Home

     Home holds several different meanings to different people.To some, home is another name for a house, a dwelling place one goes out from and returns to each day, perhaps a place of refuge and peace from the outside world. To others, home refers to the place in which one's family resides, while to other people, home is more of a feeling of comfort and peace. When I think of home, I think of a variety of these different aspects of the word.
   
     I believe that one's home is more than simply a building with four walls and a roof. To me, home is more of a feeling than a physical location. One might feel comfortable, safe, or loved in a place other than their house, such as a friend's house or a peaceful park area. At home, one feels that they are free to express themselves without fear of being judged, whether that may be with family members, close friends, or another person they know well.

My House-
A Place in Which I Experience Feelings of Home

     Home is where one feels safe, accepted, and loved. It may be anywhere, not necessarily the house one was raised in, but a place in which one feels a sense of peace and belonging.

My Education

Bethlehem Christian School

     My educational experience was very unlike what one would typically expect. Typically, one would begin by attending an elementary school, before moving on to a middle school. They would then finally continue on to high school. My personal education, however, was different from what one might view as "normal." I attended a Christian school, and was later homeschooled, as well.

     My first few years of my education were spent at Bethlehem Christian School in Cherryville, where I first went the year I began preschool. I attended there for three years, from the beginning of preschool until the end of first grade.
   
     I had enjoyed attending Bethlehem Christian School, for a variety of reasons. Each of the teachers I had had were encouraging, and seemed that they genuinely wanted to help any student that was struggling. They nearly always had a positive attitude and a kind word for others, both staff and students. I have many wonderful memories from attending school there.

My Homeschool Classroom

     After I had completed first grade at Bethlehem Christian school, my parents pulled my younger sister and me out of the school to begin homeschooling, due to financial reasons. When we first began homeschooling, the transition was difficult for me. I had been used to seeing my friends and teachers nearly every day, and it was difficult for me to become used to not seeing them as often as I had previously. I had also been used to sitting in a classroom during the day, not at my kitchen table. However, after I had become used to homeschooling, I began to enjoy it more. We had more flexibility when it came to scheduling, and were able to make impromptu field trips to different events and places. Rather than having a single curriculum for each of my sisters and me, we were able to choose different curricula that best fit each of our academic strengths and needs, in order for us to be challenged in our learning. Even though we did not get to see our friends as often as we would if we had attended a public or private school, we still were able to participate in events with other homeschooling families often.

     When I graduated from high school and began college last fall, the transition was a bit challenging. However, I feel that I have been prepared for college, and am determined to continue to work hard. Looking back on my educational experience, I can say that I am thankful for experiencing two different types of schooling, and have learned a lot from both of them.

Classmate Interview

     This past week in English class, I was able to interview one of my classmates, Terry. Through talking with her, I was able to learn more about her personal life, interests, and goals for the future.

     Terry grew up and lived in New York before moving to Pennsylvania with her husband several years ago. After first moving here, Terry's husband was deployed in the Army while she was pregnant with their first child. She became very ill for a period of time after having her son, and during that time, began to grow deeper in her faith. Terry described that time as a point in her life in which she became more involved in her Catholic faith, "Just seeing the miracles that God has done for me and my son...He has shown me a lot."  

Terry's Children

     Terry currently lives in Allentown along with her three children. She has two sons and one daughter, whom she enjoys spending much of her time with. "We do lots of activities..." Terry said, "We do everything together." 

     One thing that was unique about my interview with Terry is that both she and I are currently majoring in Early Childhood Education. Terry works with Community Services for Children in one of the Head Start programs. Originally, Terry had wanted to work with Kindergarten children. However, she began working instead with children with special needs. She grew to love her role in serving these children, and realized her passion for working with them. Today, Terry has been working in an Intermediate Unit classroom for eleven years, serving children from ages three through five. 

     Currently, Terry is working toward earning her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Dual Certificate in Special Education. In addition to obtaining her degree, she also has a desire to serve those who are less-fortunate. One particular project she would like to begin is providing backpacks filled with food and supplies to the needy.  

     Terry is a warm and kindhearted person, having a compassion for others as well as a desire to serve. I enjoyed meeting her and having the opportunity to learn more about her. I believe that she will have a strong positive impact on the lives of those around her as she inspires others with her caring spirit.