A Homeschooler Goes to College......Or Doesn't

Many times this last year I have mentioned to Alexander that he "should" take a class at the community college.  He is becoming very passionate about religion (not as in he is religious but in the controversies of religion), politics, and history.  I love talking to him about these subjects but often wonder if he would feel more challenged in a classroom with other students that feel the same passion. 

Earlier in the week, he and I attended  a lecture at the community college I teach at titled: The American Holocaust: Colombus to Chiapas with Bobby Gonzalez.  His attendance was of course voluntary and in fact he seemed excited.  He got up early and showered and we were off.  

When we arrived, I was excited because everyone in attendance was young.  I hoped this might excite him to know that other kids were excited about the same things that excite him.  Unfortunately, I quickly realized I was living in a little dream world.  Most of these students weren't attending because it was a passion for them.  No, they were attending so they could sign in and get credit for attending or they were brought to the lecture by their instructor.  

Alexander and I both thought the lecture was very interesting and I think even the students who attended out of obligation might have even enjoyed it.  The overall theme was not to point fingers, but to always look at both sides of the story when examining history.  Besides being informative for me, this lecture was a good reminder to me that we have followed an awesome path with our kids and their education.  Our kids are learning things because they really want to learn.  They are not looking for a grade, they are looking to fulfill their thirst for learning.  

As I read the article A Homeschooler Goes to College , a very popular post being passed around Facebook this week by homeschoolers, I realized that I need to wait.  I need to let Alexander be the guide on when and if he takes a class that interests him.  He knows when he is ready and he also knows when he isn't.  Perhaps right now he is working on establishing his very own beliefs before he is ready to take on the beliefs and ideas of others.  I don't know.  All I do know is that he is constantly thinking and working out ideas in his mind and seems quite content with where he is right now.