Homeschoolers In College Can Sniff Out the BS

Here’s an interesting twist to homeschoolers going to college – they know how to sniff out the BS. This was posted to my California homeschooling Yahoo! group. (Reprinted with permission.)

My son had his first college class today, and I’m thinking I’ve finally discovered a negative to homeschooling – his expectation was that he would learn a lot today and he was disappointed.

BUT, the big shocker came when we went to the recommended counseling appointment. What a waste that was! So far through the ordeal of red tape this last week, this has been a very parent friendly campus, and they have not only encouraged my presence, but required it at least once, since he’s underage. But today, Madam Counselor looked at me and wanted to know who I was. I told her and she looked at my son and asked if it was ok that I was there. Then she asked him how old he was, and when he said 17, she said, “oh a baby face”. I could hardly believe such rudeness! If that’s her nickname for young college kids, she should keep it to herself.

She wanted to know his interests, his goals and such, and he said he’s undecided. Then she proceeded to give him the worst counseling I have ever heard! She put down a few suggested classes for next semester and counted up the units and then proceeded to suggest a few additional “easy” classes. An art class that watches movies for an easy grade. A health class that would teach nutrition and diabetes and would satisfy PE and an elective. I did mention that he was going to college to learn and not to just pass requirements as easily as possible. She didn’t appreciate that. I asked about Spanish, and she said it wasn’t required for his major – now keep in mind, he had just told her he’s undecided at this point and wants to keep his options open.

I was so glad I was there, because I’d never have believed the awful advice she was dispensing – she made it seem like a mill where they push the kids through with the least requirements to beat the system. As soon as we were out of there, I proclaimed my disdain, and my son said he was really glad to hear that, since he had not been impressed either. In fact the first thing he did when we got home was to go online and check out her own education. He doesn’t plan to go back to this office, but he is being charitable and saying the others are probably better. At least he’s keeping some humor about this. I’m thoroughly annoyed.

Oh, and she kept suggesting that he could become a high school teacher, although he not once suggested an interest in that. I wonder how many kids get manipulated and end up doing things that aren’t the best choice for them.

People worry that homeschoolers can’t get into college. And then once they are there, that they won’t be able to function because of all the social and work demands that they didn’t have when they were sitting around eating bonbons and playing WoW for 18 years.

Perhaps what they should be worried about, is that homeschoolers will make it to college, and will recognize right away the absurdity of the system.