Laura, an 80-year-old native of Detroit, Michigan, has been living in the San Diego area of California for about 20 years. Prior to ending up in San Diego, she and her husband moved around the country to New Orleans, Washington, and Seattle due to his job as an aeronautical engineer. Laura retired from her work as a tax auditor and decided to take some Spanish classes at a community college near her home. From that class, a small group got together to practice, and one of the members mentioned the partnership with GetSetUp and the California Library. She decided to check out the site and started taking classes on various topics.

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"It was like a smorgasbord and walking into a room full of all kinds of different spaces. You could go and taste everything on the table to decide if you want more later."

GetSetUp’s partnership with the California Libraries has allowed Laura to access GetSetUp classes for free. In just two years, Laura has taken hundreds of classes on GetSetUp. This includes courses on technology, decluttering, Buddhism, public speaking, and more. 

The Importance of Technology as One Ages

One of the most significant benefits that Laura has gained from GetSetUp is becoming more comfortable with technology.

"I have gotten better with technology. That's one of the biggest things that I think right now is important."

Laura has not only learned new tech skills but has also put them into practice.

"You have to work at it. The classes are easy to take, and that's life. If you don't use it, you lose it."

GetSetUp has also provided Laura with a sense of empowerment through her newfound knowledge of technology. Before, GetSetUp, she was hesitant to change screens or leave one window to navigate others.

"I have learned everything about technology. What I find the best is that now I know how to navigate. Now you are seeing me and can talk to me, and even if you are talking to someone else, I can check out something else. I've learned how to find my way back. GetSetUp gave me the confidence to find my way around."

Finding Enrichment in Retirement

Laura has explored a variety of classes from creative writing classes to genealogy. She has taken classes on how to use YouTube and be a presenter, as well as attending virtual public speaking sessions. She has also found community through the platform.

"I have made friends, and that's nice. Plus, I don't have any desire to get back in a physical classroom."

Through GetSetUp, Laura has also discovered a love for learning about different religions. She is taking a class on the philosophy of Buddhism every two weeks, and she has a theory that all religions have a similar theme.

"The greatest benefit is that GetSetUp has dragged me into the 21st century. It lets me learn from the comfort of my own home, and I don't have to get in my car and drive. And I think the classes I have seen on GetSetUp are more beneficial than sitting in a physical classroom."

Laura appreciates that the online classes are easier to take and that she is more comfortable and can absorb more information. She can ask questions and get answers more easily than she could in a physical classroom, where there may be 30-50 people.

"GetSetUp has smaller sessions; you can hear everyone, and people feel more comfortable with it."

She appreciates the flexibility of being able to take classes whenever she wants, noting that she likes the encores because she can take the class two or three times.

Overall, Laura believes that GetSetUp has helped her to stay connected and engaged. Laura's experience with GetSetUp is a testament to the power of online learning and the value of community connections. 

"This is the 21st century, and GetSetUp is great. It is an easy way to learn everything. I can't thank GetSetUp enough. You guys have gone through all kinds of changes, and it requires us to extend ourselves a bit more, but all I can say is thank you GetSetUp.”