Thursday night was my last class of Raleigh Neighborhood College. For twelve weeks I have trekked to Peace College or other locations around the city every Thursday night to spend up to four hours learning about city government and services. I have shared the experience with 20 other fine Raleigh citizens, each of whom has had something to offer to the experience. All that’s left to do is “graduate,” and that happens this upcoming Thursday evening.
I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed the College. When I signed up, I had only the general idea that it would teach me more about the city. I didn’t expect to get as much out of it as I did. Its truly exceeded all my expectations.
The best part about the class has been the class participation. Its no stretch to say I’ve learned as much from my classmates as I have the classes themselves. We challenge each other, ask questions that spur questions from others, and above all respect each other. The class is truly a team. I cannot recall any disagreement I’ve ever heard between one another. These are people I know I’ll see again soon: the kind that will someday make things happen. In fact, the class has been so much fun for me personally that its inevitable that I’ll participate more fully in city activities in the future.
Through the class I’ve learned about city government, parks, public safety, mapping, planning, community television, housing, city budget, solid waste services, and many, many other topics. I’ve learned something from each of them, and come away with more respect for what Raleigh has to offer.
It hasn’t been without its sacrifices. Kelly has graciously soloed with the kids each Thursday night, except for the nights when her supper club met. Those nights were covered by a babysitter, which also allowed us to share a drink downtown before returning home. I’m so lucky to have such an understanding wife!
If you’ve got the time to spare and want to really find out how the city works (as well as challenge face to face those whose job it is to make the city work), you can’t do wrong by signing up for the Raleigh Neighborhood College. If you’re a Raleigh resident and you’d like to sign up, shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to get you started. It is well worth it!