Monday, May 24, 2010

Collegiate Grades and Homeschool Reflections

Grades are in.  A's and B's all around!  YAH!!!

So . . . Baby Boy is finishing up with his Chemistry co-op class this week and that will be the "official" end of his high school studies.

We're taking summer session together at the community college and then I am thinking of transferring to one of the local universities in the fall since I have some credits left over from my first attempt at higher education. 

That is, of course, provided the financial aide package is on point.  If not, we'll both be back at the community college in the fall, LOL.  I think I can do one more semester there without going over the amount of transferable credits. 

I'm pretty late applying, and I know that the good money goes to the early birds.  I'm writing scholarship essays like nobody's business.  If anyone has an award winning essay they would like to part with for a small fee . . . email me.  Just kidding.  Well, not really.  Sort of.

Naturally, I'm starting to reflect back on what homeschooling and the strange progression of the last few months has meant to both of us.  Baby Boy is taking it all in stride.  I'm having mini breakdowns three or four times a day, LOL.  I'm all about the feelings.

The real light bulb moment came when I was writing an application essay.  They wanted to know my background and interests and how I came to be in the position to apply for entrance to their school.  As I sat in front of the keyboard grasping for some order in my crazy life, it suddenly hit me!

All of those years, I thought I was teaching him, but it really has become something of a paradox.  I have learned so much from him over the years.  He has taught me to have patience with those who are less capable than I am.  He taught me to slow down and relish the process instead of rushing to the reward.  He taught me that when someone doesn’t understand what I am saying, it is unacceptable to simply repeat.  I have to think hard and actually find a new, different and innovative way to express myself.  He taught me that when in an impossible situation, giving up is not an option.  Creative crisis management is always in order.  Most importantly, he has given me a love of learning.  When I was younger, I was a good student, but not an enthusiastic one.  I have learned in these few years that learning is not only necessary but it is fun.  An adventure, if you will. 

It was such an amazing journey that he and I shared.  Now it is time for us to both fulfill our own individual educational goals.  I will always be proud of him and I hope he is proud of me as well.   

We'll be attending a small graduation party this weekend.  I'm going to see if I can cry all week so that I run out of tears and don't embarrass both him and myself at the party.   Wish me luck with that, LOL.


Until next time . . .

5 comments:

Rose (dragons in the flower bed) said...

Can I borrow a couple of those paragraphs for my scholarship essays?

Anonymous said...

"He taught me that when someone doesn’t understand what I am saying, it is unacceptable to simply repeat."

What is you say the same thing really, really slowly?

Congrats to both of you, good luck on the aid.

Ami said...

:::goosebumps:::

"I have learned so much from him over the years. He has taught me to have patience with those who are less capable than I am. He taught me to slow down and relish the process instead of rushing to the reward. He taught me that when someone doesn’t understand what I am saying, it is unacceptable to simply repeat. I have to think hard and actually find a new, different and innovative way to express myself. He taught me that when in an impossible situation, giving up is not an option. Creative crisis management is always in order. Most importantly, he has given me a love of learning. When I was younger, I was a good student, but not an enthusiastic one. I have learned in these few years that learning is not only necessary but it is fun. An adventure, if you will.

It was such an amazing journey that he and I shared. "

Thought it was worth repeating.
You're still gonna cry, though.

:-D

mommyp said...

Thanks. This was a joy to read. You had me crying also.

Tara said...

This is such a beautiful post. I read it last night, got all weepy and had to step away from the computer for a while to pull myself together before I commented. I'm so happy for you and BB... and inspired to recommit to homeschooling through the high school years as well. (Lately it seems like someone is always trying to talk us out of it.)

I have a feeling someone will be inspired to find some $ for you after reading your essay.

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