One Homeschool Grad's Story
College classes have started. Roommates are getting acquainted. College food is, well, college food. Like many young adults, Amy H. is in her senior year at Asbury College in Kentucky. By all appearances Amy is your average college student. But Amy is not average. Amy never attended tradtional school. Amy was taught at home. Her parents thought that their southern New Jersey home was the best place for Amy and her older brother to attend school. Home remained the place to be through 12th grade.
When asked if her education at home in southern New Jersey was a good experience, Amy replied, "Absolutely. It prepared me to think and work more independently." She went on to share that she felt less peer pressure and developed better critical thinking skills. She is sure that her critical thinking and independent learning paid off at community college.
After graduating from high school, Amy attended nearby Atlantic Cape Community College. "Community college is more affordable and a great way to get started. My transition from ACCC to Asbury has been great. Both colleges worked well together and all the necessary credits transferred."
In elementary and high school, Amy's Mom did most of the teaching, with her Dad helping with history and other subjects. She and her family were active in the local homeschool support group where they participated in field trips, bowling, and many other activities. One of Amy's favorite activities was the Homeschool Olympics, a yearly event sponsored by a nearby county's support group.
Amy and her older brother were also active in a teen learning co-op, where they studied history, chemistry, writing, and public speaking and did numerous group projects. "The public speaking we did in co-op wasn't really my favorite - I was always nervous, even with my friends there. But it really did help prepare me for college. When I had public speaking in college, I did well and wasn't as nervous."
Socialization wasn't an issue. Amy had friends from her homeschool group, the neighborhood, 4H, and her church. "I never wanted to be part of what I saw happening in the public school, especially in the high school. I had my friends and we did a lot of stuff. I don't feel like I missed anything. Although when I was little, I wanted to ride the bus for a while."
Being homeschooled allowed Amy to pursue her interests, such as art, history, and literature. A talented artist, Amy like to paint and draw, and she also likes photography. These interests led her to pursue a Studio Art degree at ACCC. Since transferring to Asbury, she is majoring in photography, and will graduate in December of 2007.
Amy suggests taking a class or two from community college or vocational/technical school while still in high school. When the local tech school offered evening classes in photography and water colors, she was quick to sign up. "They were interesting and fun, and a good way to see what you might like to do," she said.
Amy says she wouldn't change anything about her education at home. "The only thing I might have done differently is take some college classes or looked into the CLEP exams while still in high school. I have no regrets."
College classes have started. Roommates are getting acquainted. College food is, well, college food. Like many young adults, Amy H. is in her senior year at Asbury College in Kentucky. By all appearances Amy is your average college student. But Amy is not average. Amy never attended tradtional school. Amy was taught at home. Her parents thought that their southern New Jersey home was the best place for Amy and her older brother to attend school. Home remained the place to be through 12th grade.
When asked if her education at home in southern New Jersey was a good experience, Amy replied, "Absolutely. It prepared me to think and work more independently." She went on to share that she felt less peer pressure and developed better critical thinking skills. She is sure that her critical thinking and independent learning paid off at community college.
After graduating from high school, Amy attended nearby Atlantic Cape Community College. "Community college is more affordable and a great way to get started. My transition from ACCC to Asbury has been great. Both colleges worked well together and all the necessary credits transferred."
In elementary and high school, Amy's Mom did most of the teaching, with her Dad helping with history and other subjects. She and her family were active in the local homeschool support group where they participated in field trips, bowling, and many other activities. One of Amy's favorite activities was the Homeschool Olympics, a yearly event sponsored by a nearby county's support group.
Amy and her older brother were also active in a teen learning co-op, where they studied history, chemistry, writing, and public speaking and did numerous group projects. "The public speaking we did in co-op wasn't really my favorite - I was always nervous, even with my friends there. But it really did help prepare me for college. When I had public speaking in college, I did well and wasn't as nervous."
Socialization wasn't an issue. Amy had friends from her homeschool group, the neighborhood, 4H, and her church. "I never wanted to be part of what I saw happening in the public school, especially in the high school. I had my friends and we did a lot of stuff. I don't feel like I missed anything. Although when I was little, I wanted to ride the bus for a while."
Being homeschooled allowed Amy to pursue her interests, such as art, history, and literature. A talented artist, Amy like to paint and draw, and she also likes photography. These interests led her to pursue a Studio Art degree at ACCC. Since transferring to Asbury, she is majoring in photography, and will graduate in December of 2007.
Amy suggests taking a class or two from community college or vocational/technical school while still in high school. When the local tech school offered evening classes in photography and water colors, she was quick to sign up. "They were interesting and fun, and a good way to see what you might like to do," she said.
Amy says she wouldn't change anything about her education at home. "The only thing I might have done differently is take some college classes or looked into the CLEP exams while still in high school. I have no regrets."
Article written by Karen Lange.
bravenet.com