Panel of Homeschool Grads

Last night we had a panel of homeschool graduates speak at our monthly homeschool support group meeting. All were homeschooled at least since 7th grade, several since birth! Alex has finished his 4th year at NC State, has one more semester to go, and is in Army ROTC so he'll be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Richie attended Liberty Univ. for 1 1/2 year, and now is a professional firefighter. Jonathan just completed his first year at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Elizabeth graduated from Southeastern College at Wake Forest with an Associates Degree last December. Katie got her Associates Degree at Vance-Granville Community College and then transferred to Meredith College. Michelle took time off after graduation, then went to school, became an RN and is now married and homeschooling her 3 boys! Although they were a bit hesitant at first, they all did a great job of answering questions and sharing their experiences. The themes that emerged most strongly were that independent study skills learned as a homeschooler were of great advantage, they appreciate the close family relationships that resulted from being homeschooled, and they were glad for the strong foundation in Biblical worldview that they received from discussions with their parents on most any topic. Some of the other highlights of the discussion were:

• half were very organized and managed their time very well; the other half was more laid back and procrastinated until the last minute- but still got work in on time - seems to be a personality thing!
• non-homeschooled friends were sometimes surprised to learn they had been homeschooled, because they were so "normal"
• when asked if there was anything they would change about their high school years at home, one said she would study more things that really interested her, another said that he would have pushed and taken calculus in high school ( because he was in engineering ), another said he wouldn't give his mother such a hard time about homeschooling!
• none had a hard time transitioning from homeschool to college - although they have met homeschoolers who have struggled; being active in things outside the home and taking classes at community college or in groups helped

At the end of the meeting, one mom asked the panel if they would homeschool their own children. Except for the one who is married with children, the other young singles all shrugged and said, "maybe, it depends, I don't know". I had to smile - parenthood probably seems pretty far off for them at this point in their lives. And it is amazing how your perspective on things changes when you have children! I'd like to see them all in 10 years, and ask that question again.

<><