Stereotyped: Home-school Edition


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Yes, I was home-schooled. When I share that with people, they often look at me as if I'm just joking with them or trying to trick. Nevertheless, it is the truth. Now, the reason it is hard for people to believe me is because I do this unique thing where I can make eye contact and hold a conversation. Apparently, that skill is not common among home-schoolers. From the second-grade through high school graduation, I spent my years in a unique schooling experience. I say unique because, while I was home-schooled, it did not take place at my actual "home." I was enrolled in a co-op. I attended Unitas Classical Christian Cooperative and Bridge Tutorial Ministries. This is how the co-op worked, we would come to the church, have the different classes, science, math, language etc., in different rooms. We had different teachers for the different subjects. We had first period through sixth period, lunch breaks, and even recess. For the most part, every aspect of the co-op was the same as a public school just on a smaller scale.

The question is often asked of me, "do I wish I was not home-schooled and went to a real school?" The answer is, no. To me, the home-school organization I was a part of, that was real to me. Growing up, my best friends were home-schooled. Maryland has a very large home-school population and there are many kids who had schooling just like mine. This unique way of home-schooling is why I don't fit the stereotypical image of a home-schooler. I wasn't isolated, I was always very outgoing and very involved in different organizations, groups, and sports. Although, I would be lying if I said they're weren't some experiences I wished I had. My siblings and I were always involved in sports growing up. We played everything we could. I never got to play in front of the huge high school crowd or be "the guy." I didn't get that experience until my junior year. Because I was home-schooled, I had to find a school that would let me play. There were things I missed out on, and there were things I was kept from that benefited me.

I loved my high school experience. I wouldn't go back and change anything. Even though my experience was different, I would still be grouped in with these stereotypes. I am not ashamed of it. Some of the stereotypes are funny, and it is fun to prove them wrong. I, this past spring, I was a contestant at the first ever Xi Man Pageant. It was for guys and we had to perform a walk, talent, and answer questions. For my talent, I did a comedy sketch where I made fun of a bunch of home-school stereotypes. It went well, and it helped me win the competition. Home-schooling helped prepare me for the next stage in life, in this case its college, more than I thought possible. I am very thankful my parents decided to home-school and that I was able to enjoy that unique experience that has help make me who I am today.

Until Next Time,
James

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