<p>I'm 19 years old--and I turn 20 this December. I've been a home-study student with Christian Liberty Academy's home school curricula, CLASS since October of 2009 (Yes, you counted correctly. That's about five years of high school.).</p>
<p>Throughout my studies, I've had the privilege of traveling the country. From California to Louisiana, I've been there. While visiting different environments, witnessing different lifestyles, and meeting people of all ages and cultures, I learned from an open, unbiased perspective. </p>
<p>In addition to attaining perspective outlooks, I've learned the ways of adulthood. I work, volunteer, cook nearly every night, manage my own bills and health insurance, and have been the primary caretaker of my household since my pre-teen years.</p>
<p>While I am independent and self-sufficient, I lack the guidance I've craved since beginning my home school career.</p>
<p>Since the age of 14, I've prepared my own curricula and scheduling. And while I'd like to say my goals, if you will, were all achieved, they weren't--not yet, anyway. I find myself here, at the age of 19, yet finishing grade 11, still typing away on my laptop from my home or local library. Just typing.</p>
<p>I'm behind, and anxious because of it. When I was 14, planning all of this out, I envisioned my nineteen-year-old self dual-majoring in plant-based nutrition and biological science (specifically neuroscience) at the university(s) of my choice. I use to tell everyone I'd meet of my aspirations. With the great admiration I received as a [younger] teenager, it's easy to see why I feel deflated now. Just typing.</p>
<p>Where have my parents been in all of this? My mom and dad are divorced--I live with my mother. They're really great, I'm very fortunate to have such incredible bonds. Not your average parent-child bond, but a deep friendship more so. While they've financially [spoiled] me, I've sustained myself, parenting them, in a way. To sum up a topic that's an entirely different discussion on it's own: my parents are both very depressed, struggling to care for even themselves. And as painful as it's been having no one but myself (not even other family members), I don't hold it against them; I understand them. In addition, my mom suffers from several medical issues, and I've cared for her, sometimes day in and day out for weeks on end.</p>
<p>I like to think of myself as a distinguished, mature, and intelligent young lady, but no matter how wise I am, I'll never be able to see my life from a truly liberated perspective. I respect your outlook and opinion, and I really, really appreciate it.</p>
<p>So:</p>
<p>I have [two] options: </p>
<p>1) Stay enrolled with CLASS, study nearly all day, raise my already good grades (I have all A's and B's, with one C), and graduate in June or July of 2015 (eek!).</p>
<p>or option 2) Enroll at my local ALC: an online-based charter school where I'd attend classes on campus for four(+) hours a day until I've earned a high school diploma (likewise, in June or July of 2015).</p>
<p>With option 1, I'll have no guidance or structure--only myself. I will, however, have a steady home school education. All of my courses will equate to a balanced, college preparatory track. I'll have achieved my goals--and maybe even attend graduation in Chicago, with the possibility of going straight to one of my dream schools. Although, I'll remain anxious, and not to mention... pretty lonely at times, at least until I graduate.</p>
<p>With option 2, I'll have guidance and structure; no more anxiety over the unknown, but my high school career will appear a mess. The last thing I'd want is for admissions officers to find me as unmotivated and/or irresponsible. If this is a circumstance, I will more than likely have to attend community college for two years before advancing to a four-year school. However, with this option, I'll be able to work full time, to better save money for my future (housing, school, and travel--I'd love to WWOOF before my 21st birthday).</p>
<p>Either way, though part-time with option 1, I'll continue working and volunteering at my local community garden.</p>
<p>Which option would be more appealing to admissions officers? Am I kidding myself in thinking I could get into a four-year university fresh out of home-schooling? After all, by the time I graduate I will have been in high school for nearly 6 years. Which option would you choose, and why?</p>
<p>Again, thank you, for reading my novel of a post.</p>
<p>"The battle of life is, in most cases, fought uphill; and to win it without a struggle were perhaps to win it without honor. If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved." ~Samuel Smiles</p>