Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011 - (Page 37)

Homeschool FAQ literature classes to homeschool students of all ages. In my first class with him, A Survey of English Literature and History, he offered prizes to the students in exchange for the Anglo-Saxon dollars we earned via in-class quizzes. Not only did this get me excited about studying, it taught me the Anglo-Saxon kings so well that I can recite them to this day: “Egbert, Ethelwulf, Ethelbald, Ethelbert…” Each spring, all of Mr. Walter’s students perform dramatic monologues or orations that they have written in class at an event known as Speech Night. My favorite speech is the one I gave after my freshman-year class on Ancient Greek Literature. Each student played a character from the Trojan War legend. I was Philoctetes. “Who?” might well be your reaction, as the main idea of the speech was Philoctetes’ bitterness over his obscurity compared to sneaky Odysseus and huffy Achilles. In my interpretation, Philoctetes comically lambasts the other heroes for unfairly eclipsing him in renown, despite the fact that Philoctetes killed the Trojan prince Paris who began the war in the first place. Philoctetes’ comedic tirade was the last dramatic monologue I performed, as Mr. Walter has older students focus on the neglected art of rhetoric by writing persuasive or exhortatory speeches. One of the most important things I have learned from Mr. Walter is an appreciation for rhetoric-in-the-old-sense, defined not as political grandstanding but as using language to communicate more clearly, beautifully, and effectively. Speech Night is a highlight of each year, and the creativity and polish of the monologues and speeches is a testament to what highly motivated homeschoolers are capable of. I hope by now you have figured out for yourself the answer to the question perennially asked of homeschoolers, “How do you meet people?” I may not be in a traditional school, but I still have classmates, fellow scholars, friends even. Some of my closest friends are those who participate in extracurricular activities with me, such as the ShakesPEER Group. This student-run theater troupe is one of the opportunities I have been able to engage in more as a homeschooler than I would have otherwise. Last year I directed Merchant of Venice, which was a fantastic experience and a great chance to develop leadership and organizational skills. It was also a huge time commitment. Thankfully, my homeschool schedule gave me the flexibility I needed to bring the production to completion. This year, I am embarking on another ShakesPEER Group directing adventure with Macbeth. Here, for a change, is a question I do not get asked a lot, but I wish I did. “What is the most valuable thing you have gained from homeschooling?” My answer is: flexibility. In a more traditional school, I would not have been able to take college courses or direct plays or simply schedule driving lessons during school hours. Flexibility is the asset of homeschooling I value the most. However, as the old maxim goes, with great flexibility comes great responsibility. Actually, this is not an old maxim, but it is still true. Homeschooling during high school requires maturity and time management skills. Only highly self-motivated students will be able to thrive as homeschoolers in the crucial pre-college years. That said, I think homeschooling is perfect for students, like me, who can juggle complex schedules, rigorous academics, and outside-the-box extracurriculars. And doesn’t that sound a lot like college? Alexi Sargeant is a homeschooled senior; a Shakespeare aficionado; and the last, best hope for civilization. He may be making that last part up. Alexi’s storytelling skills were honed by entertaining his three younger siblings. He plans to pursue creative endeavors such as writing, art, and game design in college and beyond. www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 37 http://www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Problem Solving
Orange County Math Circle
Number Theory
Count Me In
National Mathematics Competitions
Math at the Science Fair
Just My Speed
MathPath
When Origami Meets Rocket Science
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Making a Difference
High School Options for Gifted Students
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011