I was home-schooled from 7th grade on, and I think that my home-schooled experience gave me much more opportunity than what I previously received in the public school system, and what I could have expected to receive in I remained in public school. I became responsible for my own education. from choosing classes to fulfilling state requirements and working with my area coordinators, even paying penalties out of my own pocket if I didn't do something correctly or on time. I maintained socially active with church groups, sports and art programs, and even traveling abroad my senior year to Europe.

My parents and I utilized a third party support program that monitored my progress and kept track of local laws concerning home-schooling so I was able to graduate on time. They also helped me receive funding that paid some of all of my expenses for class courses, materials, and extra curricular activities. They were also certified to offer diplomas to those that fulfilled state graduation requirements that were akin to the public school diplomas. I used BYU's independent study program for high school students as my actual course work, since they made registering, testing, and tutoring (if needed) really simple. I supplemented any other educational needs with local programs.

I really support home schooling and the experience it offers. I wish that more people, both the common man and public officials, were familiar with what home-schooling can offer students. Where I grew up, the general public was very supportive of home-schooling, but it seems that the area I am in now needs a bit more understanding about what home-schooling is truly about. I still have a few years before I hope to home-school my children, and until then, I will be striving for home-schooling support, opportunities, and education.