by Caroline, Fall ‘23 Intern
Hello, I’m Caroline!
I made the unusual switch from public school to homeschool for high school. Typically, many teens decide to do the vise-versa, wanting a “normal high school experience.” There seems to be this common belief that you can’t have a standard and exciting education when you’re homeschooled. I’m here to talk about why I switched and how such stereotypes terrified me at first.
In 8th grade, I went to a public school where I was not having the best experience. I tried to convince myself that I was being overdramatic and that everything was fine, when in reality, it wasn’t. I was “in” with the popular group and quietly watched all of the bullying going on behind the scenes. If I dared to speak up, I’d be kicked out, becoming one of the loners. My morals were also completely different from everyone else, as I was one out of three Christians in my class. It was difficult to stand up for my beliefs when no one could agree to disagree.
The material my public school used also had an obvious agenda shoved into it. We couldn’t just learn without being slowly re-educated to fit into their scheme. Additionally, I was not allowed to take the classes that were right for me, all in the name of being “fair” and “equal”. In my English class, we never read full books–only articles summarizing them.
The stereotypes concerning homeschoolers turned me away from the idea of switching to homeschooling at first. My friends often made snarky comments that reinforced this fear into me even more. I was agitated by the thought of having no friends and being lonely. I also was concerned about losing my companions and needing to make new ones. I had no idea how someone would make friends with online schooling; it was a foreign concept to me. In addition, I thought I would have to give up my extracurriculars, like theatre and band. I loved band and acting; there was a sense of community, a shared passion for these activities.
All of these fears were based on inaccurate notions that were pushed on me. In reality, through homeschooling I have made so many amazing and supportive friends that will last for my lifetime. I’ve been able to meet many of my classmates in person and have formed inseparable bonds with them. I would have never been able to construct these friendships if I hadn’t left my old school. Online schooling has also opened up many new opportunities to try new things and work with more people. Since my schedule is flexible, I’ve been able to find new hobbies, such as playing guitar and cultivating sourdough. I’m also able to travel more often and sign up for more programs.
Homeschooling has given me the freedom to sign up for the classes I want, which wasn’t possible in my public school. I love science and math, and I’m finally able to take the harder classes that challenge me. I can also take courses that are more oriented to my interests, such as iconography and meteorology. Furthermore, homeschooling has allowed me to branch off from my previous friendships--which were often false and unhealthy--and form friendships with people who genuinely care. I’m a lot less shy and generally much happier.
Overall, the impact that homeschooling has had on me is indubitable and has brought me closer to God and the Church. I’m very grateful for all the experiences that it has bestowed upon me.