Where is she going to college? Well.........

I'm finding that the logical progression of conversations between parents of 17-18 year old children is:

1.) How does she like high school?

2.) Does she know what she wants to major in?

3.) Where is she going to college?

Those of you close to us know that our oldest daughter BEGGED to be home-schooled at the start of her junior year of high school.  This was NOT my choice, trust me.  I have to admit there was part of me that thought, "You're at (what's considered) the best public high school in the state and you want to be home-schooled?!?!"  Our eldest is not what anyone would consider a "typical" teenager.  She eschews fads and trends.  She's wanted to be a scientist since she was 8.  And she's always been "old".  I say this with pride, mind you.  She's just one of those old souls that has been around a long time and I'm a bit jealous.  She's self-motivated and, in our experience, "traditional" schooling does not meet the needs of children like her. This character trait of hers has led her to learn Finnish, how to play the accordion, banjo, and ukulele, the art of kirigami and origami, knitting, and apiculture (beekeeping).  She is currently the beekeeper for a local food bank that has its own farm and fish facility.  She is also heavily involved in another local organic farm that grows its own fish as well. She is well-versed in hydroponics, aquaculture and soil science. Most people, upon meeting her, assume she's in her 3rd year of college already.

So when the inevitable question regarding college comes up, I get tired.  Tired because I'm so done with EVERYONE assuming that the next "logical" step for ALL high school seniors is college.  I won't bother to regale you with the impressive list of HUGELY successful people who did NOT finish college (Google it). Instead, I'd like to ask why I would insist that the same child, who was miserable while in a traditional school, be 'thrown under the bus' and return to that same setting?  I'd also ask why when a 40-80 year person laments that they didn't finish college, everyone says, "It's never too late!". But if a 17 year old wants to go a different route all I get are looks of panic that perhaps I'm a lame parent and the person is making mental notes to keep THEIR high school age children far away from me lest I corrupt their minds.  I also get the 'pity' looks, like "Oh, her child's too lazy/dumb/poor to get into any college."  None of these could be farther from the truth. She is prompt, fastidious, courteous and eager to learn. I have a child that is already proving herself as a worthy colleague amongst others in her chosen fields of study. While other girls are worrying about what to wear to prom or which boy in Art Class is cuter, mine is acquiring a 'hands on' education on a daily basis...for free. How many other 17 year-old children can have that said about them? 

The next time you get the urge to ask someone about their child's life choices...be prepared for their answers to not mesh with yours.  And you know what?  It's ok.