Writing Contest Honorable Mention: Hayley Turner

This world has an infinite amount of opportunities. Homeschooling is one of them. Why do I love it? It is hard to give a single-sentence answer for that. You have to live it. Homeschooling has led me to be able to partake in many unique and exciting adventures all across the globe. I love being a homeschooled teenager!

Being homeschooled takes you on a journey. We’ve climbed the largest mountain in the Czech Republic and gone exploring in an Austrian salt mine. I know my love of learning is fed from the fact that I am homeschooled. Homeschooling has allowed a vast world to be opened. I learn so much every day as I am able to immerse myself in books of all sorts, from classic literature to world history to algebra. Homeschooling has allowed me to travel off-season with my family and go to spectacular places of history in Europe and Asia. These countries have a lot of knowledge and a multitude of history to offer. Traveling in and living in foreign countries is a huge bonus in my life.

Homeschooling has led to relaxed days and action packed ones. I love it so much because I have a lot of leeway. I could sit reading all day long, maybe do some acting, or perhaps go for an adventure in the woods with my brothers. One of the most intriguing and one-of-a-kind experiences in my life was being in a freak snow storm in Austria. Our cabin was set way up high in the hills and the sky just opened up and behold, snow. The warmth, the excitement of snow and the enjoyment of having fun with your family was priceless through every single snowflake that fell to the ground that day.

Kids need to be kids for as long as possible and I know homeschooling encourages and nurtures a long lasting childhood. I see my siblings benefiting from it day by day. I find my life has no pressure and no drama that other teens are often consumed with. None of that weight is pressed against my shoulders. I think it helps a great amount when teens are not constantly dealing with rumors, hurtful comments, and being put down by people we thought were our friends while trying to focus on learning. In all of my years of being homeschooled, I’ve never had to deal with any of it. I am so thankful that my mom went against sending us to a public school and instead homeschooled us. It takes a lot of bravery to do something like that and I cannot ask for a better life.

When I picture some of the simplest joys in my life, things like playing dress-up with my little brother, or a morning spent at a thrift store with my sister teaching her about bargains come to mind. Look at the changing seasons, see the world from a rabbit’s point of view or look at an ordinary object through a microscope. Anything can teach you something. For me, writing makes me feel empowered and acting makes me feel confident and strong.

I believe homeschooling allows you to be positive and find the light in life. It is the raw power of accomplishing something you can be proud of that takes the prize. I learn lessons from people in history who have led truly fantastic lives and they show me how hard work pays off. Homeschooling has helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses, form large goals and yearn to accomplish them not just have them as “I’ll do that someday” wishes.

Homeschooling is a different and unique experience for everyone. I think back to what homeschooling has given me and I can capture a few warm thoughts, such as late-night movie re-runs of black and white Annie, camping across the United States, and exploding science experiments on the kitchen table. Home is where my heart is, and no matter what country we move to, having my mom as a teacher and learning at home is something that is stable. Happiness and contentment are powerful emotions and homeschooling has brought that and much, much more.

About the Author: I’m a writer and actor, with a passion for learning. I’m thirteen years old and currently living in Turkey. I have an obsession with algebra and a love for history.

Each month we will publish a random entry from our writing contest for your reading enjoyment. To see the winners, click here and here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.