Being homeschooled is something that always makes people tilt their head in confusion. It's certainly not what's considered "normal," and is often met with criticism, jokes and uncomfortable conversations. What many people don't know is that homeschooling really isn't that odd. It's different, but I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
1. It taught me to tackle things before they become problems.
As a child, half of the questions I received about homeschooling were about how late I got to sleep in. What? I have school to do just like you do! I learned that the earlier I got up and the more efficiently I finished my school and chores, the sooner I could play. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!
That same tackle-it-now mindset carried over into college and has allowed me to stay on top of my classes even during tough semesters.
2. It gave me a love of learning.
For me, learning doesn’t just mean a grade. It means discovery, challenge, and reward. Homeschooling allowed me to stay curious. I still love to ask, “Why?”
3. It taught me to work hard, always.
When there’s just one high schooler in the entire school, you can’t get away with slacking!
4. It helped me build amazing relationships with my parents.
Because I was home, I was able to share little moments throughout the day. Spontaneous conversations about my feelings, thoughts, and dreams built wonderful friendships with my parents. I loved and respected my parents all through my teenage years. They weren’t enemies; they were and are still some of my best friends!
5. It allowed me to improve my strengths.
My parents were able to give me focused attention and recognize areas of strength. Together, we explored classes and additional ways I could sharpen my strengths. I took some outside writing classes with an instructor other than my parents and explored many music opportunities. Those investments paid off pretty well for a Vocal Major and Mass Communications double major!
6. It addressed my weaknesses productively.
My weakness is math. Instead of trying to keep up with a classroom of kids, Mom went at a pace I could handle. She didn’t compare me to what other kids my age were doing. Of course, my parents made sure that I was not deficient in math. But no one thought I was going to be a rocket scientist, either!
My first college semester, I distinctly remember opening the statistics textbook to the page full of confusing symbols and thinking, “I can’t do this!” I made it through because I took one thing at a time just like Mom had helped me do for years.
7. It helped me discover my learning style.
And my family learned it, too. (Sorry.) I spent hours mumbling science facts as I read at the dining room table. I learn verbally as well as visually.
I did learn other little tidbits that help—outlines instead of jumbled sentences, charts instead of lists, and word tricks to help me memorize. Everyone learns differently, and learning your own style is key to college success.
8. It taught me to think outside the box.
If you ask me, “What new car should I buy?” I will respond, “That’s a good question. But first, let’s look at whether or not you should buy a new car.”
Y’all, there are too many questions that start on an assumption. Let’s get back to square one.
9. It expanded my horizons.
My family was free to structure our own schedule instead of sticking to a school calendar. Throughout the years, I had opportunities to travel or interact with others of all ages in a way most kids didn’t because of school hours. Homeschooling gave me the flexibility to learn about the world.
10. It gave me a head start on college.
Many people today dual-enroll or take AP during high school. Just because you’re a homeschooler doesn’t mean you can’t also get a head start! I took my first college music credit in the summer when I was fifteen. By the time I graduated high school, I had about a year of college credits. I used CLEP and community colleges to get my credits, but the options today are endless!
11. It helped me build a relationship with God.
Out of all the reasons I’m thankful for homeschool, this one tops the list. Homeschooling allowed me to have quiet time with God every morning before school. My attitude and focus were set for the day before school (believe me, it makes a difference). I poured over the Word of God throughout my childhood, I developed a deep relationship with my Savior, and I began memorizing Scripture while I was young. My relationship with God and Biblical worldview are invaluable to me.
Homeschooling also allowed my parents to keep me in an environment that helped me grow spiritually rather than hindering me. I faced minimal peer pressure during key developmental years, had little opportunity to hide information from my parents, and learned from my parent’s maturity instead of from the expertise of other eight-year-olds who were experiencing 3rd-grade crises along with me.
In short... If I missed out on the “school experience,” I don’t regret it!
