By Cainon Leeds
Editor-in-Chief
I was homeschooled. I’ve met people at DMACC who find the fact that I was homeschooled interesting and want to learn more, others are indifferent about it and generally accept me and still others treat me as though I have leprosy after they find out about it.
For myself and perhaps some of the homeschooled DMACC students who come after me, I’ll share some insight on the differences and difficulties that come with being a homeschooled college student.
I went to a public school for preschool and kindergarten and then I was homeschooled by my parents for the rest of my education until attending DMACC.
The most frequently asked question of a homeschooled kid is, “What about your social skills?”
Socially speaking, I’m different. I’d much rather chat with an instructor or a fellow Honors student about politics, philosophy or a good book than talk about gossip, the latest TV shows or sports.
Although as the Editor-in-Chief of the Banner, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone and be prepared to interview anyone on campus. I doubt that even some of the most sociable people on campus would be up for that.
But if my interests are what make me ‘socially inept,’ then some of the faculty, staff and Honors students at DMACC would be in danger of being labeled social outcasts.
However, that’s not to say all homeschooled students are like me. I know a few DMACC students who were homeschooled and keep up with sports, TV shows, new movies and music. It all depends on personal preference.
One other perception that I’ve run into at DMACC is that some people seem to think homeschoolers are bound to be over achievers or slackers. I can’t say my example helps to discourage the over achiever stereotype. And half of the homeschooled DMACC students I know are in the Honors program and strive for excellence in and out of class, but I’m sure there are some homeschooled students out there who struggle with college, just like with any other group.
Just like in the case of any other group, I would recommend getting to know people on an individual basis instead of labeling them right away.
As far as the actual difference in academics between homeschooling and college goes, I would say that the homework is easier and the lectures are longer in college.
For example, my math curriculum in high school would have me watch a 15 minute lecture and then work through 30 problems a day. In Finite Math and Statistics at DMACC, I had to sit through hour-long lectures and solve maybe 30 problems per week.
In addition, since much of my middle and high school curriculum was objective based rather than time based, I was done for the day when I finished my homework. So if I worked really hard, I could get done with school early. In college, however, there are very few instructors I know who are willing to let their students out early.
Although I’ve never taken an online course in college, I hear that they would be comparable to being homeschooled.
Another thing that I enjoyed in high school was being able to help decide my own curriculum. When I wasn’t quite understanding Spanish with one curriculum, I was included on deciding to switch to Rosetta Stone and I was also able to see how much the materials cost.
At DMACC, I have very little, if any, input when it comes to curriculum. But if you’re smart, you can figure out how much publishers and bookstores make off of releasing new textbook editions every year.
Overall, I believe that being homeschooled was a helpful transition into college life. Sure, I’ve had my ‘culture shock’ moments, but for the most part, my academic achievement and personal motivation from homeschooling seem to have paid off in the long run.
Editor-in-Chief
I was homeschooled. I’ve met people at DMACC who find the fact that I was homeschooled interesting and want to learn more, others are indifferent about it and generally accept me and still others treat me as though I have leprosy after they find out about it.
For myself and perhaps some of the homeschooled DMACC students who come after me, I’ll share some insight on the differences and difficulties that come with being a homeschooled college student.
I went to a public school for preschool and kindergarten and then I was homeschooled by my parents for the rest of my education until attending DMACC.
The most frequently asked question of a homeschooled kid is, “What about your social skills?”
Socially speaking, I’m different. I’d much rather chat with an instructor or a fellow Honors student about politics, philosophy or a good book than talk about gossip, the latest TV shows or sports.
Although as the Editor-in-Chief of the Banner, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone and be prepared to interview anyone on campus. I doubt that even some of the most sociable people on campus would be up for that.
But if my interests are what make me ‘socially inept,’ then some of the faculty, staff and Honors students at DMACC would be in danger of being labeled social outcasts.
However, that’s not to say all homeschooled students are like me. I know a few DMACC students who were homeschooled and keep up with sports, TV shows, new movies and music. It all depends on personal preference.
One other perception that I’ve run into at DMACC is that some people seem to think homeschoolers are bound to be over achievers or slackers. I can’t say my example helps to discourage the over achiever stereotype. And half of the homeschooled DMACC students I know are in the Honors program and strive for excellence in and out of class, but I’m sure there are some homeschooled students out there who struggle with college, just like with any other group.
Just like in the case of any other group, I would recommend getting to know people on an individual basis instead of labeling them right away.
As far as the actual difference in academics between homeschooling and college goes, I would say that the homework is easier and the lectures are longer in college.
For example, my math curriculum in high school would have me watch a 15 minute lecture and then work through 30 problems a day. In Finite Math and Statistics at DMACC, I had to sit through hour-long lectures and solve maybe 30 problems per week.
In addition, since much of my middle and high school curriculum was objective based rather than time based, I was done for the day when I finished my homework. So if I worked really hard, I could get done with school early. In college, however, there are very few instructors I know who are willing to let their students out early.
Although I’ve never taken an online course in college, I hear that they would be comparable to being homeschooled.
Another thing that I enjoyed in high school was being able to help decide my own curriculum. When I wasn’t quite understanding Spanish with one curriculum, I was included on deciding to switch to Rosetta Stone and I was also able to see how much the materials cost.
At DMACC, I have very little, if any, input when it comes to curriculum. But if you’re smart, you can figure out how much publishers and bookstores make off of releasing new textbook editions every year.
Overall, I believe that being homeschooled was a helpful transition into college life. Sure, I’ve had my ‘culture shock’ moments, but for the most part, my academic achievement and personal motivation from homeschooling seem to have paid off in the long run.