Introduction to My Homeschooling Journey

Hello! My name is Paris, and I was a homeschool student in Hong Kong and I am currently 17 years old, studying in my third year at a university (QS Global Ranking 57), majoring in Physics and Artificial Intelligence. My journey from homeschooling to university has been unique and enriching one, and I’d love to share it.

 

Reasons for Homeschooling

The decision to homeschool was a pivotal one in my life. Due to the heavy and somewhat inefficient, in my opinion, workload of the traditional local primary school, I wrote a heartfelt letter to my mum, asking her to homeschool me. My mum respected my opinion and decided to try and give me a better childhood, free from the endless cycles of homework and tests while studying in a more efficient way. Our primary goal was to find joy in both life and learning.

 

My Homeschooling Experience

My homeschooling experience was diverse and dynamic. My mum customized a personalized version of homeschooling for me, which we called GlobalHomeEdu. This approach included worldschooling + homeschooling. My mum wanted me to see a bigger world, hence through worldschooling, we traveled to different countries to learn about various cultures and mindsets, immersing ourselves in real-world settings. In homeschooling, academically, I focused on a structured and personalized curriculum created by my mum, which prepared me for IGCSE and International A-level examinations.

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My mum was my sole teacher and played a crucial role in my education. She always led by example and never focused on making me agree with her or follow her commands. Instead, she involved me in every decision, sought my opinion, and guided me to reflect on my own thoughts. I always saw my mum as a “superwoman” because she seemed to know everything. However, she has always reminded me that she is just an ordinary woman with a desire to learn and to give the best love to me, her daughter.

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Mum taught me everything, from life philosophy and experiences to the nature of life, cultural differences, languages, mathematics, statistics, calculus, mechanics, commerce, economics, and physics. She meticulously observed my learning patterns and created tailor-made learning materials and worksheets for me to work on. This personalized approach accelerated my learning, matched my interests, free up my learning time,  ignited more passion for me to learn, and also maximized both my intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.

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One of the most valuable lessons my mum taught me was through sharing her own mistakes, whether in life or learning. She would reflect on them in front of me, involve me in discussions, and seek my opinion for self-improvement. From this, I learned to bravely accept life and learning from mistakes as they are a natural part of everyone’s journey. I understood that mistakes and obstacles are our best teachers as long as we learn from them. Mum always emphasized that life is not about being perfect, as there is no such thing as a perfect life or human. Life is about embracing our “imperfectly perfect” selves, reflecting, and evolving to be the best versions of ourselves.

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Futhermore, our GlobalHomeEdu allowed me to explore subjects beyond the boundaries of a traditional school system, opening up endless possibilities for learning. It also empowered me with critical thinking skills, innovation, and creativity. Additionly, it helped me fostered a happy and calm mindset and strengthened the relationship between me and my mum. Overall, this has been significant in shaping my academic and personal growth, helping me in the university as well.

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Additionally, homeschooling provided me with the flexibility to pursue my interests deeply and at my own pace. I was able to delve into subjects that fascinated me more, such as calculus and physics, which later became my major at university. This freedom to explore and the personalized attention from my mum helped me develop a strong foundation in these areas, preparing me well for higher education.

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Overall, my homeschooling journey was a blend of academic rigor, personal growth, and global exposure, all of which have contributed to making me the person I am today.

 

Transition to University

Transitioning to university at the age of 15 was a significant milestone in my life. From the second day, my mum let me take full responsibility for my studies and life. She explained that this is the final stage of her teaching (delegation), enabling me to fully take responsibility, be independent, and accept that life is imperfect. 

 

My University Life

My homeschooling background has provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, reading, writing, physics, and mathematics, enabling me to handle my studies independently. I have learned to manage my time effectively, balance my academic and personal life, and work collaboratively with my university friends in teams.

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The independence I gained from my GlobalHomeEdu journey has allowed me to adapt quite comfortably and happily in the university. My mum’s approach to education emphasized the importance of appreciating the small things in life and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. This philosophy has given me the confidence to believe in myself and demonstrated that age is not a barrier to university education. It also showed that homeschool students can seamlessly integrate into a university environment. I have learned to trust my abilities, appreciate the journey, and understand that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. 

 

Advice for Other Homeschoolers

Homeschooling is a “thinking outside the box” personal choice, and if you decide to pursue it, embrace it wholeheartedly. Don’t be afraid of obstacles and failures—they are the stepping stones to your future success. You may not see the path clearly as you move forward, but when you look back, you’ll connect those stepping stones that you walked on. Believe in yourself, persevere, and you will achieve great things.

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Homeschool students, enjoy the process of learning and growing. Cherish the unique opportunities that homeschooling provides, such as the ability to tailor your education to your strengths and interests, and the freedom to learn in a way that suits you best. Remember, every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Embrace these moments, and you will find that homeschooling can be a deeply rewarding and enriching experience.