My young daughter adores all living creatures. When I read an article in the University of Sheffield alumni magazine, I sensed a teachable moment. Entitled ‘The Professional Birdwatcher’, the article detailed Tim Birkhead's study of guillemot birds on the uninhabited Skomer Island. We watched videos on guillemots and an interview with Birkhead. We learned how his research impacts the well-being of the sea life ecosystem. We were enthralled. I explained that the professor's bird watching began as a child. His passion continued throughout his life as a researcher and will continue after his retirement.

I am cautious not to overstate the potential for passions to become careers. My love of swimming won't take me to the Olympics. Nor will my knitting projects lead to a knitwear business. Not all our hobbies or passions become our careers. I explained as much to my kids. We can enjoy these leisure and recreational activities throughout our lives. Universities are such places to discover knowledge and nourishment. How do we inject a sense of passion in our lives? At my house, we learned new things about birds and the natural ecosystem. The passion for animals remains, binoculars perched on the windowsill.

Alumni Action 14: Fostering lifelong learning to sharpen the mind

Our growth mindset is viewing obstacles or failures as learning opportunities. This is also our chance to seek out new platforms for learning. What better setting for learning throughout our life than a university? An underlying value of all universities – stated or not – is lifelong learning. When we first graduate, we may set our sights on advanced study. We might hope to specialize to a master or doctoral level. We might opt for continued professional development to extend our career-based knowledge and skills. The focus here is learning for learning's sake. We pursue learning because we are curious. We have a passion for the subject or for the debate. The knowledge connects us to a hobby, interest, or recreational activity. Our alma mater, or other universities of interest, help us to stop scrolling mindlessly through information. We can take the time for depth over breadth.