SUBJECT: Senior - Miss SarahBeth

Hello, I'm Sarah – or as I'm known around fellow homeschoolers (because as I'm sure you know, there are sooo many Sarah's in this world!) Sarah Beth.

I've been homeschooled since kindergarten. My parents really didn't know how to start off at first as they only knew a very few homeschooling. My first months of school were taught in a very formal classroom setting that my Mom set up in the basement; chalkboard, teacher's desk, the works. I had to be dressed before starting 'class', Mom told me to raise my hand when I wanted to ask a question, and I was only allowed to take breaks at my set recess time. As I'm sure you can guess, that didn't go over so well! We soon figured it out though, and we've been loving the freedom of homeschooling ever since. I'm the oldest of 3 girls - my sisters Rebekah and Rachel are 13 and 10, respectively. I fondly call myself 'the experiment' because my parents have used me as the guinea pig for much of our schooling. I was the first to flunk out of spelling in 5th grade, the first to realize that as a visual learner, video programs for math were SO COOL; the first to push my parents to the breaking point of 'you will shape up or we're sending you to school!' (the worst threat a homeschooler can get!!)

It is frustrating at times, ("I know we've done 5 spelling programs in the past 4 years sweetie, but let's try this one!") but I've seen the amazing results in my sisters that comes from our experimentation. It helps that my parents are such good teachers. My mom has a love of History and literature that she has passed to my younger sister and myself, and my Dad and my middle sister both have a fondness for logical subjects such as math and science. I uh, don't have a fondness for any of that logical stuff…. I like to use my imagination. A little too much at times; every once in a while I will have to have a book (Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, and Room With a View, just to name a few) dragged away from me and my math-book plunked in my face.

We've homeschooled in 4 states so far -New Jersey(3 years), Pennsylvania(4 years), Connecticut(6 years) and currently, Virginia(1 year) I've actually lived in 6 states… we move around a lot. It's been interesting to observe the different homeschooling communities in each area.

I'm taking some college classes this semester, and will continue to do so next semester. I don't really know what I want to do with my life yet, so my goal is to get an associates degree in the next 3 years from our community college and then decide what I'm going to do with my life, whether it's getting a bachelor's degree, finding a job, traveling, or going down to Disney World and becoming a character actor! (Kidding about the last one. Sort of.)

Two passions of mine that I have recently discovered are acting and music. My first college-level class was an acting class. I loved it and have been searching for acting opportunities ever since. It was around that time that I renewed my passion for singing. If I did nothing but sing all day I would probably be the happiest person alive! As it is, I have to make due with voice lessons once a week, and my family puts up with me bursting out in song at random times. I also love working with children. My dream job would be something that combined my love for singing and acting along with my love for kids. I'm still trying to think of something… let me know if you have any ideas!

My courses this semester includes ~

World Civilization aka Global History – I'm taking this class at the community college. It's a LOT harder than I expected it be, and I'm realizing why so many of my non-homeschooling friends don't like history. Learning from a textbook is BORING!

Consumer Math – I've already done Algebra 1 and 2, and a semester of geometry… but I will probably have to re-do Algebra 1 in college next year, as I seem to have forgotten everything I learned.

American Literature – All the way from Benjamin Franklin to Tennessee Williams. I' finding I liked English Lit a little better. The English actually have a sense of humour.

American History – my sisters are doing a video program and I'm tagging along for a refresher.

Acting and voice lessons – my favourite parts of the week! Acting class is also at the community college.

Bible and Prayer study – with my family

Creative writing and visual arts – these are both combined on my blog, and I have fun designing simple templates on my sister's and Mom's blog too.

For science I'm doing something a little different. I have been interested in 'natural' body products for a while. I don't like the face that all those icky chemicals are put in things that are supposed to help your skin – lotions, body scrubs makeup, bubble bath, etc. However, I am also appalled at the prices that some companies put on their all-natural products. I appreciate that it's made from ingredients that I recognize, and I can tell that it's waaay better for my skin, but sheesh, those prices!!! So my mom told me that if I could come up with some home-made products she would give me science credit. I haven't really started on it yet, but I have made a body scrub, and I want to work on making bath fizzies and perhaps a face and/or hair mask.

So, that's me. I'm excited to be a part of this blog and happy to take the journey of our last year of High School with all of you!