SUBJECT: Senior - Miss "Joss"

Hello, my name is Jocelyn. I live in sunny Southern California. I have been homeschooled all my life, and I LOVE it. I wouldn't want it any other way. My older siblings were in public school for a bit, but my parents pulled them out after my brother was said to have ADD. The teachers wanted to start him on some medications to help him concentrate on his school work, but my mom new that he was just a little boy with a big imagination, so that was the beginning of our homeschooling adventure.

I come from a family of five children. I am right in the middle. I have an older sister, Janina, who is 26, Justin is 21, I am 17, Julia is 11, and Jack is 3. Janina and Justin were homeschooled through 12th grade, and I am excited to be the next in line!

We have been in four different support groups through the years. Currently, I am in Sierra Springs Christian School. God truly blessed us with this support group. Our last group fell apart, and with it being the close of my Junior year, I was disappointed because it didn't look like I was going to have a graduation. Then, as usual, God stepped in and blessed us with an opportunity to join Sierra Springs!! There are seven Senior's in my graduating class. It's the smallest class yet, but it's nice because we are able to get to know each other so well. Each month until graduation a student is required to plan a "Senior Event" so that the Senior's can have a chance to get to know one another. It has been really fun getting to know my fellow classmates (especially since I am the "new kid" in the group).

My subjects have been pretty easy this school year. My load is probably the lightest it has ever been. I am currently doing Consumer Mathematics, British Literature, English, History, Spanish, and I will be starting an online nutrition class with the Junior College in January.

Some of my future plans are, after graduation take a year off of school and hopefully go to China for a week or two and volunteer at some orphan day camps. After that, I'll try for my AA at the Junior College, and then apply at a preschool/daycare. I love little kids!!

As far as the pros and cons of homeschooling go, I think that there's more pros than cons. I love it because you don't have to struggle with all the peer pressure. You are close to your family, and have such a special bond. You have more freedom than the kids at school, and are able to learn at your own pace. Also, I love being intertwined with the younger grades. It's nice to know some of the kids in the grades below me, and have friendships with them. Although, I sometimes do get the "You're homeschooled?! Do you have a life?", or I kind of get labeled "HOMESCHOOLER", but that's fine with me.

Anyway, I am so thrilled to be a Senior this year. I am excited to see what God has planned for my future, and know that all I need to do is follow His lead. I am so thankful that He has blessed me with a homschooled education. I hope all of your Senior Year's are blessed, and filled with many fun memories!!

~Miss Joss