I wasn’t raised as a homeschooler, but was blessed with the opportunity to have my mother provide my high school education. I was always raised in a Christian environment. I had always known God was there, that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Light. I said my prayers, I sang the Bible songs and I knew Jesus loved me. But it was like living my life with a blindfold on; believing, yet not really seeing. The moment my eyes were truly opened I was able to see the world in brighter colors, giving everything more definition. I craved to know more. But as much as I was trying, I don’t think my young faith would have sustained the way it has if I wasn’t homeschooled.
I wasn’t very strong yet. My foundation was weak and easily swayed. Being away from all the worldly temptations has helped me sink my roots into dig deep and hold on tight. To quote Jeremiah 17:8, he said “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” I’ve learned to love the Lord in a way I hadn’t been able to before. I have time to volunteer at church, to study more about the ministries I’m curious about, to make better decisions, to hold onto my values and to answer questions I didn’t used to know the answer to.
Since beginning homeschooling, I’ve grown closer to my family; we’ve been able to spend more quality time together. We’ve been able to grow together instead of on our own. I’ve been taught material that was never even discussed in public schools. My education goes beyond the world’s typical view of learning; I’ve been given the opportunity to study things I have a real interest in, to become more dedicated to my faith, and to step out of the box I had been previously put into. I have had the enemy throw many curveballs at me during this high school journey. I’ve lost friends, but I’ve also gained friends. Some of the people I thought I knew and loved, left me behind in the dust.
At first it hurt, but I realize now it was for the better. I’m now surrounded by people who have similar values as I do. These trials were painful but are causing me to grow more in my trust of the Lord. I see now how He can use anything to bring me closer to Him. Homeschool has prepared me academically for college. The nontraditional method of homeschool has helped equip me to be more independent and therefore better prepared for college life. As for the socialization misconceptions, I actually think homeschooling has further prepared me for college. I know that sounds odd since I am not surrounded by hundreds of other teenagers every day, but I believe that’s why I am better socially.
I have participated in co-ops or extracurricular groups making me interactive with people of all different ages. I am comfortable around others both younger and older than I. The flexibility of homeschooling has allowed me to study the subjects I really have a passion for: photography and literature. If I was still enrolled in public school I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time doing the things I love. I’ve been given the opportunity to go out and take pictures for people. Yet, I’m scared. I am absolutely terrified of growing older. I’m not ready to give up my childhood. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the people I’ve grown up with, I’m not ready to lose more friends, waving goodbye as they travel off to their new faraway school. College seems so sure; it takes commitment and thousands of dollars that no one has anymore. I might not know my direction yet, but I have faith that God has already carved out the path and I’m on my way.
