Homeschooled teenagers tend to be more mature when surrounded by more adults because they are equipped to face reality. We hear their insights, words of advice, and opinions, so we understand the grownups better. A fraction or more might have their life all planned out for them. We know what we want to be. We know our responsibilities as a student, child, sibling, and citizen.
We have our own reasons why we chose homeschooling such as it fitted perfectly to our setup and we needed a more flexible schedule. We know that there is a bigger world out there waiting to be explored; a place we might not be aware of unless we travel to that corner ourselves. Yes, we have limited socialization, but it’s not like we did not benefit from a short period of individuality because there was a short period away from controversies. If truth be told, when you are around more people, acquaintances to be exact, many problems such as insecurity, betrayal, disloyalty, and envy come to light.
How does it work? How will I grow in an isolated space? How about socialization? What will people think of me? Then, after a few months, it was not so bad after all. I have a timetable and set of courses I need to finish in a day. I come up with projects and write reports that are presented every semester to the academic consultant of my grade level. I take quarterly exams to check what I have learned and activities to exercise my mind. I try out new hobbies. I don’t simply concentrate on the information fed by the book. I explore educational channels on Youtube and helpful websites online too.
It is not like I am stuck in an isolated box because my classroom is everywhere.
Photo from Lasty Talla
Photo from Lasty Talla
With the help of homeschooling, we also become more attached to our parents or guardians and sibling(s). We appreciate the gift of a family more because other distractions are not in play. We are more open about our feelings because we get to hang out with them more often. We understand their struggles and we know when to give them a pat on the back. Not only that, but one of the goals of The Master’s Academy (TMA) is to bring us closer to our faith and that goal was achieved because we have a flexible schedule that we can organize our top to least priorities in the right order.
I would be lying if I said everything was smooth, impeccable and trouble free like a fairytale because it was not. I took some time finding my feet too. I admit that there were bits of frustration, moments of procrastination, a surge of pressure and restless nights. I am simply concentrating on the helpful effects of homeschooling that I have taken in. These positive outcomes should always outweigh some of the negative ones. Besides, there is a good and bad side all the time, a gap between a billboard and diary.
Photo from Louise Mabulo
Homeschoolers took the road less traveled and that has made all the difference.
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” –Ben Franklin
