Generations of Discovery: A Road Scholar Legacy
When 7-year-old Beckah M. set off on a Road Scholar Grandparent Adventure to the Black Hills, she had no idea the experience would change her life. What began as a fun adventure with her grandparents became the spark that ignited a lifelong love of learning, discovery and connection.
Now, as Road Scholar celebrates its 50th anniversary, Beckah’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of intergenerational learning.
A Journey That Sparked a Passion
“I was just a kid, but that experience stayed with me,” Beckah says. “It opened my eyes to the joy of exploration, the thrill of learning and the deep connections that shared experiences can create.”
Decades later, she still vividly remembers the excitement of that first program. From riding a chairlift for a panoramic view of Mount Rushmore to spotting wildlife in Custer State Park and witnessing the monumental, ongoing mountain carving of Crazy Horse, these experiences not only shaped her outlook, but also set the course for her future.
From Childhood Memories to a Career in Discovery
That early introduction to immersive learning became more than just a fond memory — it shaped Beckah’s professional path.
“Looking back, I can draw a direct line from that first Road Scholar experience to my career today,” she says.
Now working with major educational organizations and expedition programs, she’s turned her passion into her profession.
“Not only do I love to explore in my personal life, but I’ve also made it my life’s work,” she says.
A Grandmother’s Legacy of Lifelong Learning
Beckah’s love of discovery is part of a legacy passed down by her grandmother, Elain. At 92, Elain has explored all 50 states and “too many countries to count,” according to Beckah, crediting Road Scholar for making many of those experiences possible.
“Even now, I wouldn’t doubt she has more learning days ahead of her,” she adds.
This past Christmas, a deeply meaningful gift underscored just how much their shared experiences have meant.
“I don’t know how many years we’ll have left to create new memories together,” Beckah reflects. “But this year, she gave me a necklace and earrings my late grandfather bought for her during that very first Road Scholar program we took together. It was incredibly moving — like a piece of that journey had come full circle.”
Continuing the Legacy
Now a mother to a 19-month-old daughter, Beckah hopes to continue the tradition of exploration and learning.
“I want to pass on what my grandmother gave me — a curiosity about the world, a love of discovery and an appreciation for the connections we make through shared experiences.”
50 Years of Transformative Learning
As Road Scholar celebrates 50 years of educational adventures, stories like Beckah’s highlight the true power of discovery. It’s not simply about seeing new places, but about deepening connections, broadening perspectives and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
To Beckah, to Elain and to the countless lifelong learners who have made Road Scholar part of their journey — here’s to 50 years of discovery and many more to come.