Aloha,
I have been collecting family records and photos for over 30 years now and I mean just that "collecting" with no order or sense of it all. Family members seem to think that I know all about the family both Hawaiian, Chinese and Portuguese sides, but they are all far from correct. I am currently residing on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
I have always had a deep desire and interest in the field, but never the time. I am planning an early retirement (January 2023) and I am wanting to learn about genealogical research skills and the profession. I am hoping that some of the members here can recommend a good place to start. I have been looking at the Boston University Genealogy Studies Program. If any one here could help to steer me in the best direction, I would appreciate it. I am open to suggestions and tips regarding education, mentoring programs and groups and more.
My limited experiences are: Surfing Ancestry.com, Roots Magic (where I keep my limited family records - 4 generations), some family genealogy files from an aunt who has lost most of her memory about family roots ( she says she would do both sourcing and spiritual connections, if that is legit??) and 3 large messy drawers with photos, random records and loose pedigree and family sheets.