Homeschooling Teaches Perseverance

Introduction

My name is Bethany Runkle and I am a homeschool graduate. I was homeschooled from Kindergarten to my Senior Year. I can easily say that I would not be the same person that I am today without my homeschool journey. As a homeschool student, I discovered my interests and cultivated them from a young age. I gained confidence in my nerdy interests as a child because I was allowed to develop my unique traits. Now, I have the confidence to post on my bookish Instagram account and talk all about my love of literature. Also, I experienced communication with people of all age levels and ethnicities. I developed wonderful relationships with my parents and now am grateful to call them my best friends. We spent countless hours together reading, writing, connecting with people, and doing so much more. Because I watched my parents communicate well with others, I learned how to communicate effectively as a young girl. Finally, due to my homeschool journey, I was raised with Christian values. I grew in my faith and I now believe my relationship with Christ Jesus was fostered because of my homeschool experience. 

Despite the great benefits of homeschooling, we still struggled. I was born extremely premature (27 weeks early and 2 pounds and 2 ½ ounces in weight). I spent 50 days in the hospital because my lungs were underdeveloped. Here are some examples of our struggles:

Problem: Math – Since I was born quite early, we discovered that I struggled with underdeveloped motor skills. Therefore, math was difficult for me. I certainly spent some time crying over textbooks.

Solution: My parents spent many long days helping me learn math. We tried program after program, hoping to discover a good source to help me. Finally, we found a math curriculum that I understood. Because of this experience, I learned how to ask for help when I went to college. I met with my math professor weekly (sometimes multiple days) and thankfully received an A in the class.

Problem: Art – Again, my underdeveloped motor skills hurt my artistic capabilities. I always wanted to draw and be able to create good pictures like my friends. I felt very inferior. 

Solution: Because I struggled with art, my parents enrolled me in several art classes. Although I still struggled despite the classes, I learned how to persevere. I also learned that art doesn’t need to be defined by drawing or painting. Later, I started to write stories, which turned into over 10 short novels. I also discovered my passion for music and took singing and piano lessons. I joined a choir group as well.

Problem: Family backlash – When my parents decided to homeschool me, family members ridiculed us for the choice, and from Kindergarten to graduation, we received backlash or snide comments. 

Solution: Although we never received closure for this situation, we persevered anyway! We decided as a family that my education was important, and we could do this. I am so thankful that we continued on despite the negativity around us. It served me well because when I entered college, I decided to study fully online. I actually received even worse backlash for this choice than we did for our choice of homeschooling. Because I was prepared and ready, I knew how to stand strong and believe in my choices. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, homeschooling taught me to stand firm and believe in my choices. In a tumultuous world of backlash and barraging hate, we must stand firm as homeschoolers. We must petition for our children’s future and remain steadfast. I learned that homeschooling cultivates perseverance and inner strength. It teaches a child not to waver. It teaches a child to be strong despite negativity. And it teaches a child to believe in their values and to stand strong in faith. 

That’s what homeschooling has taught me.