Sometimes, when things get stressful (or just a little mundane) we can begin to question our reason for choosing to homeschool our kids. However, when we stop to remember why we got started in the first place, it’s amazing how often we can see the fruit of our labors come together in interesting, and truly moving, ways.
For example, many parents choose to homeschool because their children, for whatever reason, learn “outside of the public school box.” Other homeschool parents may choose this form of education because their children are uniquely gifted in one area, or struggle in another (or a mixture of both). And still others may choose homeschooling so that their children have the freedom to persue their unique talents and interests. As in the case of the example below, sometimes all three reasons overlap with one another, and something beautiful emerges!
Today, we’re featuring a guest post by a (at the time of writing) 14 year old homeschooler who found an amazing, unexpected talent through homeschooling!
Hailey’s Story
My mom has homeschooled my siblings and me for almost as long as I can remember. The only things I can remember from the time I did private school was worrying about people making fun of me when I got glasses, and I was only 6! Talk about wanting approval!
Mom said we started homeschooling because of my vision. I was born with a scar on my iris, and it a
affects my vision. Homeschooling has helped me to grow in areas I don’t know if I would have if I had been in school. I have learned how to draw better than I ever thought I would be able to, and I know I would not have pursued my interest in art if I was busy all day at school.
Here is an example of something I’ve drawn:
Another thing homeschooling has helped me to grow in is photography. I got a camera for Christmas about 2 years ago, and ever since then I’ve grown to love taking photos. I have a blog just for the purpose of putting up my photos, and I might even someday try to get a job as a photographer. God has helped me in areas of art despite my eye disability. It’s truly amazing! I marvel at what He has been doing for me all my life through homeschooling.
This is the original photo I took that I based the above drawing on:
I have recently found that I love to write, and I am currently working on a novel called Jaded. I hope to get it published someday. This is amazing right? Through homeschooling, I actually have time to work on a novel, and I can have hopes of getting it published. I have read a few books by teens, and I have loved all of them. The Eragon series was written by a fifteen-year-old homeschooler! It it included quite a few best seller titles.
I also learn math, Spanish, history, science, and English, all in a way that’s fun to learn! Things are not always perfect, but everyone has their ups and downs. I’m so thankful that God put me in a homeschooling family. It’s the best place I could possibly be.
Thank you for reading!
We hope this guest post by homeschooling student, Hailey, gives you some encouragement and inspiration today! It’s amazing how her vision issues, which could so easily be seen as just a disability, have nevertheless yielded such incredible artistic talent! We’ d love for you to comment and tell us some ways that homeschooling has helped your child’s hidden talents emerge!
Hailey is 14 years old, living in a family of 7, with 2 loving parents and 4 siblings. She has a love for art and photography and displays both on her blog. Hailey loves the outdoors and is amazed at the creation God has made for His people. You can read more from Hailey at darkroom diva.
The photography and drawing is amazing. Sometimes I think that I am doing my kids a big favor by allowing them to pursue their interests as homeschoolers.
Way to go Hailey, and Hailey’s parents!!!