Embarking on a New Journey

Join me as I chart a course through 2026, blending health, creativity, and connection. From exercise to storytelling, every step is a story waiting to unfold. Will you walk this path with me?

The Engaged Learner Project

January 4, 2026

2–3 minutes

engagement, exercise, goal setting, journey, lifelong learning, personal growth, self-discovery

Hey everyone! Welcome to my blogging space. I’m José, and I’m excited to share my journey of self-discovery, thoughts, and ideas—covering my life as a writer and educator, and inviting you along for my health adventures. You might wonder what inspired me to start this journey. Well, I recently earned my Ph.D. in 2025, after a challenging but rewarding 7 years of growth and reflection on my future beyond the degree. Now, I’ve reached a milestone I’ve always dreamed of, but I can’t help but ask myself: What’s next? What new projects or goals should I pursue? What should I focus on moving forward?

Many of us have asked ourselves similar questions, especially when we’re at a crossroads, near the end of the year. It’s important to keep growing and stay engaged with our personal development. Sometimes, we just need a gentle reminder and a moment to review and refresh our goals. I say refresh because it’s helpful to revisit our initial goals and see if they still suit us. If our goals no longer match what we care about now, it can be hard to stay motivated. My suggestion is that once you achieve your goals, take some time to reflect and then set a new one that fits your current interests—keeping your journey exciting and meaningful.

You might be curious about why I named this blogging page the Engaged Learner Project. Well, I truly believe we’re all lifelong learners and that it’s important to actively participate in our own learning journeys. Plus, every bit of learning should connect to a goal that helps us grow. I see myself as an engaged learner, always exploring new things and growing through different learning opportunities. So, come along and let’s learn together—I’m excited to share this journey with you!

Now that I have some time to reflect, I’ve happily decided to focus and start on the following goals for 2026:

Becoming more physically active through exercise can also help improve my diet and support my weight loss journey.
Writing and creating the illustrations for my very first children’s book!
Sharing my blog through social media, posting updates, and maybe even some video recordings every week! Stay tuned for my exciting updates every Sunday!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my very first post! I really look forward to connecting with all of you next Sunday.

Author

Written by

The Engaged Learner Project

Hello Fellow Learners! My name is Dr. José Miller, and I’m excited to engage and learn with all of you. With a curious mind and a desire to learn, I would like to share with all of you the many ways we can learn and grow as professionals and individuals by actively engaging outside the classroom. Some ways adult learners can engage beyond the classroom include participating in community projects like the Local Food Bank Drive or the Neighborhood Clean-Up Initiative. You can also attend book readings and discussions, such as those held monthly at the City Library, or join clubs and conferences, such as a Book Club or a student leadership conference. These activities not only enhance knowledge but also build valuable networks. I received my doctorate in educational psychology and have over 15 years of experience working with adult students, helping them learn and engage throughout their college experience and journey. My learning philosophy is that learning does not occur only in the classroom; it happens at every moment, interaction, and activity we actively engage in throughout our lives. Let’s engage and learn together by sharing our experiences, participating in group discussions, and collaborating on projects. Your experiences are valuable, and your contributions will enrich our collective learning journey. This collaborative approach will allow us to build a supportive learning community where every member contributes and benefits from shared knowledge and insights.

The Engaged Learner Project