Anna Amelung brings a passion for learning and sharing knowledge to every class she facilitates at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)—a passion that consistently results in her classes quickly reaching capacity.
Her love of learning and sharing knowledge with others has been a driving force throughout her life. Amelung grew up in Italy and France before marrying and moving to the United States, where she earned a PhD in French from WashU. She then began her career as an assistant professor of French at the university. Later, she transitioned to teaching Latin and French at University City High School for 25 years.
It was during her time at University City High School that she first encountered OLLI, after being invited to share her knowledge of Latin and the ancient world.
“That’s how I began,” Amelung recalled, noting that she officially joined OLLI upon her retirement in 2009. “I’ve been here for 16 years.” During this time, Amelung’s passion for sharing her cultural knowledge was recognized when she received the prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of the highest honors awarded by the French government to individuals who have made significant contributions to French culture and education.
Over the years, Amelung has facilitated countless courses, averaging two to three per term and relishing every moment.
“My favorite part of OLLI is being with interesting people,” she said. “People who are stimulated by knowledge and eager to share their own insights into various cultures. I love the friendships, the camaraderie, but also the fact that at our age, if we don’t use our brains, we’re going to lose them. The choice for most of us is either staying home and watching TV or coming to an engaging place where we can share ideas, knowledge, and fun.”
Amelung lets her own passions guide the courses she facilitates each term.
“I usually focus on topics about Italy, France, or art,” she explained. “I try to find subjects that will be stimulating for all of us.”
She added that her enthusiasm for learning often leads her to explore topics she’d be researching on her own anyway.
“If I can share it with other people, then I’m glad to,” Amelung said. “OLLI has kept me up to date with the world. It’s kept me mentally young and connected to others. I just love learning and sharing what I’ve learned. OLLI gives me the opportunity to do that.”
While facilitating a course can require significant preparation, Amelung encourages other OLLI members to discover how rewarding it can be.
“Just try it and don’t be afraid,” she advised. “We all have so much knowledge that we don’t realize we possess. We have talents and skills. We’ve done so many things in life. Even in our fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties, and nineties, we can still give back to the community.”
Her advice to potential facilitators is simple: “Go for it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged with a community after retiring. “We are a very forgiving audience. We don’t expect perfection because perfection doesn’t exist.”
Amelung noted another benefit of facilitating at OLLI compared to her years teaching high school.
“There are no parents,” she said with a smile. “There’s no homework, no tests. The atmosphere is relaxed, and nobody is judging anyone else. This is pure learning without all the hassles of formal education.”