A few weeks back, I launched the Homeschool Questionnaire Project, aimed at learning more about the awesome homeschoolers and homeschooled kids out there! I was excited to get the opportunity to learn more about Ashley Turner and her journey growing up as a homeschooled child. Let’s see what Ashley has to say about her childhood in homeschooling!
Tell us a little about yourself Ashley! Where are you from?
I’m from West Chicago, Illinois.
How big is your family and how long have you been homeschooled?
There are 7 members in my family including my parents. I’ve been homeschooled my entire life!
What homeschooling style did your parents use?
They used an eclectic style - unit studies when we were younger, literature based, and classical/Charlotte Mason style homeschooling.
What is your story? Tell us what is so cool about your journey? What do you want to share?
I’m Ashley Grace Turner and I'm 16 years old. I have a burning passion for the arts! I'm graduating a year early, and I love to learn new things! I always loved to draw, but when I was 9 years old, I really started getting into it. I found myself a mentor, Mr. Tod Carter, who is a great artist and works in the animation industry. He is the one who really inspired me and opened my eyes to the world of art! I then started to watch hundreds of hours worth of art videos on YouTube to improve on it! I fell in love with art then, and I'm still in love with it today!
What are/were your top 3 favorite things about homeschooling?
My three favorite things about growing up homeschooled are being surrounded by my family, having the opportunity to spend more time where it is needed, and doing school outside of the house.
1. I love being surrounded by my family every day. They are fun people to be around!
2. I really enjoy having the flexibility to work at my own pace and spend more of my time on subjects that are not my strongest.
3. I have the freedom to do school wherever I want! So if it is a nice day we can all do our work outside, or we can go out to Starbucks and do it there!
How do you think homeschooling has prepared you for what is next?
I love to draw, and being homeschooled has really given me the time and space to explore my creativity! I can finish school early each day and spend the rest of the day perfecting my artwork. Once I graduate I plan on getting into the movie industry. Homeschooling has given me the time and space to explore my creativity!
What are you most grateful for on this journey?
I'm very grateful for my mom. She helped me in all of my school subjects and pushed me to become a better student as well as a better person. She also encouraged me to grow in my art. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my mom's motivation.
If you had three suggestions for other homeschooling families, what would they be?
1. Stay self motivated! Once you do that, you can accomplish anything.
2. Get inspired and find a mentor.
3. Do what you love, and try to incorporate that into your learning. For example, I like art, so I integrate that into almost all of my subjects and it makes them fun and interesting!
If you could do something differently, what would it be?
I wish I would have managed my time better when I was younger so that I could have gotten more done and maybe even graduated earlier! When I was younger there were times when I didn't give it my all and now I see how foolish that was. Using a day planner is a great life investment!
What is next for you?
I am still in the process of figuring out my long term plans. Right now I plan on graduating early and taking a year off, devoting all of my spare time to my art and seeing what God has in store for my life!
Do you have a website, blog, or Facebook group etc. that you would like to share?
You can check out my Facebook Page, Portfolio Website, and Instagram!
Are you open to other homeschooling families reaching out to you to chat through emails?
Yes! My email is ashleyturner1000@gmail.com
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us this week, Ashley. We always love to hear from other homeschooling families to learn more about their unique journeys! If you’d like to share your homeschooling story and have the chance to be featured on a future blog post check out the details HERE. We look forward to hearing from you!