I moved to California with my aunt and uncle to begin my home schooling. My entire family thought it would be best for me if I lived with them for a year in a new place, with a new religion, and a new way of learning. My aunt and uncle told my mother and I all the great experiences I would have by doing this. They told me I would learn things that I wouldn’t be able to in school, I would have great experiences with traveling and meeting new people. Everything they told me sounded great, but it was only an empty promise.

It was hard for me to adapt to everything at once. Because I was being taught at home, I didn’t go out often. I was bored constantly and had nothing to do most of the time. I had no friends in this new area and only family to interact with.

The church I went to with my aunt and uncle was of Mormon religion. Before coming to California I had been attending a Christian church, the difference between the two religions was huge to me. I remember being out of my element sitting with all the girls in skirts and covered shoulders while I sat there in pants and a tank top, listening to the two hour sermon about people I had never even heard of.

The curriculum I had with being home schooled was obsolete. I was only taught World History, English, and occasionally math. I went to the gym with my aunt and uncle for fifteen minutes and worked out for my physical education.

I feel that being home schooled pushed my education back. It was most likely because the people who were teaching me didn’t know exactly what they were doing, but home schooling was defiantly not for me.

I missed interacting with teachers and peers and having a full curriculum. I missed the feeling of actually having something to do that was important to my life. Home schooling was a big impact in my life because it made me realize how important school was, not just for the education, but for learning who you are and going through experiences that will make you the person you are today.

Being in school is so important to fully develop your mind and personality. Though home schooling was not for me, I am glad that I went through it. For if I didn’t go through it I wouldn’t know what I know now, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today.