Being homeschooled for four years was really hard for me. When COVID first started, I thought school would only be closed for a couple of weeks. I never imagined that I would end up learning at home for four whole years. It was a very different experience, and it came with both challenges and a few positives.
The hardest part was the social side. It still felt sad to be cut off from the people I had been in classes with, even though I barely interacted with them. I felt isolated and alone for a long time, and because I wasn’t around other students, I started to feel anxious in social situations. I also developed a stutter, which made talking to people outside my family even harder. Losing the simple connection of seeing classmates every day made homeschooling feel lonelier.
Even though it was tough, homeschooling had some good points. I could do my work without distractions and follow a schedule that worked for me. I liked being able to focus on lessons at my own pace, and there was a certain peace in learning quietly at home. Homeschooling gave me control over my day, which I didn’t have in a normal classroom. In a way, it was a calm and safe environment, even if it could get lonely.
In January of this year, I started 8th grade in-person school. I was supposed to be further along, but my family and I thought this was the best way to get used to being back in school after four years. I’m really glad they decided to do that instead of throwing me into high school. I think I would’ve been more overwhelmed if we didn’t.
At first, I felt a little behind compared to my classmates, and it was hard to adjust. Being back in person was different and sometimes overwhelming, but I also started to enjoy having a routine and participating in real school experiences. It made me realize how much I had missed the structure and activities that come with being in a school building. Looking back, homeschooling was a mix of hard times and benefits. It was tough to feel isolated and anxious, but it also taught me to work independently and stay organized. Going back to school reminded me how much I value in-person experiences and a routine. Even though I felt a little behind at first, homeschooling gave me skills and perspective that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
Overall, being homeschooled for four years was challenging, but it also provided opportunities for personal growth and learning.
