If we can agree that education, learning, is a life-long process then we can assume that some people will mature at different rates.  Some folks will acclimate early-on the to learning environment, those folks will be the valedictorians and saludatorians of their kindergarten class, their sixth grade class and their high school class.  Others don't start feeling comfortable until they reach college-age.  And for others it is later still.  Personally, I feel like I just hit my stride a few years ago.  My high school and college days have long since gone but, for some reason, learning comes easily now.  Maybe it's the topics I am studying;  I get to choose them.  Maybe it's the environment;  I get to study in the comfort of my own lazy boy.  Or maybe it's pace;  I get to set it myself.It is satisfying to study something, understand it, and be able to use it effectively.  In the workplace, it is very uncomfortable to be in a position where you feel like you know nothing.  Employers would be wise to implement a training evaluation program that allows you to move employees into areas where they have "hit their stride".  Those folks would be more effective and content.  Effective and happy employees make for effective and happy employers.