Tim and I are in the middle of watching Rick Bayless's DVD series, Mexico: One Plate at a Time. Not only are we learning about Mexican cuisine and how to make it ourselves, we're discovering all kinds of fascinating historical facts about Mexico and how these dishes came to be. As Rick travels through the country sampling different foods, he explains why they're made the way they are and which cultures contributed to the tasty combinations. It's very inspiring, and educational to boot.

And, what a great gift idea for the non-trad student in your life! Whatever your student is studying, there's sure to be a DVD series available on the topic.

Do you enjoy learning from documentaries and DVD series? Take the poll, and then tell us about your favorites.

Share your favorites right here in a comment, or in the Continuing Education forum.

The oldest living person in the world died Wednesday in Shelbyville, Indiana at 115 years, 220 days. The AP reported that,

"Although she never drank alcohol or tried tobacco and led an active life, [Edna] Parker didn't offer tips for living a long life. Her only advice to those who gathered to celebrate when she became the oldest person was "more education."

"We don't know why she's lived so long," Don Parker said before his grandmother's 115th birthday. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."

Parker graduated from Franklin College in 1911. According to Barbara Miller Solomon in her book, In the Company of Educated Women, women were still fighting to be admitted to colleges at that time, and were often shunned when they returned home. She says scientific studies claimed that women were inferior to men, could never catch up to them, and that "some doctors declared it was harmful for them to even try."

Can you imagine? We've come a long way, baby.

I raise my glass to Edna Parker, grand dame, the ultimate poster girl for lifelong learning, who paved the way for generations of women. Thank you, Edna.

One of the things that makes going back to school so different for adults than for students of traditional ages is that adults bring experience to the classroom. With that experience comes the wisdom earned through living, loving, and losing the things that matter most to us. The older we get, the more of all of those things we have experienced, and the more we realize that there isn't time to waste.

Non-traditional students want to talk about things, all things, on a deeper level. They're in the classroom to learn, to grow, not just to pick up a degree or a certificate at the end of the semester.

The great thing about meaningful conversations is that they can happen anyplace, not just in the classroom or around the holiday dinner table. This holiday season, say the things you've always wanted to express to the people who mean the most to you. You just might be amazed by the outcome.

I hope you'll come back and share your experiences with us. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

This morning I found a great list of suggestions from Patricia G. for being a successful and ageless learner. She shares her ideas about having a plan, using your fear, honoring your unique self, finding your own pace, and having fun learning.

Thanks, Patricia! And good luck with your studies.

What's your advice to adult learners? Share your ideas on the Continuing Education Message Boards. Join the conversation.