Unschooled adults

[granola_mom]

Hi everyone...
I'm new to the unschooling philosophy by that name, but have believed for quite some time that our current schooling system is very undemocratic and unjust and have gone to some free school classes. I am 20 years old and have a seven month old daughter, am currently being supported by my family while I get myself on my feet. I just started out as a doula, too. My family is full of big time capitalists. They are big on fancy private schools and the best universities, the best jobs, etc. This isn't a problem for me, per se, because I really couldn't care whether they feel I am a "success" or not, and they dont mind if I don't go to univerisity, but my problem is this: I am very conditioned to believe I can't get anywhere in life without the best education. I've always wanted to be a social worker, for example. How do I get a job I love without surrendering to a system I don't support? I'm considering taking my birthing career further, but would really like some other ideas and options. Are there any other adults on here who didn't follow the herd and get ushered into university and still feel they are happy with where they are? Is it possible for me to raise my DD without going to a formal school and still have HER get the career she wants? I don't want her to resent me for not giving her all the opportunities she deserves. Are there any of you who actually were unschooled as children and grew up to have a fulfilling career?
Thanks!

[Skiesmama]

Lots of unschooled kids go on to college. Maybe some people unschooling don't believe in going to college, but most of the people I know unschooling which is loads - are very supportive of their kids going to college if that is what they choose. Also, contrary to popular believe it's not that difficult t ogo to college as an unschooler. I've known lots that idd just that.

Heather

[Frithweaver]

Heilsa!

I was/am unschooled. I taught myself Paleontology, as that was my dream career, I had no issue self-educating, and being taken seriously for my obvious ability.

I do however not wholly unschool my children.

It is my belief that the best education for children is niether. Each family should step back, and honestly examine their lifestyles and personality types. Then decide what topics should be unschooled, homeschooled, tutored, "delayed", and introduced. This is always changing like the children themselves, but it is the best education.

In frith :

[bookwormommy]

I went to PS through 5th grade, then attended a very rinky-dink church basement school. The idea was to do these workbooks at your own pace. I ended up staying home from school a lot, and still finished just after turning 15. It wasn't exactly unschooling, but it was a lot like it. Most of my education was from my parents, not from those cheesy workbooks.

I spent the next couple of years helping run the household and our little farm - a "real life" education, also a lot like unschooling.

I then attended a state university for my BS, and another state university for my doctorate, and have a great career as a veterinarian and small business owner.

I don't think where a person ends up has much to do with where they attend school - you get out of your education what you put into it. We plan to unschool our little girl, and we don't assume she'll even want or need to attend college. If she does, we'll encourage her to attend less expensive schools within the state system.

[papayapetunia]

Well, if you want to be a social worker, you'll be employed by the state, bound by bureaucracy, etc. Maybe you should look at which aspects of being a social worker appeal to you and go from there. Do you want to help children? People who are poor? You also have an interest in birthing. Maybe you want to become a midwife or doula and eventually offer free services to people in need. You could even go so far as to start a non-profit to offer birthing services and counseling to people in need. The possibilities are endless. You are young and have a wonderful life ahead of you. I am sure you will find your way, college or not.

[Kindermama]

Originally Posted by papayapetunia

Well, if you want to be a social worker, you'll be employed by the state, bound by bureaucracy, etc. Maybe you should look at which aspects of being a social worker appeal to you and go from there. Do you want to help children? People who are poor? You also have an interest in birthing. Maybe you want to become a midwife or doula and eventually offer free services to people in need. You could even go so far as to start a non-profit to offer birthing services and counseling to people in need. The possibilities are endless. You are young and have a wonderful life ahead of you. I am sure you will find your way, college or not.

nice post! ITA

[Frithweaver]

Sorry, posted in the wrong place...