If I saw [unschooling] simply as a means to get them to college, I might be nervous. I see it as a way to live. I don't see it as keeping the kids out of college or hampering their opportunities for formal learning if they go that route. I'm not holding college up to them or me as "the goal." The goal, for me, is that they will be thoughtful, compassionate, curious, kind and joyful. That's all. That's not asking much, is it? I think if those traits are intact in them, they will continue to learn their whole lives.
photo by Julie D
Words 1998; Image 2013.
Note in 2025, which will become outdated as it sits here and they don't:
Those two in the photo never went to school. Holly is working in a Montessori school as a teaching assistant in the toddler room. Adam is at Oxford University.
Of not-appearing others, Marty has a degree in economics and a minor in geography. He works with maps and statistics. Kirby workes a tech job, with a security clearance; they waived the college degree requirement because of his experience and ability.
One of my absolute favourites ever. It really sums everything up for me. Did you ever read a post called The Guy on the Plane by Jeff Sabo? Most unfortunately he took his whole blog down, but that post detailed his conversation on a plane with a guy who didn't get the why of unschooling. Jeff's answer was ultimately similar to what you have said here...his story of the conversation is wonderful.
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