I was a homeschool kid and now I’m a junior in college. Shocking, huh? It shouldn’t be shocking to anyone. There are a lot more of us out there than most people think. So, if by chance you happen to meet one of us homeschool kids in college, here’s a few topics you may not want to bring up.
1.“How did you even get into college if you didn’t go to real school?”
Hmmm… I might not have been in “real school,” but I did have a one-on-one tutor every single day of my life, completely devoted to my education and well-being. The curriculum was tailored to my specific needs and learning style as well as having followed my state’s 15-unit-core requirements. I was allowed to delve into in-depth studies in areas of specific interest. Furthermore, I was provided a multitude of learning experiences that would have been impossible had I been in “real school.” So, as it turns out, “real school” isn’t the equivalent to education nor a college application requirement.
2.“So, you never had to go to school or do any school work?”
Man, that would’ve been nice! Instead, I had school work all day every day because everything becomes school work when you’re homeschooled. You don’t get snow days and unless you’re running a high fever you probably don’t get sick days either. Plus, mid-July, your parents decide you’re spending too much time sitting around inside so you get to start the school year early. Yay! So much for the never having to do school work thing…
3.“Did you really graduate high school early or did your parents just not make you finish?”
My parents wanted me to go an extra year of school because my summer birthday had me graduating young anyways… Trust me, I spent hours working ahead to graduate early and even then, I they would have liked to come up with some extra subjects for me to study. If you had the option to work hard and finish early you'd have done it too.
4.“How did you get a scholarship if you didn’t go to real school?”
Refer to #1. It’s about a quality education, people. Where you get that education doesn’t matter. Us homeschool kids can get just as many scholarships as public school kids. The only difference is we have to work twice as hard to get them. If ya’ll think I’m kidding, go look up a state university’s application requirements for homeschool kids. Most state schools require homeschool kids to make a higher ACT score than public school applicants. Many scholarships also require higher test scores for homeschool kids or don’t offer them to homeschoolers at all. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for a hand out, I’d gladly meet the same requirements public school kids must, but let’s be real, that’s discrimination. The point is, homeschool kids are capable of earning scholarships too.
5.“Wait, did you have prom?!?!” *look of horror at the thought of someone not experiencing prom*
Honestly, this one makes me laugh. I’m sure you had a great time at your prom. Congrats! Most of us that didn’t grow up in the public school system really couldn’t care less about prom. But, for the few of us that did, there are homeschool co-op proms. Personally, I thought prom sounded more like torture than a good time and I’ve not once regretted not participating.
6.“How are you even passing classes?”
Again, refer to #1. Half the people I meet seem to think homeschooling isn’t a valid form of education. They’re shocked to learn that I was well prepared for the workload of college and have been able to maintain good grades throughout my college career.
7.“Oh, you were homeschooled, so you have an easy 4.0, right?”
The other half of people I meet assume that all of us homeschoolers are geniuses. That’s probably because a bunch of us are…and then there’s homeschoolers like me. I’m average. I get good grades, but I have to work hard for them just like everyone else. Chill with the extremes, people!
8.“I miss all my friends from home! You probably wouldn’t understand because you were homeschooled.”
You assume I don’t have friends back home because I was homeschooled? Wow. I don’t even know how to respond to this… I’ll just have to call all my friends back home and tell them about this conversation so we can laugh about it.
9.“How did you learn to be so friendly and outgoing if you were homeschooled?”
Again with the concerns for my childhood socialization!?Contrary to popular belief, homeschoolers are socialized. In fact, I feel that I was more socialized than most people my age growing up. You see I didn’t spend all day every day sitting in a room with the same exact peer group. Instead, every day was different. I was allowed to take all kinds of opportunities that allowed me to socialize with people of all ages and backgrounds throughout my growing up years. That’s why my friend group is so diverse and my education is well-rounded.
10.“What!? You were homeschooled?!?! I never would have guessed that… I mean, you’re normal.”
Seriously? I think this is a compliment…I think. Regardless, I’m tired of hearing it.
