Guardian Angel Store - “Change the world? There’s no way I could do that!”

Yes, you could. You, as a homeschooler, have a unique opportunity by virtue of your schooling. You were not expected to fit the government’s mold; you were allowed to become an individual, with distinctive interests and talents. Now you are poised to bring fresh ideas to your land, because you have not been taught the same thing in the same way most of the country has been taught.

Those before you had the courage to homeschool you, going against the norm (and even the law in early years). They changed the world by changing its laws, and many still work for that in other countries. You can follow in their footsteps by changing the world some more, and here are some tips for doing just that.

During your high school years, have the courage to learn in new ways. Think outside the box about your learning. Work now to prepare for your future, honing your skills and expanding your general knowledge; you need both if you expect to make a difference. But that’s not all you need: confidence and determination are also vital. You can develop and practice these qualities while in high school, via school projects and volunteer work.

Forethought and planning are important too, especially in the teen years. Decide what you’re going to do with your life, and adjust your courses in school accordingly. This is a big decision. Don’t make it without talking to your parents, exploring your options, and praying about it. Be sure your career choice fits with your skills, and that you can imagine doing it for 30 years. (You may never be totally sure, so don’t worry. Many people have several skills, any of which would make a good career.)

Learn to think something through before you decide on it. There may not always be an exit option after you’ve committed yourself, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons and use your best judgment. Bigger decisions require more thought than smaller ones, of course; try not to overanalyze.

Cultivate good friendships with several different people, young and old. These people can give you fresh perspectives on your ideas or point out things you had overlooked. (Remember, though, that friendship is a two-way street.) The social interaction of a friendship prepares you for a lot in life; every job involves at least some social contact, and many require strong people skills.

The last suggestion: read. Varied reading of good books enhances your vocabulary, deepens your understanding of different cultures and times, teaches you about people and the world in general, and (if nothing else) gives you several topics of conversation. If chosen wisely and read thoughtfully, even fiction will put you ahead of the pack.

If you need help with any of these areas, talk to some people, check out the library, or browse the Internet. I’ve tried to give a short overview of some strategies for preparing today to be tomorrow’s news, but you can add your own. Once beyond high school… it will be time to change this world.