Haven’t We All Been Home-Schooled?
Before starting college, I was homeschooled my whole life. I sometimes feel homeschooled students face unfair stereotypes. However, that seemed to change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since almost every student and teacher in the world had to shift to remote learning, they got a taste of being “homeschooled”. Even then, some still have misconceptions concerning homeschoolers and homeschooling itself, so I’d like to share my experience.
Homeschool is Not a Solitary Learning Experience
On the contrary, homeschoolers get to spend more time with friends that they choose while doing recreational activities. Many local homeschooling communities provide field trips to museums, parks, historical sites, have yearbook committees, various clubs, and hold dances. Homeschoolers are very social and involved in their communities. Because homeschoolers are not age segregated, they often deal with multiple ages and personalities and have great interpersonal skills.
Many Influential Figures Were Homeschooled
Did you know that many of the U.S. Presidents and founding fathers were homeschooled? They have contributed extensively to society and put together the greatest country in the world. Thomas Edison’s mother homeschooled him because his schoolteacher said that Thomas was “addled”. Check out this list of other famous authors and scientists who were homeschooled: C.S. Lewis, Winston Churchill, J. R. R. Tolkien, the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony, G. W. Carver, Booker T. Washington, Mark Twain, and Louisa May Alcott.
Independent Learning is Embraced
Homeschoolers are trained to be independent and active learners from an early age. Because they have to work independently, they develop the good study habits which carry them through college and beyond. In general, college freshmen can struggle with time management during their first semester, but many homeschoolers tend to have an easier transition because of their established habits. Many colleges these days seek homeschooled students because they know they can be successful. These same skills and qualities of active learners are carried into the workforce as well.
Did I ‘Miss Out’ on a Traditional High School Experience?
I went to 4 proms, 4 homecomings, and plenty of parties. I went to football games, movie nights, and dates. I participated in a dance team, yearbook staff, and National Honors Society, and graduation. I had friends of all ages, homeschooled and traditionally schooled, from all walks of life. I grew as a person and learned about myself and what my passions are. Because I was homeschooled and had flexibility, I was able to start my own business at 16. I don’t think I missed out on anything.
Homeschooling allows for the whole person to be educated at any time and any place. Homeschooling is even pandemic proof! In 2020, when most schools went to remote learning, many students had to adjust to being at home with their family all the time instead of going out every day. Homeschoolers didn’t. They are already used to dealing with homelife 24/7.
Now that we have all had a taste of homeschooling to some extent during the pandemic, I hope some of the myths or stigmas around it can be removed.
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About the author
Ana Cooper
Ana Cooper is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Miami Dade College and hopes to someday work in the labor and delivery ward at a hospital or a birthing center. She is also interested pursuing research in fertility and nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, crafting, watching movies, dancing, and playing the piano. Being homeschooled her whole life, Ana has developed a love of learning and a passion to share that with others. She continues to work on her small business in making t-shirt quilts, maintaining a high academic standing, and is a Pearson Campus Ambassador at Miami Dade College.
