mirrors the journey of lifelong learning. Whether I’m hiking with my husband in a park in East Tennessee or curled up with a novel on a quiet afternoon, I find lessons that deeply inform my approach to teaching and learning

One recent trip: On a forest trail, I was on a quest to make it to the top of the trail so that I could view the waterfall that is the hallmark of this particular hike. My husband, while a faster, more coordinated hiker than I am, paused to examine uniquely twisted tree roots, worn rock ledges, and small salamanders and other forest inhabitants. Later, as we rested on a smooth rock and listened to the soothing lullaby of the water at the base of the waterfall, my husband asked if I had seen the things listed above.

I had not. In my quest to keep up as we ascended, I had powered forward without paying attention to the highlights on the trail. I missed the salamander sunning on the log and the gnarly tree roots that made a heart shape on the pathway. I felt as if I had missed part of the beauty of this particular trail. On the way back down, I made sure to focus less on rushing and more on observing the marvels of the woods.

In classrooms, we often rush. Lifelong learning is about cultivating inquisitiveness, with time and space for wonder. When we ask “Why?” or “What if?” alongside children, we model the process of lifelong growth. As a teacher and a mom of adult children, I still learn through their experiences: digital media trends, new adult responsibilities, different perspectives on social issues, or cultural shifts relevant to young people.

In our shared journey, intergenerational learning fosters respect and deeper connection. One of my favorite things to do as a veteran teacher was to invite former students to visit my classroom. They shared career paths, passions, challenges. Their stories rekindled my own sense of purpose and inspired current students to see where learning can take them.

Bringing nature, family, and curiosity into education reminds us that learning isn’t confined to seatwork or standardized tests. It’s everywhere…in forest trails, kitchen tables, digital conversations. When educators and families partner in wonder, we build resilient learners ready for a life of exploration.