Our oldest son is taking his first college class.
We’ve homeschooled Asa since he began kindergarten (yesterday). We decided that now that he is a junior in high school, helping him get a few college credits under his belt while giving him some classroom experience would be ideal for him. The classes he takes at the college while he’s a high school student will serve as dual credit classes (meeting requirements for both high school and college). Sweet! Plus, as a high school student, he receives a healthy discount on one class per semester at our local college. Saving money, knocking out a few classes, starting college in two years with several credits already out of the way? It’s all good.
I really didn’t give it much thought at first. We filled out all the paperwork to get him enrolled. Sure, it was weird helping him fill out a college application already (he’s 16) – but we had a plan and we were ready to execute. He was ready. Application accepted, class chosen, necessary information obtained. He was to be at his Basic Speech class on the York College campus on Tuesday, August 24 at 8:30 am.
It wasn’t until I dropped him off the first day and saw him walking across campus – the very campus I walked across during my four years of college, the campus where I met Matt, the campus that holds so many dear memories – that I forgot how to breathe. When did he get so tall-smart-handsome-mature-grown up? Overnight, I promise.
It’s a great feeling, knowing that he’s able to handle a college level course. So far, he’s rockin’ this class. He’s off to a great start! :)
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Did you cry? I totally would have lol
Awwww I know the feeling.. Well sort of! Our oldest is in the fifth grade, and this is the first year he is taking an online Latin class. The first day was orientation, and he just looked so grown up with his head set on, ready to begin a new adventure! I couldn’t help but be a little sad that he is growing up! So I cannot imagine how you felt seeing yours walk across a college campus, mine was just across the room. But then again I am so thankful, and feel so blessed to be able to homeschool our children! To watch them day in and day out. I feel honored that The Lord chose me to be my kids mom!
That was my first college class, taken in High School, as well. And then I found out that for Aerospace Engineers at the University of Texas… you don’t need a speech class. Bummer! But totally worth the experience to get me ready for college life after being homeschooled or private schooled.
This choked me up, I have three boys now, ages 4, almost 2 and my sweetest new boy of 7 weeks. I am planning on homeschooling them all and am sure I would/will feel the same when they are off for the first time doing something so mature and independant.
They have this available where I live too. We wanted her to really enjoy the rest of High School so we did not take advantage. Plus I really don’t think she was ready. Now too this year she is starting college. The times goes so fast.
I can totally relate, our oldest is also a homeschooled all his life boy/young man who is a Junior this year. It is so bittersweet to watch them grow up, right before your eyes.
I’m so not ready for that and will be hugging my Littles a little tighter today!! They grow up so fast!!! <3
Wow – what an exciting day!! I know the same will be coming all too soon for my nearly 13-year-old daughter!
Just starting to homeschool. I know the day will be here before I know it but I’ll just ignore that for now :)
Congratulations Mama for breathing. You and Matt have done an excellent job with him. We did the same thing with our homeschoolers. It was a great choice. On my blog I am celebrating catching babies A-Z. Come join me.
Love Jill
My oldest has been homeschooled the whole way through and the spring of her junior year in high school, she started taking classes through our local community college. She graduated high school May ’11 and then had her associate’s degree in May ’12. Her associate’s was all online! Worked out very well and all she had to take was the COMPASS test for college entrance (no ACT or SAT). Good luck!
Well done, young man.
“…I forgot how to breathe.”
That is so beautifully stated. And it is the absolute truth as I see my 3 boys – the oldest especially – grow and mature. I forget, for an instant, how to breathe as I see God’s goodness and grace in my sons.
Gratitude abounds!
I totally remember this feeling when my first born took his first class(he’s now 22 and a senior and MARRIED!!!). It is a GOOD thing but so HARD on mommas! BTW I put in the wrong “name” for my link–ugh sorry all! So tired this morning. It was supposed to a BIG move!
Laura, my husband and I have talked about homeschooling our kiddos, now 4 and 2. I am so nervous about it. Any pointers you can throw my way? I’m just afraid I won’t be “enough”. Thank you for any help! And congrats on Asa! You all must be proud!
JJ Salts
You will always be enough. :) Here are all of my homeschooling posts if maybe looking through them helps answer your questions: https://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/category/homeschool-hubbub
My oldest just turned 3 and my youngest will turn 2 in less than 2 months. *tear*
They do grow up WAY too fast but it’s what they’re supposed to do, right? :)
Oh girl. This almost made me tear up. PLEASE enjoy him while he’s still home even though he is so grown and so tall. haha
Mine decided to join the Army {very proud Mama!} at 17, graduated soon after and then spent 6 months across the country from us during boot camp {we could barely talk to him} We had 2 weeks with him home before another milestone– awesome Military College but guess what??? It’s 6 hours away. Yeah, I’m crying now….geesh.
Anyhoo, I wouldn’t change a thing {this is what is supposed to happen, I know} but I would give anything for another chance with those last few years before he left home. Savor every moment to just sit and listen–and spend that time with him.
I KNOW you will!
blessings,
Shan
http://www.The-How-to-Guru.com
You are an inspiration with how you are raising such fine young men. I have three small children (6, 4 and almost-2) and the thought of them walking across a college campus makes me tear up! You should be so proud of your son!
I totally understand. My “babies” started 6th grade last week. Their last year in grammar school. I can’t believe how fast it has gone by. I remember when I was in 6th grade – at the very same school – #*@% years ago. Or yesterday.
Your post brings tears to my eyes, and mine is only 9. Time is flying!
Oh… my oldest is in kindergarten this year. It’s been hard to send her away for what feels like the whole day – but worth it, the school she goes to is a great, small Christian school that does a wonderful job reinforcing the things we already teach at home. I do get little flash-forwards of what she is going to look like as a teenager – it’s scary, and yet wonderful at the same time!
Yep, I know EXACTLY how this feels. We’ve home schooled our kids since kindergarten and have loved having this opportunity. Our son was a Junior last year and was able to take a full load of college classes. (our state runs a program where up to 15 college credits each quarter is FREE) When I dropped him on his first day, I felt like I was dropping him off for his first day of kindergarten!!! He is taking a full load of college classes again this year and will graduate from high school with an associates degree!!! It’s amazing that they are able to get high school and college credit simultaneously! It’s saving us so much money!!!:)
Gasping for air just reading this… hang in there!
Dual Credit classes are the best!! Our son went to college this fall with 19 credit hours of college courses. Asa will be ahead whether he goes to a traditional college or finishes on line.
Well, this is a testament to good parenting. I just read an article in the Wall Street Journal about parents of Millenials *going to job interviews with their adult children*!!!
Yep. Apparently thare are those in your son’s generation who are so inept that they can’t even go to a job interview without mommy and daddy holding their hand. It just made me fearful for the future of our nation.
Then I came to your post and breathed a huge sigh of relief! Your son is proof that there’s hope for the future. Hats off to him – I can tell he’s going to go places!
We too have home schooled our 2 daughters, now 13 and 18. Our oldest dual-enrolled at a nearby college and started with on-line courses and is now attending in her senior year of high school. Thanks for sharing this so other home school parents can take advantage of these opportunities for their children. We plan on doing the same thing with our other daughter. Gives them the opportunity to make good choices while still being at home!