Month: November 2024

The importance of Investing in Yourself: Benefits of Continuous Learning for your Brain

 

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and grow is more crucial than ever before. One of the best ways to future-proof your career and personal development is through continuous learning. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has profound benefits for both your brain and your overall well-being.

Cognitive Abilities

Engaging in continuous learning exercises your brain and helps maintain cognitive sharpness as you age. Studies show that challenging your brain with new information and skills can increase grey matter, improve memory and information processing, and bolster problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re learning a new language, taking an online course, or exploring a hobby, keeping your brain active helps build neural pathways and preserve mental acuity.

Creativity and Innovation

Continuous learning exposes you to diverse perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinking. This cross-pollination of knowledge sparks new connections in your brain, enhancing your ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. By stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar subjects, you can gain fresh insights that inspire you to approach challenges from novel angles.

Adaptability In an era of rapid technological and social change, the ability to learn, grow, and adapt is paramount. Continuous learners are more resilient and better equipped to navigate uncertainty, pivot in their careers, and respond to emerging trends. The mental flexibility cultivated through lifelong learning allows you to continuously expand your skillset and thrive in the face of change.

Overall Well Being

Engaging in continuous learning doesn’t just benefit your brain – it can also enhance your overall well-being. The sense of accomplishment and confidence that comes from mastering new skills can boost self-esteem and mental health. Additionally, the social connections and intellectual stimulation gained through learning activities can reduce stress and loneliness, leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction.

The decision to invest in yourself through continuous learning is one of the most impactful choices you can make. By challenging your brain, sparking your creativity, and cultivating adaptability, the benefits of lifelong learning can transform both your professional and personal life.

At City St George’s we have a range of short courses to enhance your continuous learning. Why not try a new language? Or learn to code? Craft that children’s story you’ve always wanted to write? Or start a new side hustle with our Coaching courses?

Not sure what you want to study? Come along to our Free Virtual Open evening on December 12 at 6pm. You can choose from a range of taster sessions from  Japanese to Marketing. More information and how to register is available here.

Embrace the power of continuous growth and unlock your full potential.

Announcing 2024’s Novel Studio Literary Agent Competition Winners!

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024/2025 Novel Studio Literary Agent Competition: Merveille Ondekane, Connor Maxwell, and Madison Silverman.

The Novel Studio is City St George’s flagship short course for aspiring novelists, offering 15 writers dedicated time and support to hone their craft. The competition is a rare opportunity for students to bypass the typical manuscript submission process and connect directly with literary agent Lucy Luck, agent at C&W Agency.

Merveille Ondekane, Connor Maxwell, and Maddie Silvs were chosen from a pool of exceptionally strong entries. Course Director Emily Pedder noted, “We’re very excited by these three writers and can’t wait to see their novels progress this coming year.”

 

Winner Merveille Ondekane

Merveille Ondekane’s journey as an aspiring novelist began with City University’s An Approach to Creative Writing course, where she discovered her passion for bringing the worlds and characters in her imagination to life. In her own words:  “As a newcomer to the literary world, I wanted to deepen my understanding of novel crafting, which led me to the intensive Novel Studio course—a year-long experience I was fortunate to join after being awarded a scholarship. Winning the Novel Studio Literary Agent competition, especially among such a talented group of writers, is an incredible honour, and I’m looking forward to connecting with Lucy Luck at C&W Agency as I continue to develop my novel.”

Winner Connor Maxwell

Connor Maxwell is a Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he is working to advance a $460 million initiative to increase upward economic mobility and opportunity in the United States. He has served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the White House, an Economic Policy Advisor on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, a Policy Analyst on the Biden-Harris Presidential Campaign, and as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress. Born and raised in the District of Columbia, he received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia. Currently living and working in London, he enjoys reading and writing fiction that sheds light on lesser-known historical events and perspectives. He completed the City, University of London Novel Writing and Longer Works short course before joining the Novel Studio.

Maddie Silvs is a debut novelist with her coming-of-age novel, Stardust. She is a Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. A Philly girl at heart, she currently resides in the sunshine state in Delray Beach, Florida. Working as an Events Manager for Cambridge University Press, the written word has always been her safe space. She googled funny author bios, but really couldn’t come up with much to say about herself other than, “go birdz baby.”

Winner Maddie SIlvs

The Novel Studio has a strong track record of published alumni, including recent bestsellers and award winners such as Deepa Anappara’s Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, Anna Mazzola’s  The Unseeing, The Story Keeper, The Clockwork Girl,  and The House of Whispers, and Harriet Tyce’s Blood Orange, The Lies You Told, It Ends At Midnight and A Lesson in Cruelty.

Congratulations to Merveille, Connor, and Madison! We look forward to supporting them and their fellow students as they develop their novels over the next year.

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