Living Proof - Fall 2007

Looking back on my twenty years of life, my entire education done at home, I can’t help but get a big smile on my face. I’m living proof that home schoolers can be educated, intelligent and socially adept. Unfortunately, many people still have the misimpression that home schoolers are stone faced, socially backwards introverts. When I meet these folks for the first time I think they are shocked that I can actually smile! My name is Kristen Baird and I’m living proof that home education not only works, but works very well. When I meet a person for the first time and we chat for a little while, the “school question” is bound to come up. As a six foot two inch tall girl I tend to draw a little attention. I can’t go anywhere without being asked how tall I am, do I play basketball or volleyball, and what school do I go to. As soon as they ask these questions, I know I am in for a long conversation. It is never a quick and easy answer to say that you’re simply “home schooled”. That just opens the door to a plethora of questions. The interrogation usually sounds something like this: Who teaches you if you don’t go to a school? Do you play sports or just knit and quilt all day? Do all home school students live together in a commune kind of thing? Where do you get your books from? Are you afraid to be in public away from your family? Finally, (after a quick glance left and right) is it legal? After thirteen years of being asked dozens of questions like these, I’ve refined my answers. I feel like a professional counselor speaking to a very confused, but intrigued patient. By the time I’m done explaining how home schooling works and sharing how much I actually enjoy it, most people smile and say something like: “Wow, I always thought home school students couldn’t communicate very well, but you’re perfectly normal and have very good social skills”! I try not to overwhelm them by being too outgoing, so I just smile and say thanks.

There is a good reason why I can communicate with people that aren’t in my age group, or even close to it. Having six younger siblings and one older brother, my classroom was very diverse in age. One of the things I enjoyed most about being home schooled was that I didn’t spend all day in classes with kids that were around my age. I always supported my siblings by attending their sports games, church activities, and simply hanging out with them and their friends. I grew up learning how to communicate with people of all ages - little kids, parents and even the grandma next door! I feel very confident speaking with anyone and everyone, and have a great time doing it!

For this home school girl, life in the real world was something I was being prepared for at a very young age without even realizing it. I never took a speech and debate or communications class in high school. I guess you can say for this “non social” home schooler, it was naturally implemented into my school and life each and every day...and my parents didn’t even give me extra credit for it! I’m extremely grateful to my parents for making the decision to home school me from start to finish. Somehow home schooling prepared me to venture out on my own into the world of “regular” people without flinching and wringing my hands the whole time

Winter 2008

What is the biggest trend in education today? Since you are reading this article chances are you already know. Homeschooling, of course. According to some estimates, approximately 2.5 million students are currently being educated at home in the United States. Why do so many parents choose homeschooling for their children’s education? According to an article from the National Center for Education Statistics, the most common reason was “their concern about the public school environment.” Other concerns included “a desire to provide religious or moral instruction” and “caring for a child with special needs.” The average homeschool family claims to be Christian, has high moral standards, and attends church on a weekly basis.

It is usually assumed that homeschool children are academically more advanced than the average student. Is this true? A recent study posted on Lifeway.com states, “standardized test scores are good, with many studies showing that the average homeschooler is scoring at the 76 percentile. In effect, that means that homeschoolers have succeeded in moving the bell curve to the right by a quartile.” Most homeschool parents don’t even place “academics success” as the top priority for homeschooling their children. The main focus seems to be on teaching personal religious and moral beliefs to their kids.

It amazes me how advanced the average homeschool child is in other ways also. Have you ever compared a homeschool 8th grader to a regular 8th grader? The homeschoolers maturity level is usually much higher, they are more respectable, responsible, and polite. When I would hang around the gym during my basketball games I noticed how well all the kids interacted with each other. From the toddlers chugging around the stands to the varsity player sitting around, all the kids interacted easily, regardless of age. Almost every child there could also interact and be at ease with the adults they came in contact with. When I attend an event of non homeschooled kids it is quite a contrast. Everyone tends to clump together by age group and avoid anyone outside their “click.”

Many people ask me if I felt like I missed out by not attending regular school. I want to reply “yeah, I missed out alright…on sitting in a chair for eight hours a day, learning under many anti Christian teachers, doing homework every night, spending all my time with one age group, suffering through the typical teenage boy/girl drama, bomb threat evacuations, and worrying about violent student breakouts.” No, I didn’t miss “regular school.” Instead of evolution lessons I learned such things as creation, morality, integrity, honesty, self-discipline, and even manners!

Doing my school at home each day gave me the opportunity of learning numerous life skills as well as regular academics. Everything I did during the day was a part of my complete learning experience. My home economics class took place every night in the kitchen where I’d help my mom prepare the family dinner, and then eventually prepare it on my own. Learning new things didn’t have a time limit for us, it was twenty-four seven. Being homeschooled gave me the opportunity to spend more time outside of my textbooks as well. During high school, I not only maintained all my school work, I had a part time job, played varsity basketball, was very active in my church activities and still had time to spend with my family.

So maybe the reason homeschoolers tend to be academically more advanced isn’t because we spend all day studying text books, but is due to our never ending hands on education that goes far beyond the four walls of our house. Instead of learning about life and living from books, I lived life for real. Just like I do now.

Spring 2008

wo tragic events took place in my hometown of San Antonio, Texas within the last couple of years. Each event took place within one year of the other on what seemed to be pretty average days in the homeschool community. What makes these two tragic stories so amazing is how God used them to show me how blessed I am to have my God, my loving family and my very large extended “homeschool family” in times of trouble. I thought having ten people in my family was a lot until I realized that I am part of an even bigger family – the homeschool community. Everyone supports each other in good times and hard times. This support was never more evident than during these two very tragic times in my life.

Two years ago on a very hot July day my family and I were excitedly anticipating the birth of my brother and baby number nine, little Matthew Paul Baird. Shortly before his due date, my mom sensed something was wro, but she wasn’t sure exactly what it was. After several tests were performed by a specialist, we were told that Matthew Paul had some serious health issues which couldn’t be pinpointed until he was born. Mom was admitted to the hospital in preparation for his birth. Many, many, friends and family gathered at the hospital to pray. Once Matthew was born and the doctors ran some tests, they informed my parents that he had an extremely rare but fatal disease called trisomy 18. My brother only lived for eight hours. As my family and I spent those few precious hours with Matthew, holding, kissing and loving on him, the homeschool community gathered to offer support through prayer and encouragement. My family and I had never felt so much love and support by our “homeschool family” as we did that day and the many days that followed. They brought meals, took care of my siblings so mom could rest and allowed dad to make plans for the burial and memorial service. Hundreds of homeschoolers came to Matthew’s memorial service to show their support and love. Little did we know we would all be together again one year later enduring another tragedy.

On another typical night, basketball practice was taking place as it did every Thursday night in our homeschool gym. The reigning national champion San Antonio Patriots varsity basketball team was preparing for the National Homeschool Tournament in OKC. Every player on the team was a senior except my brother Stephen Baird-a freshman, and Marcus Moran-a junior. With the tournament just weeks away, the whole team focused hard on their game. As they scrimmaged each other for the remaining few minutes of practice, one of the players suddenly collapsed onto the floor. It was our seventeen year old junior Marcus. A doctor, his family and other parents were all in the gym at the very moment he collapsed. EMS was called and arrived on the scene within minutes. Marcus was under the best of care at all times. Marcus was immediately rushed to the emergency room. I was at home during this time and received a phone call with the news that Marcus was in the emergency room. My dad and brother left from the gym and went straight to the hospital. The rest of the family followed shortly thereafter. We all gathered to pray together in the waiting room. Many homeschool families continued to flood into the hospital, hardly leaving room to walk. Sam Moran, Marcus’ younger brother, was with Marcus and his family in the emergency room. In a few minutes Sam called one of the families in the waiting area. The mom that received the call burst into tears and announced that Marcus was in heaven. The room was filled with people in stunned silence and others who just cried. Marcus was not coming home with his family that night, he was home for good with his Savior.

We were allowed into the emergency room where Marcus looked as peaceful as if he were sleeping. I felt so helpless, but I knew God was in control and I could feel His presence. I couldn’t believe he was gone, but thankful he was in the presence of his Savior. Homeschool families continued to arrive at the hospital as the shocking news spread. Doctors and nurses in the emergency room were visibly touched by the overwhelming support for the Moran family. One nurse commented that he had never experienced this kind of support for any patient he had ever cared for. What he experienced was the genuine support and love of my homeschool family!
Several days later a memorial service was held where hundreds of people came to comfort and support the Moran family. It was unbelievable! Again, I witnessed my “homeschool family” pulling together in a time of tragedy and sadness. Hundreds of letters, e-mails, flowers, and gifts continued to flood the Moran home. It has been over a year since Marcus went to be with the Lord. The homeschool community recently celebrated his life by having a “one year memorial celebration.” The celebration took place in the same gym that Marcus took his last breath on earth. Again, I was amazed to see hundreds of people from my “homeschool family” attend this glorious day in memory of Marcus. We were united…like one big loving family. It was during this time that I realized how unbelievable truly blessed I really am to be a part of this extended family.

Summer 2008

He won eight gold medals, broke several world records, and made Olympics history in just one week. Whether you watched the Olympics this past summer or not, it’s almost a guarantee that you heard about the amazing performance by Michael Phelps. I’m sure the Olympics would be an incredible event to take part in. As I watched the hundreds of athletes compete against each other, one thing was for sure, they all had the same mindset – go for the gold. It was extremely inspiring for me to see some of the young teenagers compete at such an intense level. I thought about the hours and hours of training time that consumed their lives prior to coming to Beijing. Athletics wasn’t a recreational sport that they simply competed in back home – it was their life.

I really enjoyed playing high school basketball and competing at the National Homeschool Basketball Championship Tournament that takes place in Oklahoma, City each year. I clearly remember the adrenalin rush that I got as I stepped onto the court to compete in the championship varsity 6A game. I glanced into the audience for a quick peak and quickly realized how many people were staring back at me. With approximately five thousand people watching, I became a little nervous. It was biggest crowd that I had ever competed in front of. After experiencing that kind of feeling, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have competed in Beijing with millions of people watching you all over the world. That’s what I call a serious adrenalin rush! The athletes thrive for on feeling of excitement. They train for years and years for that one moment.

I don’t know about you, but the Olympics really inspired me to work out more. As I watched the women’s marathon race, I suddenly had a great urge to get up and start running outside to see how far I could make it. I started to think about my own life and wondered what would have happened if I trained for the Olympics. How would I do in training everyday, eating certain diets, and constantly striving to be better? Would I have enough endurance and discipline to accomplish something as great as winning a gold medal?
The Olympics caused me to think about my life right now and the way I am living. What are my ultimate goals in life? What do I want to accomplish before I die?

To me, the most dramatic part of the Olympics is when the winners receive their medals. After hundreds of hours put into training, it finally pays off. The huge smile on their faces light up the camera as they stand on the podium awaiting the bronze, silver, and gold medals. It almost brings me to tears every time an American wins the gold and they play the National Anthem. As I watched these incredible athletes receive their medals, I wondered what was going on in their heads. Their entire life was lived in hopes of having this moment!

As amazing as it might be, there is something even better and far more valuable than winning a gold medal. When the Olympics came to an end, I started thinking about my own life and evaluating my old goals. As a Christian, my ultimate goal needs to be focused on winning the gold in heaven! Okay, so we wont get an Olympic gold medal in heaven, but we will be judged on how well we lived our lives for Christ. I want to live a life worthy of my calling by God. When I stand before the judgment seat of Christ, I want nothing more than for him to say “well done, good and faithful servant.” It doesn’t come easy though. Just like the Olympic athletes, I need to be doing my own training by reading the Word of God and by living a God glorifying life. Think about it – the Bible compares our lifetime to running in a race. Stay faithful to God until the end. Live for your eternal reward. “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25)