College Perspective from a Junior
- By Lakin Rotz
- Sep 24, 2018
- 3 min read
While this isn't my normal fashion and/or makeup posts, I've been asked many times in the last two years what it was like going to college after being homeschooled. Was the transition easier? Was it harder being involved with larger groups of people? Did I feel prepared? The questions were endless. I am here to lay all of those questions to rest.... at least I can answer them from my personal experience.
Homeschooling for me was never a decision I regretted. My parents decided to homeschool my brother but were originally going to keep me in the Christian school I was attending through middle school. I, however, am very close to my brother and wanted N O T H I N G to do with going to school without him. So homeschooling it was from my 2nd grade year and on.
Homeschoolers are often frowned upon as M A J O R introverts. "We" also seem to have taken on a nerdy vibe. These things can be true of some homeschoolers, however most I've met have no problem maintaining eye contact or having a conversation with the average person.
Homeschooling taught me how to do many things. While going to college was very nerve-wracking for me; after my first week, I felt nothing but prepared and determined to take on my first semester and freshman year.
During my first semester, I was often asked if I felt homeschooling prepared me for college? The answer for me without a doubt is YES. Because I worked and danced 4-5 days a week during my high school days, my time for completing all of my homework was very slim. I learned time management at a younger age and was able to use it to my advantage especially my first semester of college. With that being said, college did not come easy to me. I did well, but it was in no cake walk. There were many many many times that I pulled all nighters just to be able to keep up with all the things I was involved in however, I knew my limits and when to say "no" to extra curriculars.
For me, being involved in larger groups like a classroom full of students was easy. I am generally a very outgoing person and have no trouble making friends. I kept this in mind as I started to prepare for college. Also, because of my background of having a job since around the age of 14 and dancing for 16 years, I was always around people and the general public.
While going to college after being homeschooled most of my life made college seem like I was stepping out into the real world, I never once felt unprepared for all the homework and studying that college brings. Honestly, you always get out of something what you put into it. If you put in the work and keep up with your assignments, it's more than likely that you'll do well.
My advice: stay focused and put your best foot forward. If you need help with an assignment, ask for it. The more communication you have with professors, the better. Even if your grade isn't so great, professors like to see students that are trying, not ones that put in no effort and expect a grade to be handed to them.
XOXO,
Lakin
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