We just came back from visiting Ohio University, where Rachael is considering going next year. She has a full-tuition scholarship there, based on her high ACT score. So we were talking to the guy who was like the associate dean of the Engineering Department. Carl was asking about her Calculus class. She's taking it at the community college this year, and her three quarters should transfer in for the first two semesters. Carl was a bit concerned that she might be a little behind, that OU's classes might be a little ahead and she might have to play catch-up a bit. The prof said that was a very good question, that some of the community college classes weren't quite as rigorous as theirs. He asked about her ACT score, and commented that he doubted she would have any trouble since it was so high. Then he asked which high school she attended. She said that she was homeschooled. His demeanor changed immediately! Before, he was very nice and polite. Suddenly he also became very respectful! He said "OH!!! WELL!!! If she's homeschooled, she'll absolutely won't have any trouble!" And then he went on to say that, generally speaking, homeschooled kids were such independent workers, and knew how to get things done and were willing to do what needed to be done.... This is a college prof at a well-established state university!!! It's SO GOOD to have a "professional" validate what I've been doing!!!
Jackie, that is SUPER! That had to have really been a great confirmation of your choices for your "babies!" Yay for people out there who "get it!" On a side note, I took my 6-yr old to a neuro-developmental pediatrician a few months back, who was able to diagnose her with some of her challenges...he was very stoic during the first 1.5 hrs of this appt.; then upon hearing that we were homeschooling, his demeanor also changed as the professor did with you all - he said he thinks VERY highly of homeschooling, and there would be no way our daughter would make it through conventional school at this point, especially with her ADHD. He provided so much reassurance, and this from a seemingly "old school," 60-something year old physician. These moments certainly give us a boost, don't they?!
LOL! I'll have you know that Rachael will be applying for a scholarship from the Teacher's Union, of which dhl is a member! You don't have to attend a public school to apply, so we're going for it! Not a whole lot, but enough to buy her some of the books she'll need.
I am glad that he reacted that way. At first, I thought you were going to say that his demeanor changed negatively. I think if more people could see the potential in homeschooling, they would be able to let go of the negative stereotypes they have in their minds- lack of socialization, kids who can't read, kids who are over-protected, and other nonsense.
I just love hearing these stories! We were met with the same kudos from Ds's Drivers Ed teacher at the public school. I never met him, but he took the time to email me about how much he appreciated Ds's maturity and participation in class. I just love it when people in PS or academia are having their opinions of hs'ing changed for the better.
That is great! It gives me hope that we will be met with some positive reactions as well. And good for your daughter for representing the HS community so well with her academic achievements!
