WWW.ALOA.ORG JULY/AUGUST 2023 KEYNOTES 15 3. Volunteer Being actively involved in your class is vital to enhanced learning. Instructors often ask for volunteers to assist with passing/collecting documents, sharing samples, etc. Show your commitment to learning. Get up, get active and get involved. Research shows that students who take an active role in their learning will retain at a much higher rate. That said, don’t be afraid to stand up and move around when your body needs it. Sitting still for hours at a time is not conducive to positive learning. One of the most satisfy- ing classes I’ve taught was nearly 20 years ago when the room was really only ap- propriate for about 20 students … but we had 32! But almost everyone chipped in and passed things out, collected samples and participated verbally throughout the class. We were serious but joked at times, as laughter is a great motivator. Thus, no one had a chance to fall asleep, and the time flew by quickly. Be part of creating a vibrant class. After all, it is your class. 4. Networking One huge asset of any class is the abil- ity to enlarge your professional net- work, but so few take advantage of this opportunity. There are several perfect times to introduce yourself to others in the class: before it starts, at breaks, at lunch, during hands-on tasks, after class concludes, in the hallways, etc. You will find out that you may have more in common with other students than you may think. It also opens the doors to future contact for job opportu- nities, business endeavors, sources for products/materials, people to bounce ideas and questions off of — the possi- bilities are only as limited as you make them. I suppose that sitting like a wall- flower may have its advantages, but I can’t really think of any. The only way to make it all happen is if you make it happen. Enlarge your professional net- work today, and be better off tomorrow. 5. Cards One lost opportunity is not bringing and passing out your business cards. Aside from making contacts, it’s a low- cost way to network. Having classmates to talk to down the road is a great way to get answers to future content ques- tions. It also allows for possible business connections. Don’t forget the numerous “fish bowls” at most vendors’ booths at the Security Expo, opening up the pos- sibilities of free gifts. How to get them all home? See our next tip. 6. Packing Many students take an empty (or almost empty) suitcase to fill up with the many handouts, literature, texts and giveaways that you will surely amass during your classes. Security Expo vendors have many useful free items that can quickly fill up a large bag. Plan before you arrive so you can get home with an abundance of won- derful treasures. 7. Show Attending the Security Expo is one way to solidify the learnings from your classes. Here is your opportunity to talk direct- ly with manufacturers and distributors about product line questions you may have. It also reinforces the new informa- tion you accrued in class or may answer related questions. Having a product right in front of you to see and touch is invalu- able, especially if it is something you are considering purchasing. Visit the ALOA Bookstore for a wide array of excellent books, apparel, etc. You get a discount there if you’re a member! Your Call The benefits you reap from the classes you take will depend on you. Will you get enough sleep to be alert? Will you ask the questions that you need the answers to? Will you be an active participant in your own learning? Will you extend your networking web throughout your classes? Will you remember to pass out your busi- ness cards to students, instructors, manu- facturers and distributors — which is also a form of networking? Will you pack intel- ligently to plan for the bounty of items you will collect? Will you extend your learning by attending the Security Expo? Again, it’s all up to you ... it’s your call. I will end with an adage that is apropos:“Winner, winner, stay sharp ’til dinner!” William M. Lynk, CML, CPS, ICML, CMIL, CAI, M.Ed., has been a locksmith since 1975 and is the owner of www.ICLSglobal.com. Bill is an IC specialist, an indus- try author, the subject matter expert on IC for ALOA, and an ALOA ACE instructor, teaching classes on interchangeable cores and master keying across the country. He has originated SFIC Technical Manuals for both national and international lock manufacturers, and main- tains a working relationship with the major lock and security manufacturers throughout the world. In 2013, he was named Keynotes Author of the Year. “Do yourself a huge favor, and be ready and focused so your body and mind will serve you well throughout your class.”
