Discernment in Music

Christina, Intern

Everyone has standards and beliefs.  These influence their judgment on what they will accept from the culture.  An example is the music one decides to listen to.  In seventh grade, the popular music culture began to peak my interest, and I was captivated by the various tunes.  Though I was skeptical of some lyrics, I unfortunately placed my concerns aside to enjoy the catchy tunes.  I came to realize the themes in many popular songs contradict the Christian ideal.  I learned I must use discernment in choosing the music I listen to.

In Matthew 6:22-23, Christ says “The lamp of your body is the eye.  If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”  This also should be applied to our ears.  The experiences we have through our five senses (taste, hearing, sight, smell, and touch) affect the purity of our souls.  Have you ever heard the phrase “scarred for life”?  It is typically used if someone experiences something terrifying or inappropriate.  Though this is a casual, throw-away phrase, when one thinks about it literally, it means that we have left a mark on our souls that is difficult to remove.  One of the ways we can aim to be like Christ is having a pure soul, heart, and mind.  We can do this by guarding what we hear, especially in music, so that we are not “scarred for life”.

It is important to make sure the songs we listen to are uplifting for us because, while our vast human memory capacity is a blessing, we can memorize songs quickly – good or bad.  After hearing a song over and over, such as a beloved church hymn, we eventually memorize and internalize it.  We can also internalize the bad songs.  To internalize something means to make it a part of us; what we have internalized is inseparable from us.  Many of the popular, “cool” songs want us to answer to every call of our hearts, giving us unfulfilling, dark solutions to the trials and problems we face.  Moreover, after our brain hears something too many times; sometimes, it just might accidentally come out of our mouths.   

The process of discerning a song’s impact should be based on the lyrics, not by the tune or by what other people like.  When considering the lyrics, keeping the purity of the soul in mind is most important; thus, avoiding the impact of songs that bring you down.  In the end, music is a beautiful gift given by God.  We can preserve its beauty by opening our ears to songs that lead us towards Him and not away. 

Note: Our interns curate Spotify playlists of music worth listening to. Check them out here, though we strongly recommend that if you use the free version of Spotify, you set your age to under 15 to avoid inappropriate advertisements.

Consistency

by Gabriella, SEM Intern

During my freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that turned my whole world upside down. I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which can affect my ability to walk, see, balance, and feel things through my body due to nerve damage. During this season of my life, I was in and out of the hospital for months on end, I struggled with my home prayer-life, I felt isolated and alone, and it seemed that I had truly hit rock-bottom. I am very much a rhythmic/routine kind of person, and this entire situation threw my life completely off balance. I had no routine, no rhythm, what felt like no community, and no end in sight. The only thing that was semi-consistent in my life was church. While I did feel isolated and shut out at times, my family made a point to take me to Liturgy every Sunday during this struggle, even when I was in a wheelchair. Yes, it was a struggle; yes, I felt invisible; but that consistency was all I had. 

My parents had given me my first ever prayer book and copy of the Orthodox Study Bible a year or two before my health complications started, but I hadn’t really gotten into the habit of using them daily, or even weekly. During this struggle with my health, when all I could do was lay or sit in bed for days on end, I finally found it in me to start using the tools my parents had gifted me. One thing I would often find myself doing was listening to a podcast or audiobook on Ancient Faith Radio and coloring in a coloring book for hours. It passed the time and gave me something to do. It gave me peace. 

The more I listened to these online resources, the more I wanted to try reading or doing (praying) the things I was hearing. I had to fight a lot of temptations when I started this. “I’m too tired right now,” “I am hurting a lot and won’t be able to pay attention,” “Resting would be better for me,” “Do I have to?” and so on. I’m sure most people have struggled with some version of these thoughts before. They are so appealing in the moment, and yet… I always seemed to feel worse if/when I listened to the thoughts. 

That next year, during Great Lent, my struggles increased. I could barely make it out of the house and struggled with anxiety and depression often. My family lived about an hour away from our parish at the time, and I hadn’t made it to almost any Lenten services. I wanted to push myself and go to as many Holy Week services as I could. This was for selfish reasons at first (I wanted to “check all the boxes”), but I grew to truly appreciate the services for what they are. My family took me to about half of the Holy Week services that year, and it was exhausting in the absolute best way. Then Pascha rolled around. I struggled through the service and had to go outside a few times, but once I Communed, something changed. That next week, right as I was going to see some specialists for my health problems, I was starting to heal. I was able to start using my legs for the first time in almost 9 months! 

The next year was a new kind of challenge. Now that I could walk again, I had to gain my strength back. I went to various different doctors and physical therapy offices, and I had to do different types of desensitization at home (my siblings loved to help with that!). Through the Grace of God, and everyone’s prayers and support, by the end of the year I was back to a regular state of health, whatever that means! 

Now, four years later, I still struggle with the same things from time to time. I knew my life would never be the same, but I knew one thing for sure, I had to keep the Church in my life. From this experience with my health I have grown to appreciate the services, prayers, and resources the Church gives us. Yes, I still struggle with those same thoughts and feelings I had when I was really sick, but they are less now. There are days I don’t want to get out of my cozy bed and go to my icons. There are days when I would much rather get lost in a good fiction book than read my Bible. But I have learned that if I listen to those thoughts, if I let myself get dragged away from the consistent help the Church gives me, I will always feel worse than when I started. 

I now make it a point to pray, read Scripture, and exercise daily. No matter how little or much I can do. I might just say “Lord, have mercy on me” and walk around my backyard listening to Scripture readings on my phone, or maybe just staring at my Bible. I often feel guilty when I do this, thinking it’s “not enough” and I’m a “terrible Christian”, but some days that is all I can give to God. I know He helps me where I fail on those days and loves me regardless. And if I didn’t keep up with these things, if I weren’t consistently trying to try, I would just fall back into all the complications I struggled with before and have even less motivation to get out.  No matter the amount, the effort, the consistent effort, is always what shines through. And thank God for that! 

Starting the School Year With Your Right Foot Forward

by Gabriella, SEM Intern

Ah yes, fall. Us students’ favorite time of year. Right around August/September, we are all starting up school again (or maybe you’re taking a gap year, or you’ve graduated. If so, congrats!). If you’ve had a busy summer like me, then you might feel as if the months flew by way too quickly, and school can’t possibly be starting again so soon. Yet here we are, about to jump into a world of books, lectures, homework, and more! It can seem pretty daunting, I know. However, with the right mindset and God’s Grace, it can be accomplished fairly easily! 

I just graduated this past May (2025) and am currently taking a gap year. I was homeschooled all the way through my K-12 years of education. My mom was my main teacher for the majority of the years, but then around 7th/8th grade, I began doing most of my work independently, and by 8th/9th grade I was doing all online classes through Saint Athanasius Academy (SAA). There were a lot of bumps and hiccups throughout the years I was in high school, and it was often hard to find the motivation to sit down and just get it done. I’d often find myself lost in a good book, spending time with my siblings, doing chores, or just sitting around procrastinating! Fall was especially challenging. I had gotten used to a new routine over the summer, and then it all had to change in a few days. I had to get used to attending classes again, keeping up with assignments, making sure to take notes properly, and balancing all that with my spiritual and family lives. It was never fun. 

Even though the first few weeks (sometimes months, or maybe the entire year) of school feel draining, stressful, and sometimes lonely, I always felt so rewarded after pushing through and getting into a new rhythm. During the last few years of high school, I learned about and grew close to a few saints who are known for their help to students. Some of my favorites are Saint John of Kronstadt (commemorated December 20th/January 2nd), Saint Sergius of Radonezh (commemorated September 25th/October 8th), and the Three Holy Hierarchs (St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and St. Gregory the Theologian [commemorated January 30th/February 12th]). I have icons of St. John of Kronstadt and the Holy Hierarchs by my desk and I would always ask for their intercessions before starting any of my school work or classes. 

Along with these saints, there are several prayers for before classes/studying which can be found here (you’ll have to scroll down a little bit, fyi!). These are wonderful ways to incorporate the Faith into your daily lessons and are extremely helpful.

I know it sounds cliche, but another thing that is always helpful is the 30/5 rule. You work for 30 minutes, you take a break for 5. And no, scrolling on your phone or computer does not count as a break. Go outside, walk around, do some squats or stretches, read about the saints of the day, etc. Just get up and away from your work for a few minutes to recharge and come back to it with a clear mind! Especially if you are starting to feel groggy/unmotivated. You can also listen to some music to get your mind out of a fog. The SEM playlists have some great songs! 

Along with taking the core classes, I found that taking electives or classes about topics I am really interested in helps me be much more engaged in the topic. If you’re interested in history, take a class on a period you really want to learn more about; if you like books, do a book club; if you’re into theater and acting, find a local theater (preferably a Christian one), or do something online (maybe try writing a play for English class); if you like space, astronomy; etc, etc…Y’all are smart, I think you get the idea! 

The point is, if you enjoy something, learning about it will help you to both retain the information better and deepen your appreciation for that topic. During high school I took at least one or two Orthodox Studies classes each year. I took classes about the Old Testament, one about Early African Christianity/Saints, one about the Cappadocian Fathers, and many more. They were all so much fun and I feel like I was truly able to deepen my appreciation for our Faith. All of the classes I listed I took from SAA if anyone wants to check them out! 

One last thing to remember in this season of Marian feasts, is the example the Panagia gave us as young adults. As we enter this school year, wherever we are, whatever is happening or going to happen, we need to remember to be meek, humble, and contemplative in all the work we do. Yes, you are going to mess up that essay. Yes, you are going to ask a dumb question in class or answer one way wrong. No, you are not going to make it through the year completely perfectly. In all of these challenges that the school year brings, it is important to remember that Christ is giving us these beautiful opportunities to learn about Him through the subjects we are studying. We don’t need to get mad about the bad grammar on our assignment, we don’t need to get annoyed with our teachers/parents, we don’t need to isolate ourselves to get school done. Will all of these things happen? Yes, they will. Even if you try to avoid getting mad, annoyed, or distant, it is bound to happen. That’s life. And school is a stressful thing that EVERYONE struggles with. What really matters is how we approach it and grow from it. Will we follow Christ and His Mother as examples of our attitudes? Or will we lean toward the Disciples of Jesus on the boat and freak out about the waves of schoolwork around us? It’s up to you, and I wish you all the best as you enter this school year! May God give us all strength.

Starting the College Search

by Londyn, SEM Intern

From personal experience as a junior in high school, I know that trying to figure out what I want from my education and experience is daunting. It's helpful to have a thorough and clear idea of what to consider before applying and getting to college. Here are some key points to think about:

 Majors and Flexibility

• Consider the majors you are interested in. If you think you might switch your major in the future, check if the college offers all the fields you may be interested in. Although you can transfer colleges, switching a major is easier than switching institutions.

School Expectations

• Research the requirements of the university, including GPA, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, CLT), letters of recommendation, high school classes, and other important criteria.

 Deadlines

• These are extremely important! Mark in your calendar when the application opens (both early and regular), when it closes, and when you need to make your decision.

Campus Visits

• While not required for admission, visiting the school can be extremely beneficial. I toured three colleges this year that were all on my top list. Unfortunately (and fortunately! I am grateful to know this sooner rather than later), I was greatly disappointed by the majority of what one school had to offer. I didn’t get along well with the students, and the college clearly did not represent my values and beliefs. No school is perfect, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy there. Remember, websites can be deceiving!

Financial Aspects

• Don't forget to look into the financial aspects. Check out tuition fees, scholarship opportunities (more soon!), financial aid, and overall cost of living in the area. Knowing this information can help you make a more informed decision.

Scholarships

• Investigate scholarship opportunities. Many colleges offer merit-based and need-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Additionally, look for external scholarships offered by various organizations. It's essential to start the scholarship search early and keep track of application deadlines.

Extracurricular Activities

• Consider what extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations the college offers. Engaging in these can enrich your college experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship

• Colleges have so many resources for clubs, sports, and religion. Personally, one of the most important aspects I consider in my college search is the Orthodox presence. I love when I find out services are offered on campus, carpools are arranged for church during the week, and fellowship and friendships will be made. 

Support Services

• Explore what support services are available, such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. These services can be crucial for your success and well-being in college. Campus visits–and even phone calls!–can be extremely informative for all of the questions you may have. Additionally, a campus visit can give you a fuller insight to an average day of college students. You will see students studying, enjoying dinner with their friends, laughing–then you can ask yourself, “Will I be happy and thrive here, as an Orthodox Christian young woman or man?”

Location and Environment

• Think about the location of the college. Is it in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a rural area? Consider what environment you thrive in and where you'll feel most comfortable and safe.

Study Abroad

• Of course, not everyone is interested in traveling, so if this is irrelevant to you, don’t worry about it! But if it is, definitely take this into consideration. Depending on the college, traveling while you are earning your degree can last for a few weeks, a semester, a summer, and even up to a full year! Scholarships are also available at many Universities. 

As you embark on your college journey, remember to seek guidance through prayer and trust in God's plan for you. College is a significant step, but with faith and careful consideration, you'll find the right path. May God bless you in your search and guide you to a place where you can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Trust in His wisdom!

Gaining College Credit in High School

by Juliana, Summer ‘24 Intern

For many homeschooled students, the prospect of college after high school is one shrouded in doubt, anxiety, and very realistic financial concerns. The potential culture shock inherent in going from being a teenager on the somewhat-sheltered scale to becoming a college student is a bit scary. But more important is the knowledge that most four-year universities will require you to shell out ridiculous amounts of money for basic courses like English and Biology, even if they haven’t got any direct relevance to your major. In this article, I will expound upon the possibilities open to homeschoolers for obtaining college credit while still in high school and give some advice based on my personal college-in-highschool experience.

Let me start with AP courses. They are probably the best-known of all the options out there, due to their popularity. The end-of-year exams have both free-response and multiple-choice questions (the language exams often have speaking and listening portions, and the computer science exams, naturally, have a programming portion, but those are in the minority). In order to obtain credit, you will need to 1) take and pass the course at an accredited school (online or brick-and-mortar), 2) sign up for your exam on time (usually by October; if you call your local public school, they will often allow you to take the exam there. If no students there are taking it, you can offer to pay the proctoring fee), 3) show up for and take the exam, and 4) pass with a 3 or higher.

A 3 is generally considered a passing score, although some colleges will only accept a 4 or 5 for credit purposes. Regardless of your score (or whether you even took the exam!), having an AP course on your high school transcript is indicative of high performance and motivation, as the entire course is college-level material (usually, one college semester spread out over two high school semesters). It also is an example of how Exams. Are. Your. Best. Friend. (I say this a lot, so prepare to read it many, many more times!) There is absolutely no way for a doting parent to give you an A and a passing score of 4 on your AP Biology exam just because they felt like you “put in lots of effort,” or “deserved the credit.” It simply cannot happen. When a college (or anyone you want to impress, for that matter) sees that A and a 4, they know that it represents the willingness to put in hours of hard work, as well as a strong work ethic and good test-taking skills. There’s no way to fake it. Homeschoolers’ achievements are often doubted. Yes, it’s gotten better since the ‘80s, when my mom and her sister were asked basic math questions in public, but many people are still very skeptical. Having a solid grade in literally anything from a trusted institution (whether it’s an accredited school, the College Board, or any university) cannot be made up and will help you tremendously.

But I digress – can you tell I’m very passionate about this subject?

The next set of exams I want to tackle are the CLEP exams. These are mostly multiple choice (a few also include an essay portion) exams that, like the APs, are offered by the College Board. Most public schools do not offer them, but because you can study at home (at your own pace!) and take the exam itself at your local community college, they are amazing for homeschoolers. For no money, you can obtain an exam prep book and a video course from Modern States Alliance, a nonprofit that helps college students finish their freshman year for free. If you finish all the videos and exercises with a high enough grade, Modern States will cover the testing fee (tip: there are 5 options for each question and you get 5 attempts, so you should be good! Just, you know, remember what your previous answers were). You will have to pay a proctoring fee, though: in my experience, it’s usually between $15 and $40. CLEP exams are great because you can treat them like the final exam for a course that you did entirely at home. For instance, when I was doing US History, my parents were really the only instructors. They picked out a textbook, had me take notes & answer comprehension questions, and picked out supplemental reading. Once I neared the end of the school year, I worked with the Modern States Alliance book to fill in any gaps in my knowledge, took practice tests, and was able to walk into the testing center and pass the exam. It’s awesome if you want to make your history / biology / psychology course fun and interesting with an added layer of credibility (and, of course, avoid harmful and/or radical moral ideas that might be pushed in some classrooms). Plus, you might get some gen-ed courses out of the way! Win win.

I should note here that many four-year colleges do not accept CLEP exams; I think this might be in part due to the fact that they are mostly just multiple choice, and thus, without the free response portion, are inherently easier. However, most community colleges (more on those later!) do accept them. And, even if a college won’t accept your, say, CLEP Biology exam, it’s a great thing to have on your transcript, and says a lot about you that you passed that exam in high school. Like I said: Exams are your friend.

The third method for obtaining college credit in high school is DE, or Dual Enrollment. This is a fancy way of saying that you take a class through a university that counts as a high school class as well. So basically – double the credit!

There are two main ways to do this. The first is to enroll in an online class from a school that has a partnership with an accredited university. Online schools like the CLRC, the Potter’s School, and Veritas Press will sometimes team up with a college so that a class you take through them also counts as a college level class through that specific university. For instance, I took an English class through Veritas Press, which collaborates with Cairn University. Once I’d finished, I had, for all intents and purposes, completed 1) a high school English course, and 2) an junior-level English class at Cairn University.

The second way to obtain dual enrollment credit is to enroll in a class directly through a university. Yes, that’s right, you’ll be going to a real classroom, with a real teacher, and classmates in real life! I know it sounds scary, but honestly, take it from me: You’ll be fine. Some states have programs where homeschooled students are allowed to take courses at local universities, but this is not universal; check to see what is available in your area. However, many community colleges allow homeschooled students to take classes there – often for free or a discounted price. This is a really nice deal if you want to get the credit, but don’t want to do every single course at home.

All of the on-ground community college classes I have taken so far have followed the format of 1-2 days on campus per week. This means that you have your lecture/lab/exam/ whatever else you’re doing, receive your assignments for the following meeting, and disperse. If you were homeschooled for all or much of your academic life, this probably sounds rather familiar. As I had self-studied and done online classes for all of high school, the academic transition to community college was not too difficult.

The following link leads to a list of all the resources I’ve mentioned in this article, information on several online schools based on my personal experience, and some other resources you might find useful. Please do note that this is anecdotal evidence; it might not hold true for you, but then again, it might be helpful. Also – please be aware that I haven’t personally checked all of the content on these websites, so if you come across anything inappropriate or blasphemous, I don’t condone it – do avoid it!

I will update this list as I have time and come across more potential resources.

Get the list here!

Easy Ways to Serve as a Young Person

by Sevastiane, Summer ‘24 Intern

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”- Romans 12:10. 

The Bible tells us to serve each other and to treat our neighbors as ourselves. If you want to do something that will benefit other people, there are so many things that can be done. It can feel overwhelming to consider taking on a big project, but helping others doesn’t have to involve taking on something big. There are so many little ways you can help. 

If you are crafty, something simple and fun is to make icons. You don’t have to draw icons or paint anything; rather, you can collect the paper icons that you have and ask your friends to contribute.  These icons can come from church bulletins, calendars, or greeting cards.  The icons can be big or small, as long as they are paper.  You don’t want any icons that have tears or are bent.  After collecting icons, glue them on a piece of cardstock and make sure they look nice.  This is a task you can do over time.  After collecting a decent amount of icons, you can put them in a big envelope. You can give these icons to children who may not have access to wood icons. For example, one of my friends went on a mission trip to Africa and was able to take an envelope that I had collected which contained about 50 paper icons.  She distributed them to the children there, most of whom did not own icons. If you don’t know someone personally going on a mission trip, consider contacting OCMC to find out whom you can send them to. 

Another way to help people is to make “giving bags.” These are simple and can be made easily. You can put small things in the bags and give them to the people you see soliciting for help on the street. A small bag could contain non-perishable snacks and simple things like sunscreen, soap, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, water, and other daily necessities. These are nice to make and can be kept in a car, which makes giving them directly to people very easy. 

If you like being outside, a great way to give to other people is to make seed kits. You can collect seeds from fruits and vegetables with simple instructions on how to plant them and how important nutritious fruits and veggies can be. You can find local schools and organizations to give them to. 

If you enjoy working with children, there are many opportunities to assist within the community or to help a parent that you know.  Many after-school or summer camps welcome counselors-in-training to assist younger campers. You can even look closer to home and consider volunteering with your parish’s Sunday School or Vacation Church School programs. You could also get to know the moms in your parish and offer to watch their children occasionally so they can get caught up on chores or have an hour or so to rest. 

You can tutor a younger sibling or neighbor if you have skills in a particular subject.  Many libraries offer tutoring programs and are often looking for tutors. There are even tutoring programs online where you can log in and teach students around the world. This is another area where you can start by figuring out who in your church needs help. 

A great way to volunteer if you like being around people is to volunteer at a senior center. You can make cards for the seniors or you could read to them, offer help with technology, play games with them, or just keep them company because a lot of the seniors can be lonely. 

If you are more of an animal lover, volunteering at a local animal shelter is always a fun thing to do! You can walk dogs, play with kittens, or do any work that they need you to do. There are also many pet cafes where you can go and play with the dogs and cats even if you can’t adopt one. 

If you are someone who loves to read, a good idea might be starting a little free library. You can get rid of old books and build a little bookshelf outside and put your books in them. People love getting free books and exchanging them! For people who don’t like to buy books, this is a great option. 

On the topic of books, another great idea is a book drive. Collect all the old books you and your family don’t want anymore and you can give them away for free in front of your house. Advertise like you would a garage sale and you can accept donations. Make the book drive look more organized and separate the books by genre. Whatever donation money you earn can go towards the needy fund at your church or a charity, such as your local Friends of the Library. 

A small and easy way to get rid of your old books would be to donate them to your local library. It is always nice to do and you can ask your friends if they have anything to donate as well. The libraries appreciate it and once you get rid of your old books you can get more new ones to fill your shelf. Just be aware that if you live in a more populated or wealthier area, the books will probably go to the Friends of the Library book sale instead of being added to the collection for circulation.

If you are more artistic, a nice way to spread joy to people is to make a rock garden out front with positive messages. You can make a take-one-leave-one set up, or just make a bunch of rocks for people to see. It is always nice to go on a walk and be reminded that you are loved or that everything is going to be ok. Put your personal touch to the rocks. Some of them can be just pretty paintings but some of them can have inspiring–or even Orthodox–quotes. It’s nice to have a balance of both. 

Another artistic thing to do is to make cards for kids in hospitals. There are many organizations you can partner with to do this,  and it is always satisfying to make cards and know that they are appreciated. It is nice for the kids who receive the cards to know that they are being thought of. You can make cards during the holiday seasons or just for fun., but the more time you put into making them beautiful, the bigger impact it will have on the kids! 

This is more for helping nature rather than people: plant flowers that are native to your homeland and that attract bees, butterflies, and birds. You can make a home for them out of all the flowers you can plant, and it is always nice to have birds and butterflies around your home to watch. 

During Christmas, have a toy drive or save up and donate to a toy drive that is already going on. The toys will go to girls and boys who are less privileged. Sometimes toy drives want toys that are gently used so you could give some of your toys away instead of having to buy brand new ones. 

These are all small but important ways to give to other people. The bonus is that these are enjoyable ways to serve, instead of feeling like you’re working! 

What are some other ways you serve others?

How Orthodoxy Changed Me, Part 2

This is the second part of a series. Read the first part here.

by Londyn, Summer ‘24 Intern

When my mom first announced to my family that we would be attending a new church–that is, the Orthodox Church–I didn’t know what to feel, let alone to think. I was fourteen at the time and had never had any particular consistency with the denominations of my church; we mostly went wherever was closest to us. So, her announcement didn’t seem too out of the ordinary, and we didn’t put too much thought into it; we loved God and knew we should attend Church every Sunday. But what inspired this particular decision?

Since I was born, I’ve been a regular church attendee. I was baptized at six, alongside my dad, and later baptized again at age twelve in the Anglican Church. Between those years, we had tried a couple of other denominations, including Baptist and non-denominational. I appreciated the Anglican Church when I entered the building and experienced the service. But I had never heard much of the church, the only time being a brief mention of C. S. Lewis’s Christianity. Nonetheless, I have always been an eager learner so I was more than willing to participate in the service.

We quickly got plugged into the church and spent two years there. We believed we were all satisfied for approximately a year and a half of that time. But slowly, and yet again, we felt a nag, like something was missing. My mom would speak to me and ask questions about my views and thoughts of the church we participated in. Through our discussions, both full of positive and negative views, we almost considered attending a Catholic service. I was surrounded by quite a few Catholics, especially friends, and nearly thought this was a good idea—until I heard someone say to my mom, “Well, just choose whichever church feels right to you.”

Which church feels right? I thought to myself. This doesn’t seem sustainable. My family's “feelings” on different denominations have changed throughout the years and have always left us yearning for more. We can’t continue our walk with Christ based on our feelings.

However, we continued attending the Anglican Church for approximately another six months. Slowly, our church and priest were transitioning things to be more and more traditional. We switched from the more Protestant hymns and even popular-sounding Christian music to small components of chanting–something entirely new for me (and all of us in my family!). The first time I heard it in the service, I looked up from my service book; I definitely wasn’t expecting it. But I felt drawn to know, hear, and participate more. In my youth group, I heard a mention of Icons–another thing I had no clue about. I didn’t even know what to picture; I had never been exposed to that word! Oh, how much I had to learn.

In August of 2022, my mom made the abrupt decision I mentioned before. We were going to attend an Orthodox church and see what happened. She told my siblings and me that she had emailed the priest and that we would try out our first day that Sunday, which was only two days away. To be completely honest, I was upset. It felt too abrupt–we were happy enough at our Anglican church. Weren’t we?

And that’s just it. You can’t simply be “happy enough” or “just” satisfied in your love of Christ; it is so much deeper. The moment I stepped into the Orthodox Church, however, I was taken aback. The walls were adorned with icons; prayer, faith, and sincerity were all around me. Not only did I sense a holy presence, but I could see, smell, and fully participate in this glorious finding. I felt at home–even though I had just entered.

After five months of being attendees, we spoke with our priest and began catechism classes. Every hour per week we spent for months with him was like discovering my faith and love for Christ again. I found what I was missing. The truth and beauty of the Church, the Church that has been passed down for thousands of years! Glory be to God for this beautiful finding! I wanted to be chrismated and participate in the Holy Eucharist. And here is the start of when my spiritual life was entirely changed.

It took me months and, honestly, still years to come to become entirely accustomed to the services, the holy traditions, the feast days, and even the fasting. And through everything I have learned and experienced so far, I know that the missing part of me is finally found. I was always told that being a Christian is difficult, but I know, see, and believe that the sufferings here on earth we deal with are what make us stronger in our faith. I didn’t truly know what I believed in my faith for the first fourteen years; I listened to what I was told and never gave too much thought as to why there are so many offshoots of Christianity. But the moment I was exposed to the truth, I wanted nothing more than to always be surrounded by it.

Looking back, I wish that I was always exposed to the beauty of the Church and, if you’ve read my previous post, the beauty of homeschooling. However, the journeys that I went through are just the start of my life. The base I have been given is a strong foundation that I pray to keep for the rest of my earthly life. May God grant us all many years!

How Homeschooling Changed Me, Part 1

by Londyn, Summer ‘24 Intern

In just a few months, I will enter the ninth year of my homeschooling journey. My mother pulled me out of school at the end of second grade, and since then she has always been my favorite teacher.

The adjustment to attending a public school and switching to a classical education those “many, many” years ago was a slow process. On top of the rules at school that made my mom uncomfortable (why wasn’t she allowed to visit me during the days?), I experienced and saw bullying. My mom barely knew what I was taught during the long eight hours I was away from her, and I didn’t see my siblings as much as I would have liked. By the time I woke up in the morning, got ready, had breakfast, and raced to the bus stop, I already felt a longing for the comfort my mom has always provided me. Hours later, at lunch time, I would wonder why I couldn’t be at home enjoying a simple lunch with my family. Instead, I was crushed in a huge lunch hall with hundreds of loud and disrespectful children.

I had friends that I loved, so I was comfortable. Looking back, though, I know I wasn’t thriving. Whether or not my mom could fully sense my thoughts and feelings, she knew something was up. And though it took time for her to convince my dad this was the best option for me, years later, my family can’t imagine a different path. Homeschooling changed me.

I can’t truthfully say that I remember my first year of school at home crystal clear. I can say, however, that I was happy. Something was different—did I connect the dots as to what had changed? Maybe yes, maybe no. But simply looking back at the pictures my mother took that year, I see so much joy: my siblings and myself, as we sat around our dining table, listening to classical stories she would read aloud, munching on muffins we had made that morning, and sipping tea in pretty china. We studied the art of Van Gogh, Turner, and Constable; we listened to and discussed classical music that has been passed down for centuries. I believe I was exposed to more truth, beauty, and goodness that year than I had been handed my entire life in public school! And since then, my love for education has only grown. 

In all that I have shared, I have not dramatized my adoration for my home education; it is all true. I have not, however, mentioned the tears. And yes, there were tears (over something I now plan on majoring in college – Mathematics!) however, not in its entirety. I have always had a hankering for math, but my mother and I must have thought that long division (of all things!) would be the death of me. 

I wanted to give up; I was tired and frustrated. But my mom taught me something that day that has stayed with me all these years. Don’t give up. And so I listened; I tried. It took weeks and weeks for me to finally master the “Dirty Monkeys Smell Bad” (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down). But once I pushed through and finished, I felt accomplished. I had done something. 

As I finish up my last few years of home education and prepare for my away-from-home college studies, I remember where I came from. I remind myself of the beginning; the reason I truly love learning. Why am I going to college? To further that desire I have. To know and learn as much as I can: knowledge is a gift from God, a gift I want to nourish. 

In the second part of this post, I will dive deeper into something that took me longer to find than my search for wisdom–my search for and conversion to the Orthodox faith. Knowing and having a desire for truth began with an education at home; my first step into the Church has only strengthened this.

Those few words that my mom shared with me that day have stuck with me greatly: Don’t give up. Whatever it is that I am facing (often a tad more challenging than long division!) I know that if I make up my mind that I will do something, I will do it. I don’t let the words of others distract or discourage me. By being surrounded by such a beautiful, loving, and inspirational woman who gave me this education, I have also been given a yearning for some of the greatest gifts: knowledge, love for Christ, and truth. 

Read Londyn’s conversion story here!

Applying for College as a Homeschooler

by Ilinca, Fall ‘23 Intern

“So, how will you get into college?” If you’re a homeschooling high schooler, you’ve heard that question. I did, and it worried me. Now that I've been accepted to college, I’ve learned the answer is: “Just like everyone else.” Homeschoolers have the same rate of acceptance as brick-and-mortar school students, and there generally aren’t any application requirement differences for homeschoolers. Nevertheless, the process will inevitably feel different sometimes. 

Requirements

Many parts of the college application process are the same for homeschoolers and their public or private schooled peers. It was actually college essays which took the most time for me. Contrary to myth, colleges do not require homeschoolers to send in their high school diplomas or take the GED. The application forms I had to fill in were usually homeschooler-friendly. When they weren’t, articles on how to answer them abound on the internet. No college complained about my homeschool transcript or my parent-written counselor recommendation. 

Deciding where to apply

The first step of college applications is choosing which colleges to apply to. First, I thought about what I wanted in a college: I wanted it to be close by, to have my major and a wide variety of others, to be co-ed, and not to be ridiculously expensive. I researched colleges (mostly through internet searches), consulted my parents, and took the opportunity to hear a variety of opinions when people asked me, “so, where will you apply to college?” (NB: Saint Emmelia’s has compiled a list of colleges that are Orthodox & homeschool-friendly. Check it out here!)

Standardized Tests

Even though most colleges are “test-optional” now, I took the SAT. It’s objective; no one could argue my score is the result of my adoring parents assigning me a good grade. Standardized tests also increase chances of getting admission or a scholarship. Finally, there was little risk involved: if I hadn’t scored well, I just wouldn’t have sent my scores. While the SAT is often given at a public school, it’s managed by the College Board, not the school system, so I had no trouble signing up as a homeschooler. I found practice tests online, and the time management I learned as a homeschooler helped me get through them. I chose the SAT over the ACT and CLT, the two other popular standardized tests options, because 1) all colleges accept it, which rules out the CLT and 2) it gives more time to answer each question than the ACT. 

Letters of Recommendation

The prospect of finding letters of recommendation was concerning. How could I rival a public school kid’s arsenal of skilled recommendation writing teachers and guidance counselors? I learned that I had more wonderful teachers and other potential recommenders than I thought. My biggest trouble ended up being choosing between them! As for the guidance counselor recommendation, I found out that is technically my mom. I was definitely grateful that, throughout high school, I took classes and did activities outside my home, because that gave me the opportunity to meet the people that wrote my letters of recommendation. I would definitely recommend doing that, because it’s best if at least one of your letters of recommendation is written by someone outside your family: colleges will see that all the wonderful things your parent-counselor says are confirmed by other people. 

Transcripts

While homeschoolers don’t need to hand colleges their homeschool diplomas or take the GED, they do need to send in their homeschool transcripts. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize how long this step would take, so, while we had always kept track of my classes, we procrastinated putting my transcript together until a month or two before the deadline. First, we checked state laws for transcripts on HSLDA. Because I follow a curriculum, all my classes were named and described. But when it came to actual organization, my family didn’t have experience there (I’m the oldest child), so we used Academicrecords.net, a transcript-making website. While we didn’t end up using the transcript it generated because it was rather rigid and couldn’t accommodate the high school classes I took in Middle School, it was very helpful. It brought our attention to grading scales, GPA (weighted or unweighted), class levels, and other important elements of transcript formality. We ended up using a SEM transcript template. GPA calculations turned out easier than we thought. As for choosing between a weighted or unweighted GPA, after doing our research and calling colleges to ask which they prefer, we decided to go with a weighted GPA because 1) it could highlight the higher level classes I took and 2) the colleges and scholarships I was looking at preferred it.

The Counselor Recommendation and School Report

Finally, there was the counselor recommendation and school report my mom had to write. We didn’t realize how long this would take either. Among other things, it required a letter of recommendation written by my mom, a descriptive list of all classes taken outside the home, and an explanation of our educational philosophy and grading scale. My mom and I looked through our curriculum and brainstormed together before writing. We made it clear in the school report that we are Christian and I was educated in a Christian way, even to secular schools. If a school isn't willing to put up with that, we would rather they turned us down early. But, surprisingly, it did not give us any problems. For the grading philosophy, we used the grading scale we put on the transcript. For class descriptions, I copy-pasted from my syllabuses. 

Conclusion

College applications as a homeschooler were easier than I had thought based on the amount of concern homeschoolers typically receive on the topic. If I could give my past self advice, that would be:

First, make yourself a schedule, and give each piece of the application a different due date, some well before the application’s official due date. Especially with college essays, it’s tempting to “just work on it one more day,” and procrastinate the rest of the application due to unnecessary perfectionism. 

Second, don’t be afraid to answer people when they ask where you want to go to college. They can give you a lot of good advice, and if they don’t, you’re not obligated to obey.

Finally, don’t worry! I was afraid to press the submit button for each college. There was still so much room for improvement! And what if ten more minutes of work spells the difference between rejection and acceptance? But really, if you worked hard on it, and checked it two or three times, go ahead and send it! Don’t worry! Admissions officers don’t expect anyone, not even homeschoolers, to have perfect applications. 

If you would like to ask Ilinca questions, email us at office@saintemmelia.com. Make sure to check out our “High School & Beyond” resources!

My Gratitude For Journeying Through Lent As A Homeschooler

By Anya, Fall ’23 Intern

“The only thing in his sock drawer is a sandwich!” my brother said as he frantically prepared for school one morning. It was Holy Week, and he was looking for socks. He couldn’t find any in his dresser, so my mom told him to look in his brother’s drawers. He found only a sandwich, forgotten by our exhausted brother one night after services. We were trying to juggle the demanding work of private school with the many services we had during that week.

For us Orthodox Christians, the climax of the liturgical year is the Feast of Feasts—the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Preparing for Holy Week and Pascha is a very important season, as we focus on our spiritual growth through prayer, abstinence, alms, and confession. It is a blessing that, as homeschoolers, we are able to arrange our days and weeks to focus on Christ, His Church, and what He did for us. We can adjust our family schedules to prepare for and go to weekday services. For instance, we celebrate Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesdays and Fridays, and before each of these, we are asked to abstain from eating to receive communion. Often, school days can be tough and draining, and trying to fast and spiritually prepare for liturgy on top of homework and extracurricular activities is especially challenging. I cannot recall how often we had to rush home from a long day at private school and cram in all our school work before going to church. What a difference homeschooling made for us! The flexibility allows us to plan our lessons and workload around church.

As I ponder celebrating and participating in the Lenten season, there are many things that I am grateful for.

I am grateful for the flexibility we have as homeschoolers during a time of year when our schedule rarely fits into the world’s. We live in an increasingly secular world, and the bit of Christianity that is around us is very Western in its orientation and calendar. Dates for Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha (Easter) rarely align between East and West, and on the rare occasions they do, our observances and focus during this time vary significantly from those of our neighbors. The flexibility of homeschooling allows our family to balance our call to fasting, repentance, prayer, and moderation without worrying about how to mesh these priorities with those of public or private schools.

I am grateful that during this time of preparation in the Lenten season, my family and I can take advantage of flexibility in scheduling. We can schedule time to help the church prepare in other ways. Since parishes have more services and people attending during this season, the church might need more cleaning and help with making and putting out service books, scraping wax off the floor, decorating the tomb, preparing candle sleeves, etc.

I am grateful for my family during this time, and for the unique things we do and the traditions we share. Many of us go to choir practice together. We make kulich (Pascha Bread); we visit the Russian store to buy all our favorite feasting foods for our Pascha baskets, often making Pascha baskets for our friends, too. Most importantly, each service can spark so many conversations with family about Theology, the life of Christ, and the lives of saints from hymns and homilies.

I am grateful that in the eight to nine days leading up to the Feast of Feasts, we have no school scheduled. We know, in advance, our schedule of services and know that we want to do very little that week other than focus on the meaning, lesson, and beauty of each service, and how it helps prepare us for what we are about to celebrate. On Lazarus Saturday, our focus shifts from ourselves to Christ. On Palm Sunday, we remember the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem after His miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Early in Holy Week, at the Bridegroom Matins services, we learn from the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which calls for preparedness at the Second Coming. On Holy Wednesday, we are anointed and receive the sacrament of Holy Unction. On Holy Thursday, we go through the gospels and hear the story of Christ’s Passion. On Holy Friday, we contemplate the burial of Christ and His sufferings with solemnity. On Holy Saturday, we celebrate the beautiful Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil when the altar cloths are changed from black to white, and we first hear of the Resurrection.

I am grateful on Pascha, as we all are, that Christ has risen from the dead and has trampled down death by death, bestowing life to those in the tombs. We celebrate and partake in all the richness and beauty that is Pascha, and break the fast.

I am grateful that during Bright Week, we don’t just forget about Pascha and move on as we would if we would have had school that week. Instead, the feast continues, and we can go to all Bright Week services and learn from them as well.

The story I shared about my brother reminds me of the many demands we have during the time of Lent and Holy Week and how hectic it can get. At that time, my brothers and I were attending a private school, and much of our time and schedule was dictated by their Roman Catholic calendar, which only occasionally overlapped with that of the Orthodox Church.

When we began homeschooling, one of the gifts it gave our family was the ability to focus on learning through experiences. The flexibility of homeschooling allows us to experience, in its fullness, all the Church has to offer the faithful during Lent and Holy Week. It is not only a time of year to learn and experience, it is a time when we more earnestly live and see the gift God has given us because He loves us and wants us to live in eternity with Him.

I am grateful I don’t miss out on these blessings which I am grateful for.

In the Shadow of the Monastery

by Olivia, Fall ‘23 Intern

Three years ago I moved to Goldendale from Wenatchee. Many things changed for me then, and one of them was that I was now minutes away from a large women’s monastery. Many of the Orthodox families in the area attend monastery services to be with family, soak up the grace, or simply because they live closer to it than to a regular parish. Although I attend the mission in town, I still visit the monastery often to assist the sisters with their work, and it has been highly beneficial. My and my parents’ plan was to make visiting the monastery part of my education. And I have been learning a lot–it almost feels like a type of home economics course. I’ve discovered how to chop the perfect size of lettuce and how to fold fitted sheets (yes, it’s possible). However, my education and learning is not the only thing that’s flourishing–let’s not forget that this is a monastery!

As soon as you enter the monastery, you can feel the difference. There’s something about the quiet of the trees and the restful bleating of the goats that just fills your heart with delight; that and the continual prayer from the sisters that makes your soul dance with joy. It feels so different from the disorderly, wild, distracting world we all live in. There are no phones screeching notifications at you, no social media demanding your life, no one to try to impress or to be judged by. I like to call it a grace bubble, a place to take a break from the confusion of the secular world and to let our souls take a breath.

Some people may consider monasteries boring, or they may think that there’s nothing to do. I beg to differ. Every sister has a job, and guests are seldom without one. There is a little rest period after lunch, thank God, but other than that we work from breakfast to vespers. The work is also pleasant in many ways. Not only have I learned fabulous new things and have been assigned fascinating and potentially fun projects (it all depends on attitude!), but I am also bathed in grace as I work. Why? Because every single thing done at a monastery is for Christ, so whatever happens is blessed.

Of course you don’t need to do everything for Christ: our God is not a tyrant, and neither are the sisters. They don’t look over your shoulder as you mop, murmuring “you’re doing that for Christ, right?” Sure, you will get a little bit of the grace merely because the sisters around you are working for Christ's sake, but you won’t get the full benefit if you yourself are unwilling to work or unwilling to be joyful.

I like to work in the kitchen, where the miracles happen. I’m only half joking: the monastery food is crazily good, no matter what they put in front of you. Many moms around here have asked the sisters for their recipes, but what sits on the dinner table at home is nothing compared to the meals at the monastery, even if the cook uses the exact same ingredients. Wondering why? Well, it becomes very clear when you work in the kitchen alongside the sisters. This is the miracle: the room echoes, and all day long, it sounds like it is filled with chirping birds–the sound of the sisters whispering the Jesus Prayer into the food. Grace is an energy; prayer produces grace. So it only makes sense that whatever energy you are producing affects the food you are making. The grace of God, which makes everything beautiful, also has the ability to make food delightful.This is also true about bad energy. If you’ve had a really hard day, and you’re sour and feeling like you are about to detonate with wrath, the food will not be as miraculously delectable as if you had had your mind on Christ. It’s the hidden yet most crucial ingredient to making good food.

I also like to work with the guest house sisters. They do chores, chores, and more chores. To some that might sound like a nightmare, but for me, it is fantastic. We clean the guest house so that staying at the monastery is welcoming; we clean the trapeza so that eating is enjoyable; we chop wood so that winter is cozy. It feels so good to think that you are bringing delight and comfort to another, just by cleaning. One of the sisters told me something that Elder Ephraim had said: “Hospitality and cleanliness are the highest virtues.” It sounded a little strange at first. What about humility or diligence? But when I thought about it, I eventually got what he was saying. What is more humble than getting on your hands and knees and cleaning a toilet? What is more diligent than mopping the same floor day after day? What is more selfless than cleaning an area that you aren’t meant to use anyway, like the guest house? It is dumbfounding what you learn, and what grace you acquire by doing chores.

I realize how insanely fortunate I am to have this ability to escape, truly, whenever I want. I can drive myself to the monastery, even just to stay for a few hours in the morning; it’s only fifteen minutes away. Some of my friends live farther away from monasteries, so they have to pack a week’s load of stuff, go on a long road trip, and get only a taste of the monastery before driving all the way back again. Some people are entirely fine with that. I guess God understood that the ability to visit this monastery whenever I needed would draw me closer to Him, and it has.

Working at the monastery has taught me how to do, and the value of doing, everything for Christ’s sake. I mean, He died for my sake; cleaning and cooking is the least I can do. I don’t believe it is just monastics that benefit from living this life; I think it is the calling of the Christian life in general. If we love Christ, why wouldn’t we want to do everything for him? Monasteries in general are so beneficial, they are havens in this turbulent world. I am growing emotionally and spiritually in the shadow of this monastery, and working there for Christ’s sake has brought so much light into my life.

The Church-Related Opportunities of a Homeschooler

 by Anya, Fall ’23 Intern

Every student–whether public schooled, private schooled, or homeschooled–has routines, priorities, and expectations. Attending a public or private school requires schedules and routines to fit the mold of their calendar and requirements, while homeschooling allows the space and flexibility to focus priorities on God, His Church, and family, while still fulfilling state requirements for homeschooling. Being a homeschooler has allowed me to participate in and experience the life of the Church in ways I otherwise would not have been a part of.

As a young teen, I began assisting our church secretary and my father in support of one of our parish ministries. Due to my father’s work schedule, keeping up with the bookkeeping and deposits for our men's ministry weekly collection was becoming increasingly difficult. So I began going into the church office once a week to prepare the funds to be deposited and to keep a ledger for that account. Not only was I able to help my father, but I was able to learn valuable bookkeeping skills. This weekly task gradually turned into helping out with multiple church ministries and administrative tasks, such as making service books, setting up filing systems, keeping inventory, and working for our church gift shop. I gained so much knowledge about office work, organization, and, most importantly, God’s Church. Eventually, I designated one day a week to spend the day at church working on these projects. Homeschooling provided me, and several other kids in my parish, wonderful opportunities and flexibility to volunteer at the church every week.

Our annual International Food Festival is our parish’s biggest fundraiser. Nearly everyone in the parish volunteers to support this event. While all parishioners, including teens, were involved in planning, preparing for, and running the festival, my opportunities were broader because of my flexibility. I have been able to handmake ethnic costumes, learn about the various cultures in our parish, assist with marketing, set up our technology needs, and share information about our faith and Church with visitors.

People often associate church with Sunday mornings only. In addition to Sunday morning liturgies, throughout the year, we celebrate many feasts on weekdays and hold vespers the evening before, along with the weekly molebens and vespers. Being homeschooled, I am blessed to be able to attend all these services to worship and learn about Christ and the Church through them. For example, my family can adjust our routine to attend the Lenten services during Great Lent and Holy Week. We can suspend our typical classes during Holy Week and focus on learning from the scripture and wisdom shared during the many weekly services.  Nothing is more important than participating in the life of the church and incorporating it into everyday life.

Another great opportunity homeschoolers have is the ability to include Orthodoxy in their everyday studies. We have chances to  make connections to the Church in all subjects. This is far from possible in a public school setting with their fixed, secular curriculums. I am part of an Orthodox homeschool co-op where I have taken classes such as Iconography, Bible & Saints, Hymns & Chants, and The Divine Liturgy, in addition to standard courses that are taught from an Orthodox perspective. All these classes still help me meet the state requirements for homeschooling.

I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have as a homeschooler that I wouldn’t have otherwise if I were schooled elsewhere. Do you want to get involved in the church, but don’t know of  any ministries you can help with? No matter your age, chances are there is some way you can support your church. If you don’t think there are any opportunities, start something! Consider asking your priest what your parish's needs are. For example, are there enough girls in your parish to start a “Handmaidens” or “Myrrh-bearers” ministry in which the girls learn how to take care of the candles and clean the icons? Or could you and other young people help prepare for different aspects of Holy Week, like decorating the tomb, filling baskets of flower petals, helping pass out blessed items, etc.? Such a ministry could also incorporate educational and social components. For example, in addition to the activities already suggested, girls can get together for social events and learn a skill from an older woman in the parish or discuss a topic with and get advice from them. In addition to serving in the altar, they can help out in landscaping/outdoor work, or organize outdoor trips with the dads.

I strongly encourage any homeschooler to regularly become a part of their church, as the most important way to dedicate your time and effort is to give it to God. It is unfortunate that those unfamiliar with homeschooling often say that homeschoolers lack opportunities to socialize and be involved in “activities.” I would say that the unique opportunities available to homeschoolers are diverse, social, and focused on that which is most important in our lives. These opportunities help homeschoolers grow as students, citizens, and members of their church community.

Reflections from a "New" Homeschooler

by Cecilia, Fall ‘23 Intern

Two years ago, I made the decision to leave public school to pursue a classical homeschool education. This was a difficult, but ultimately extremely edifying process. I chose the online homeschooling route: taking classes with online Christian academies. I was very unsure of what to expect when I first began this journey, so I hope this article will offer some clarity and encouragement to those exploring homeschooling, specifically the online option. I will elaborate on the reasoning behind my switch to classical homeschooling, the Orthodox homeschool pedagogy, and its effect on my spiritual life.

Why I started homeschooling

In middle school, I was beginning to experience struggles with my public school’s curriculum, method of teaching, and atmosphere. The direction the school district was heading was alarming–to say the least– and I felt unable to continue being taught in such a secular and progressive manner. The teaching undeniably had an agenda, pushing ideas upon me that I did not agree with as an Orthodox Christian. I was beginning to realize that the aforementioned secular teaching was damaging my spiritual and academic health. I felt a sincere longing for an Orthodox–or at the very least, a Christian–perspective on school subjects, so I decided to completely change my style of schooling. My parents did not force me to make this switch; I decided personally. I am so blessed to have their support through this journey!

Beginning my freshman year in high school, I started online homeschooling, taking classes from two Orthodox schools: Saint Athanasius Academy and Saint Raphael School. I now take classes with Classical Learning Resource Center and Scholé Academy as well. I can earnestly say that this was a life-changing experience, and one I would recommend to anyone struggling with the public school system as I was.

Expectations vs. reality

There are many stereotypes concerning homeschoolers, which may unnerve anyone exploring homeschooling, but let me assure you that most are merely myths! I was extremely worried that I would become the homeschooled kid prototype: awkward, socially unaware, and improperly educated. In reality, I have noticed that homeschoolers are often the opposite of these stereotypes, particularly concerning the notion that they are improperly educated. If anything, homeschoolers explore more subjects and topics than possible in a public school. To address the “socially unaware” misconception, I have found that homeschoolers can pick up a conversation with just about anyone due to their education in so many varying subjects.

In addition to the stereotypes, the prospect of isolation concerned me as well, as I was worried that I would have no community or friendships. In reality, I entered into a much healthier and faithful community when I started homeschooling. I have been able to interact with peers from Saint Emmelia Ministries, my classes, and online school clubs. I have met so many inspiring people and feel very connected, having ample opportunities to socialize, both online and in-person.

Orthodox homeschool pedagogy

The curriculum of my classes has been extremely edifying and nourishing, as we study classical literature and the liberal arts in addition to the standard subjects. In class, we have interactive discussions and debates, leading to more thorough comprehension of subjects. Oftentimes, my public school taught topics in correspondence to what would be on the standardized assessments, which led to my simply memorizing things for a test. On the contrary, in my classical online classes, I have found myself genuinely soaking in knowledge and being able to retain information.

The teachers in these online classical academies educate their students in a manner that allows for the expressing of opinions and points of view. They teach them how to think, not what to think; there is no agenda.

Additionally, homeschooling (particularly through online classes) allows for a smoother transition from high school to college, if one should choose this path after graduating. The schedule I now have is effectively a college schedule, with classes generally running twice a week. Homeschooling calls one to learn time management and take accountability of one’s own homework schedule, which are both vital skills in college.

Spiritual life

The flexibility of my schedule has allowed me to be more actively involved in the Church’s feast days and lenten services, which was something very difficult to do when I was public-schooled. Moreover, my teachers’ and classmates’ zeal for the faith has been very inspiring and formative. I am so blessed to receive an Orthodox Christian foundation in my learning! In every class, we start and end with a prayer, which may seem insignificant, but makes a substantial difference in our learning. It allows our minds to acknowledge and concentrate on the reason behind learning: to grow in the knowledge of God’s creation, beauty, and greatness. Orthodox online academies also offer Catechism classes, which have increased my knowledge of the Saints, Church history, and Orthodox theology.

The atmosphere of an Orthodox homeschool classroom is very spiritually nourishing, as the students are taught to glorify God in all things; this has prompted me to genuinely see God in every subject.

Switching from public school to online classical homeschooling has been a transformative experience. Learning and discussing every subject with Orthodox Christianity at its base has truly reshaped my perspective on the world, the arts, and my faith.

Finding Community as a Homeschooler

Juliana, Summer 2023 Intern

A common struggle for homeschoolers is finding a supportive community in which to thrive. This is especially true if you attend a small parish or are a part of a church community with few homeschoolers. It is easy to feel alone and cut off from society, but that does not mean one must despair. 

The desire for independence also increases as we become teens.  Whether conscious of this or not, we want to stretch ourselves and practice all of the beautiful treasures our parents have passed down to us. This is good and natural.  So how can we do this when we feel limited in the number of people we are surrounded by or too shy to approach those in our presence?

While the task may seem daunting, know that our church offers us so many ways to find and embrace community, of which I’ll share a few.

Embrace the Church’s Model of Community

Modern society offers a boxed-in representation of what community ought to be. But this is not the way we were created to commune. Seek the church’s guidance of community instead. Parishioners are rightly called your parish family. Rather than seeking solely those who are your age, consider befriending all your fellow parishioners as your aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and grandparents.

Join a Committee or Ministry Group

Consider joining a committee or ministry group in your parish. One of the easiest ways to connect with others is to work together.  It relieves the pressure of inventing something to say. It also offers opportunities to meet new people while spreading Christ’s love to others while doing His work. Those who experience toil and hardship together develop stronger bonds and laboring in this way is so good for the soul.

Embrace the Little Ones

Parenting is a huge task, so know that the parents of little ones will appreciate the opportunity to interact with other members of the parish. And if you haven’t already noticed, conversations with little ones can be quite entertaining and spontaneous.  Don’t limit your interactions to Sundays either.  Consider sending notes in the mail to the young members of your parish: it will enrich your coffee hour conversations by giving you more to talk about, and it will deepen the little ones’ sense of belonging—truly a beautiful treasure to offer to our youngest generation.

Remember Your Elders

Don’t forget the older members of your church community as well. They have passed on many treasures to us, and still have so much to teach us. Consider pulling up a chair and bringing a chess board. Not only will you brighten their day, but you’d also be surprised by the knowledge they pass on.  These experienced parishioners also tend to have much knowledge in the art of handiwork, which is beneficial to our spiritual growth. If you have trouble with your garden, recipes, or woodwork, you may find all your questions answered by simply remembering  and communicating with your elders.

Attend an Event or Conference

Let us not forget Saint Emmelia Ministries. You will find a welcoming community of other Orthodox homeschoolers. When you have the chance, attend one of the online or in-person gatherings. There are many teens just like you looking for community and attending these events. You may even discover that there are other homeschoolers living in proximity to you. You never know who your neighbor may be and what kind of friendship you may be missing.

As you seek to embrace the community that God has planted you in, remember that you are not alone.  Christ is everywhere present and with us.  May God bless you on your path as you embrace each one in your community as icons of Christ for His glory.

What other ways can we seek, embrace, and create community?

A Teen's Tips for Homeschooling through High-School

by Erika, Summer ‘23 Intern

High school is often the time when families shift from homeschool to "real" school (the misnomer commonly used in our house, at least, for brick-and-mortar school). I am very grateful to my parents, though, for giving me the opportunity to be homeschooled from preschool through graduation; and I believe I came out of the four years of high school a better-formed person with more knowledge and skills that will be of use to me the rest of my life than if I had gone to public school. Homeschooling has also offered me more freedom in my education and with my time than I would have otherwise had. As the oldest child in my family, there was certainly a learning curve to homeschool highschool, but it was a blessed journey! Here are some tips I learned along the way that helped me make the most of my four years of high school:

Explore your interests

High school is a perfect time to explore your interests. Take a class, find an internship or job, do something that really interests you. That way you will get a sense of what you would like to pursue further. For example, four years ago, I saw that the Saint Raphael School offered an iconography class, and to me, an opportunity to learn iconography sounded amazing. I enrolled in the class, and have taken the subsequent levels of it every year, as well as interned with a local iconographer. I was able to try a lot of different things in high school, some I loved, some I realized weren’t for me. So, take the opportunities you’re given and try something new that excites you!

Take the initiative in your education

High school is also a great time to begin to take ownership of your own education. This is especially necessary if you are in a big family and have many siblings that also need your mom’s time and attention. Regardless, beginning to take the initiative in your education is a good growing step. Don’t just sit through classes and do your homework because "your mom told you to." Set your own goals and motivate yourself. Say to yourself: I want to study these subjects and perform well in them so that [insert future goals here]. This is not to say that you shouldn’t take the classes your parents tell you to take and put care and effort into them! My point is rather that you should take the beginning steps towards owning your education.

Create a schedule for yourself

Being organized is really key to staying on top of everything. Especially if you are juggling different classes, extracurricular activities, a job or other responsibilities, it is helpful to have it all written out. I have also found it helpful to create a daily schedule to make the most of every day—outlining when you’ll get up, say your prayers, work out, do your math homework. A schedule makes for a more productive day and helps build self-discipline!

Work hard

I cannot understate the importance of hard work. If you want certain results—from classes or from anything in life—the only factor you can control is yourself: how much time and effort you put in. If you want to be good at an instrument, you need to practice, practice, practice. If you want to be good at a sport, you need to practice. If you want to excel at school or whatever else you are pursuing, you need to put in that same kind of focused time and energy; that is, you need to work hard at it! Of course, hard work doesn’t guarantee anything because we can achieve nothing by ourselves: God gives us the strength and grace for our work, and if the results are what we were striving for, glory to God. But if it doesn’t go the way we planned, thank God, His plan is always better.

Do something else

As a homeschooler, it can be easy to not do much outside of school, but a variety of activities helps to create balance in our lives. I have always been better off when I have other things that get me moving and out of the house to balance school. And the harder I work at school, the more I have found this to be true. Whether it be a sport, job, book club, or something else, it is healthy to have balance in your life and to get out from your desk and do something else. Balancing your life means that you give attention and care to all aspects of yourself: mind, body, and soul. If you do nothing but school, you will be giving all your time to your mind, but neglecting the rest of your person!

Take advantage of your flexibility

Take advantage of the flexibility you have as a homeschooler! For me, flexibility was one of the greatest benefits of being homeschooled. I loved being able to take my school and classes with me wherever we went. Our family was so blessed this past October to be able to take a cross-country road trip, something we certainly could not have done if we were not homeschooled. Also this past year, I spent two weeks at an Orthodox brick-and-mortar school, observing and helping out, another opportunity that was only possible because of the flexibility of homeschool. So, however you and your family are able, be creative and take advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves as a result of your "non-conventional" schooling!

These are a few things that have helped me succeed in high school as a homeschooler. Many of them are also important life lessons that will continue to help me in whatever I am pursuing in life! I owe a big thank you to my parents for homeschooling me in high school. I hope that you find some of these tips helpful for your own homeschool high school endeavors; thank God if you do!