Graduation CapsHomeschooling truly is a passion of mine. I love reading and learning about education styles and homeschooling issues. And the research is clear that homeschooling produces positive results—strong academics, life skills and yes, even admirable social skills. But as much as I love homeschooling, I wonder what do homeschool graduates think of it.

I’ve met a couple of homeschool graduates who did not have favorable experiences. Sadly, they share stories of social isolation, disorganized learning, and even worse, a lack of education. But from my experience, those are the exception, not the rule. And as proof, I’d like to introduce you to someone I believe God used to show me just how articulate, intelligent, graceful and self-assured homeschoolers can be. Her name is Katelyn. I recently had a chance to interview Katelyn about her education. Take a look at what she said:

Homeschool Passion: What year did you graduate?

Katelyn: 2009

How many years were you homeschooled?

Kindergarten – 12 grade with the exclusion of my freshman and sophomore years.

What was your favorite part of being homeschooled?

The family aspect – growing and learning together with family. Also the life skills that we were taught – cleaning, cooking, etc. I won’t take it for granted when I have a home of my own one day.

The biggest question about homeschooling is the issue of socialization. How do you respond to that question?

God created each of us with a unique personality, and although our environment can play a part, I don’t believe it completely controls our behavior. Certain personality types are “the life of the party.” They love to be around people. They talk constantly, and thrive off of being in the spot light. Other people are quite content with having a few good friends, and talking over a nice cup of tea. People may look at the latter group and label them as being “unsocial” just because they enjoy being by themselves with a good book or staying at home sometimes, but the fact is that they are wired differently. They are unique. They are themselves – the exact person God created them to be.

Over the years I’ve been homeschooled, I’ve met many other homeschoolers and no two are like. Take my family, for example. All five of us were homeschooled, and each of us has very different personalities. We all interact well with others, yet we each take a different role in a crowd. My youngest brother is the center of attention, the life of the party. On the other hand, my oldest brother would probably rather talk “tech terms” with the other “computer nerds” in the corner. Even though we grew up in the same home, we each respond in our own unique way in a social setting.

As a homeschooler, there are many ways you can interact with other kids your age — sports, church, and neighborhood kids are three groups that come to mind. I developed lasting friendships over the years through these avenues.

Would you homeschool your own children? Why or why not?

Yes, I would. I have experienced firsthand the rewards that come from homeschooling. Kids are very vulnerable. At a young age, our beliefs and attitudes are constantly being molded by the environment around us. There is a lot of garbage and negative influences in the world around us. I believe that through homeschooling you can help lay a strong foundation in your kids’ lives that they will be able to build on for the rest of their lives.

What advice would you give to homeschooling parents?

Enjoy every second of homeschooling. Embrace each moment that you can impart into your children. Also look for ways to grow and expand their interests. If they take a liking to art, find a group outside of the home where they can step outside their creative box and learn alongside other kids their age. Or if sports catch their interest, sign them up for a team. Find a good balance between their academic achievements and their extracurricular activities.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I am currently studying to be a Certified Nutritionist through a distant learning program, and I work part time as a ministry coordinator for the student ministries department at my church.

Photo: Graduation Caps by j.o.h.n. walker