To the homeschooled or anyone else who cares to read this
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I used to think so too so I can realize where you're coming from if you still think so. I would look at them at scrutinize them and attempt to decipher what was different about them. More often than not it was their clothing or what they did for entertainment that made them different from me; that made them public school kids. I always thought that public school kids were looking at me and thinking about how weird I was when in reality, I was the one judging.
Perhaps it is because we hear so many stories of the tragic things that happen in public schools or the crimes that students commit that those of us who are home educated somehow think that we are better. While I strongly believe that home education is the best choice for educating children, I know that we are not superior because of our educational choices or academic pursuits. In God's eyes, education is not as important as whether or not we have a personal relationship with him and yet we sometimes forget that. We base our value of someone upon what we feel to be right instead of what God values.
Several years ago I came to the realization that public school students aren't my enemies; instead, I came to have several of them as friends and acquaintances. You know what, they are very nice people and they are much less likely to judge me than I had been to judge them. Looking back, I see how wrong it was for me to think that I knew what other's thought of me when I didn't even know them. Giving someone a chance is one of the best decision's you'll make because, as I found out, you can make new friends and remove the judgment you might have had about them. If you are a home educated student, or have been in the past, don't stick your nose up at public school students because they're just as important to God as you are.
P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts about this in a way that is kind and courteous of others.
To my public and private school friends out there-I am so thankful for each one of you because you have taught me things about myself that I didn't know.
P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts about this in a way that is kind and courteous of others.
To my public and private school friends out there-I am so thankful for each one of you because you have taught me things about myself that I didn't know.
8 reader thoughts:
well said!! I am a public school kid :)
I'm a public school kid! I would really love to be homeschooled, but I just don't have the oppertunity.
MMM, I like this post very much. Often times we get our noses stuck in the clouds, when that simply isn't what God would have us do. I know many public schoolers, and some of them are my closest friends. I have always detested the divide between homeschoolers and those who attend public school, because of the stereotypes attached. Thank you so much for this post! Good reminder, that sometimes, we need to do a heart check. ;)
I totally agree with you, and have experienced most of the feelings and thoughts that you wrote about.
Until a couple years ago, when my perspective changed. I began going to a Baptist church, after moving to a new city. And there is a huge youth group there, most of them are public schooled(unlike me). I became really good friends with a couple Mexican-American public school girls. Before, I would NEVER have thought that that could ever happen. I didn't think I could have anything in common with a public schooled child, or that they would accept me or like me. Especially as a high-schooler! I was soo wrong! Almost everyone in the youth group is so accepting and welcoming, and I've found that judging and assuming ANYONE before I really get to know them-with a completely open mind-is a huge mistake, and can cause others and myself to miss out on many blessings, friendships, etc..
Thanks for blogging about this!
LocaChica
well said! I found your blog over at Bramblewood fashion. I tend to judge still even though I should not! I have public and homeschooled friends though! There can be good and bad in both types of schooling!
I couldn't agree more. I have actually seen both sides of the fence with this one. I was homeschooled up till the 4th grade, at which time I went into public school. With me it was a little different though...I grew up on a street with 60 kids, and only a handful of us were homeschooled. We all played together regardless of who was homeschooled or public schooled. I do agree that there are pros and cons to both. I know for me with the type of personality I have, and with the environment I lived in as a child...public schooling was really the best for me. When I was homeschooled I had a terrible time keeping up because my mom wasn't able to be there with me at all times making sure I was getting my work done. I'm not much of a self-motivator, and in my home to properly home-school you had to be self-motivated. I know that might have been kind of confusing, but for me public school was a good thing because I was able to have a teacher who made sure I got my work done.
Anyways...I've already rambled on for too long. Thank you for the post though...it's always nice to be reminded not to judge...I know I do it far too often.
Thanks for the post! It's a good reminder that we need to not judge people. :)
Very thoughtful post! Loved it!
Keep up the great work, I love reading your blog!:-D
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