Today, I am excited to share another homeschool graduate interview here on the Pajama School Blog! Brittany Barden is one of the most ambitious and accomplished young women I know, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting a little peak into her life!

Can you tell us about your family and why your parents chose to homeschool?
Certainly! I am 21 years old and the oldest of five children; Alyssa is 19; Nicholas,18; Matthew, 13 and Tiffany is 10. Before 5th grade, I attended both public and private schools and had been homeschooled for a year. When I started private school in 4th grade, my parents knew our lives were too busy with school and extra-curricular activities. So when we moved to Kansas half way through my 4th grade year, we began to home school. There are many, many other reasons my siblings and I have been homeschooled since then. My mom always says she may only have her children for 18 years (or in my case, a little longer)! She wants to be able to enjoy her children and influence them for God in the relatively short time we have at home.

What are some of your favorite subjects and activities?
I like to say I am a very eclectic person; there are so many things I enjoy doing! Among them are history, politics, piano, reading, photography, and organizing.

History is definitely my favorite subject to study. I love reading any good book about historical events and figures and some of my favorite authors are David McCullough and Bodie & Brock Thoene. I also indulged this love by focusing on history while pursuing my Bachelor degree.

Politics is another thing that keeps me busy, though it’s often a love-hate relationship! I deplore the corruption that is so often present in the political arena, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a Godly man or woman elected to public office. Understanding the great privilege we have to choose our leaders and shape our culture is why I continue to stay involved in politics.

There are so many other activities and hobbies that I enjoy pursuing and improving in… I won’t bore you by listing them all!

How and when did you first become interested in civic involvement?
Originally, I wasn’t even remotely interested in, much less passionate about, politics! But God used my involvement with a Christian youth organization called Generation Joshua to convince me it is not only my right, but my duty to be informed and active in choosing the men and women who lead our country. Throughout high school, I worked with Generation Joshua and dozens of campaigns to see God’s will accomplished in the political arena. I have realized that my love is not politics, but the chance to see Godly men and women placed in positions where they can direct the course of our nation.

When I first started my political journey in 1999, my family and I volunteered to help candidates any way we could. That included door-to-door campaigning, registering voters, stuffing envelopes, sign waving and more. Nothing is too small when it comes to helping a campaign. The experience I had in the little things eventually led to bigger roles, such as organizing volunteers, data organization, graphic design, public relations and finally candidate training and advisement–something I hope to continue in the future.

What are some specific ways that homeschool students can be involved in civics?
I highly recommend joining Generation Joshua as a way to learn more about civics, connect with other Christian students, and get involved in politics in fun, rewarding ways. Generation Joshua’s mission is to raise up a new generation of Godly leaders and citizens to be a force for good in our nation. They sponsor local clubs and Student Action Teams, which allow students to work with Godly candidates and leaders to help restore our culture to its Christian foundation.

Another obvious way to get involved is to find local candidates you would be willing to support. One way is to contact a local party office and ask if there are people who need help. (I guarantee the answer will be yes!) Then get to know the candidate and question them about issues important to you. Once you know it’s someone you can throw your entire support behind, just be available to do whatever they need you to do!

What did you do to further your education after you graduated from high school?
Upon graduating in 2006, I took a year off from school to serve my family and listen for God’s direction. In the fall of 2007, He paved the way to for me to attend Patrick Henry College, a Christian school in Virginia. The opportunity to be a part of a close, Christian community, meet amazing friends, and learn from the rigorous classes and professors was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.

As the school year drew to a close in early 2008, I made the decision to return home and again be with my family. Soon after returning home, I learned about CollegePlus!, a Christian program that allows students to pursue a degree from home via CLEP and DANTES tests and online courses. After a few months of consideration, I signed up with my best friend and brother and started a grand adventure! I finished all the coursework for my degree in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State College in July of 2009, only ten months and seven days after taking my first CLEP test! I am excited to be officially graduating this December.

Is an accelerated distance learning program an approach to earning a degree something that you would recommend for all high school graduates?
“All” is a broad term, but for the most part I would say yes. While there may be some students who require face-to-face interaction with professors and other students, I believe a distance learning approach can be adapted to just about any student or learning style. Organizations like CollegePlus! offer accountability for those who need it. Testing out of courses is a wonderful option for students who like to move ahead quickly. Online courses may be best for those who like to build on what they learn and learn more in depth. In addition to the options available, there are so many benefits to be gained with distance learning.

The greatest benefit I experienced was not having to forfeit what I call “life” opportunities for the sake of my education. I was able to gain experience running our family business, coordinating a Bible Bee Competition, helping advise political campaigns, traveling, and serving my family, all while completing a college degree in record time.

Are you working on any projects right now?
I just finished volunteering at the National Bible Bee in Washington D.C. after working as the Logistics Coordinator for a local Bible Bee contest in Wichita. I currently work for CollegePlus!, coaching 20 students through their degrees. I am also directing my attention to a few new projects, including writing a campaigning eBook and pursuing a Masters degree. Both are brand-new endeavors, so I am still in the learning and researching phase, but in God’s time I hope to accomplish these new goals. I also plan to stay involved in local political races and am applying to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. I look forward to any other opportunities God brings into my path.

What factors would you say have most contributed to your success in life thus far?
My mother was without a doubt the most important part of my life. She encouraged me in everything I wanted to do and some things I didn’t want to do! Her ability to see my strengths and encourage me with Godly wisdom in those directions has definitely influenced who I am today.

Another major factor in my life has been Generation Joshua. That organization and the Godly men and women involved have helped me learn about politics, enjoy working with young people, improve my organization and communication skills, and grow spiritually. Those abilities have led me to contemplate writing a book, pursuing International studies, working with young people and so much more.

Any closing thoughts you’d like to share with other homeschool families?
One of my favorite quotes is by John Adams; “Duty is ours; results are God’s.” Whether you are a homeschooling parent, a homeschool student, or a homeschool graduate, I believe that should be true of all of us. No matter where you are or what you are pursuing, follow God wholeheartedly and passionately pursue the duty He has for you. The results will always be amazing!

Can you tell us a little about your family and when and how you all came to the decision to homeschool?
I would love to! I am nineteen years old and have an identical twin sister, Mikaela. We are the oldest of six kids—four girls and then two boys. My parents never imagined that they would homeschool their children; they went to public or Christian school their whole lives. Five years after they were married, however, the Lord had them move about eight hours away from their family, which was difficult, but it separated them from the pressure of their family’s public school mindset. They began meeting people who were actually homeschooling, and the Lord started His work in their hearts, showing them that homeschooling was His desire for them as well. My mom gained this vision first, and took my dad along to a homeschool conference where he warmed up to the idea. Still, they thought they would only homeschool until junior high or so. Two homeschool graduates later… 🙂 Therefore, I have been blessed to have been homeschooled since preschool.

Looking back, what are some of the specific ways that you think homeschooling helped prepare you for life after graduation?
There are a myriad of ways homeschooling prepared me! One example is that homeschooling gave me the confidence to do things differently and to stand alone for righteousness. In the world, I have to know exactly what I believe and why I believe it or I will not stand strong. If I am too concerned about what others think, then I will fail as a Christian. Homeschooling taught me that it was just fine to be different!

Another way homeschooling prepared me is by giving me life skills of responsibility, initiative, and diligence. Everything high school graduates do requires those skills, and I know that homeschooling equipped me with those better than traditional schooling could have. My thorough education is a blessing in so many ways as I see public school graduates who are handicapped by a deficient education.

You are quite an accomplished musician! What have you done to pursue your musical interests and develop your talents in that field?
Thank you, Natalie! I began violin when I was six years old and started piano five years later. I have consistently taken private lessons since then and continue to do so. My mom wonders when I will stop, but I am not ready because I know I still have so much to learn! When I was about fourteen, I joined a local youth symphony that gave me wonderful incentive to work harder, and I really enjoyed that. Two years later, I joined the Southwest Washington Symphony, a community symphony filled with many excellent musicians in our area. I also began teaching around the same time. I flew to Indianapolis last year to take a three-week Christian music course that covered everything from theory to history to copyright law to Biblical standards on music! Last year I was also able to go to Utah for Suzuki training in teaching the violin, and I continue to enjoy both violin and piano, with a little viola thrown in for good measure! I love to play chamber music with my family—it is a wonderful activity to draw us closer together!

When did you graduate and what have you been doing since graduation?
I graduated in June of 2008 and immediately began pursuing a degree in Music Ministry through an online college program. I am thoroughly enjoying this education and am learning so much! The degree combines Bible classes with music classes, and many of the things I do at home (taking lessons, playing with the symphony, etc.) count for credit. I hope to be done with that next December. I manage to be quite successful at staying very busy by spending time with my family, being very involved in my church, and having many music commitments!

Did you experience any disadvantages as a result of homeschooling?
To paraphrase Dr. Voddie Baucham: “Yes, there was one thing I missed out on by not going to public school. I never learned to stand in lines.” 🙂 In all seriousness, after wracking my brain, I can only think of a situation where there was a music competition which I was not allowed to enter because I was not public schooled. I highly value my homeschool education and wouldn’t trade it for anything!

What encouragement would you offer to other homeschool students?
Stick with it. Don’t think in terms of two years, think in terms of twenty years and you will see the merit of the education you are receiving! Appreciate your parents’ immense love for you and support them in their efforts. Be bold in being different from your peers!

Do you anticipate homeschooling your own children someday? Is there anything you would do differently?
There is no question in my mind as to whether or not I will homeschool my own children someday, should the Lord bless me with them. In fact, I would never even marry someone who had doubts about homeschooling—it is mandatory for me because I see the huge advantage of homeschooling versus traditional education! As for my list of things I would do differently, these things aren’t so much different from my parents as much as they are things that I feel strongly need to be key elements of my children’s education. I would try to establish a feasible, consistent way to grade so that I could monitor my children’s progress. However, I also desire to emphasize discipleship even more than academics so that my children will be spiritually and academically sound. Although programs like BJU’s Homesat worked well for our family, at this point I cannot see myself using it for my own children. I do, however, see the value of spending an allotted amount of time each day with each child, even the older ones who may work independently.

In our on-going series of homeschool grad interviews, this week I’ve asked Christina Grubb to join us. As a fellow author, Christina and I have enjoyed exchanging a number of e-mails pertaining to writing, publishing, and general homeschool topics. I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know her as well!

How long were you homeschooled?
My parents had decided to homeschool their children by the time I was three years old. So, I have never been to a public school!

What are some of your favorite memories of homeschooling?
Learning was regarded as a special treat by us children. When the winter months set in, we could hardly wait to get the change of clothes sorted through so that we could sit around the kitchen table together for school. My favorite thing was to take evaluation tests for spelling (because I always graded higher than my older brother?:-))!

What piqued your interest in writing?
At an early age, my parents instilled in me a special appreciation for history and the people who lived it. As I grew older, that appreciation transformed into a desire to tell others about the “good ole’ days” and how it could still be lived today.

What are some good outlets you’ve found for developing and utilizing your writing skills?
One of the things I’ve found helpful is to join several secular writing contests. Though they may not have the same objective I have in writing, they have had some good reviews for my writing that has made me think more than once. (These are the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and websites such as www.writing.com and www.createspace.com.)

Other outlets are to read an old classic and jot down words that I like or that I didn’t know what they meant. Later, I would go back and research those words. I also love to use a Thesaurus while writing.

Can you tell us a little about your books?
So far, I have completed two novels and have about ten dozen others in the works! I have been creating stories since the age of eight or so, so you can only imagine how many story-lines are stored away, waiting for a rainy day. 🙂

The first of my novels, The Vicar’s Daughter, tells the story of a young woman growing up in late 1800’s England. (For some reason, my sisters and I have been infatuated with Old England!) Esther is an only child who thinks that life would be much better off if she were to elope with her lover. Almost miraculously, she is saved by the Lord before she does the irrational, and comes instead to revere her parents as her God-given authority.

The second, The Warmth of His Eyes, is based on my mother’s life story. Though she was raised a Catholic, she did not come to know the Lord until I was 1 year old. She grew up thinking that her life was her own and that she should “enjoy” it before settling down and having children. The story is filled with a bunch of fiction, but the core of it is true. The contrast between both main characters’ families is based upon facts as well.

(Both of these are available as eBooks on our new online store.)

My desire in writing such stories is not only to entertain readers, but also to illustrate how great our God is, Who alone can redeem His children to Himself.

What did you do following your high school graduation to further your education?
Several months after my graduation, I was blessed to go to India on a short-term mission trip. Two years later, after taking some courses from a Bible College via correspondence, I moved to South India as a full-time missionary. To make a long story short, the Lord brought me back home and I have been enjoying the extra time (if I find any!) to write more.

Immediately following my graduation, though, I found great delight in devoting my time to reading the classics of the English language. Some of my high school requisites were history books and autobiographies published before 1900 (as per the Robinson Curriculum, which we used). Because they were so published, they were filled with Old English that has helped to increase my vocabulary. Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and John Buchan are just a few of my favorite authors. I have also loved reading presidential diaries and autobiographies (namely, The Diaries of George Washington, Volumes I-IV, and the Autobiographies of Theodore Roosevelt and David Crockett – both very entertaining!) that have been very educational. But Dickens’ work is probably the most influential to my writing.

Are you working on any other projects – writing or otherwise – right now?
For the past few months, I have laid aside any writing projects to devote my time to building our family’s house (add-on to our original 1,100 sq. foot farmhouse). When it is completed in the next couple of months, God-willing, I hope to tackle those ten dozen stories!

How do you feel about homeschooling your own children someday?
There is no doubt in my mind that my children will be homeschooled. There is something so special, so unique, about the thought of teaching my own children. I will always treasure the one-on-one experiences with my own father and mother that I probably would not have experienced had I been in public school.

Is there anything you would you do differently?
There isn’t very much that I would change… the only thing that I detested was having to do my math in tears because I just didn’t get it!

The one thing that I would probably do differently would be to have a more precise schedule than my mother did. 🙂 Though, I do not anticipate having to pressure myself just so that a schedule would be followed perfectly!

Thank you, Natalie, for conducting this interview. It has been a pleasure looking back at my homeschool years. Of course, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!