Graduation

I was a 2007 home school graduate. I didn’t graduate as a home school student. I graduated as a home school mom, teacher, principal, superintendent, school janitor, lunch room lady, hall monitor, and all other required positions.

My fifteen-year journey ended. The Israelites’ journey lasted 40 years so I didn’t come close to that, but my journey did last close to 1/3 of my life at the time of my graduation. I have two children, 20 months apart in age, which enabled me to home school both of them from start to finish in 15 years.

I was introduced to home schooling when my first-born was a newborn. Though I had previously heard of home schooling, I assumed it to be for families who often traveled or lived with unusual circumstances, circus performers for example. I hadn’t considered families, living what I considered to be normal lives, homeschooling their children. I was completely intrigued as I imagined teaching my children at home.

We officially began home schooling in the fall of 1992. My daughter was ready for kindergarten and I figured I was as smart as the average kindergartner. Surely I couldn’t ruin my daughter in one year, and the next year I could enroll her into public school if things didn’t work out.

Much to my surprise, my daughter was beginning to read by Christmas, after only four months of school. She was thrilled. I was amazed. I actually was teaching my child to read. Two years later I had the privilege of teaching my son to read. Those first years are some of my favorite home schooling memories.

My children never got on the big yellow bus that passed our home twice a day. The small amount of time they spent inside a school building was attending an occasional concert or special event. When my children think of school, they think of home. I like that.

When my children were in elementary grades, a friend of mine would ask them the same question every year. “How do you like your teacher this year?” The answer could have been, “She’s the best one I’ve ever had!” or “I like her as well as the teacher I had last year.” Instead my kids would just smile and keep all thoughts about their teacher to themselves.

Home schooling was one of our family’s greatest blessings, though it certainly had challenges. I answered many questions from mostly well-meaning people about home schooling. My children endured their share of strange stares and negative comments when people didn’t understand or agree. There were also times when money was tight and I wondered if I should pursue a career. We also had occasional difficult days when that big yellow bus looked tempting. To the kids and to me.

The years passed quickly. My daughter graduated in 2005; my son graduated in 2007. I knew the end would come, but it came quicker than I had anticipated.

As my journey ended, I felt a little like Paul. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ Did I perform flawlessly? Did I give 100% at all times? Were my attitudes and motives always perfect? No, no, and no.

But did I do what I believe God asked me to do? Have my children grown into responsible, successful adults? Did I persevere, even when it was challenging? Yes, yes, and yes. In spite of it all, God gave me the wisdom and strength I needed to persevere to the end, and He gave my kids special grace to put up with me.

Part of me still misses home schooling. I enjoyed teaching and learning right alongside my children. Though the teaching ended 9 years ago, I continually pursue learning on a daily basis. This eager learner basks in the plethora of learning opportunities this digital age brings us, without neglecting my long and lasting love of turning pieces of paper printed with ink.

Graduation was a bittersweet time, leaving the familiar, and welcoming the new. I continue to embrace it.