I have been homeschooled since the third grade. I have always been criticized for being a homeschool kid. And lately, I have read many articles about people that have been homeschooled. These articles are full of misconceptions. These are some common misconceptions about being homeschooled that just aren't true.

1. That we aren't actually educated

Actually, we are. And honestly, I truly believe that homeschool is better than public school.

2. That we aren't social

Some of us might not be social, but not because we don't know how to be. I am very outgoing, and most of my fellow homeschool friends are, too. Some people are just naturally shy.

3. That we aren't allowed to be ourselves

Wrong. Actually, we are taught to be ourselves. We are taught to embrace who we are and not be sorry for it.

P.S. we are also very opinionated. At least I am anyway.

4. That we don't have friends

Also wrong. We all have friends. Some have fewer friends than others, just like every other human being.

5. That we suck at relationships

Actually, a lot of people suck at relationships. Being homeschooled really doesn't make a difference. In fact, most homeschooled people are actually better at relationships.

6. That we are all shy

Like I said earlier, no. Some people are just naturally shy. Homeschool has no impact on this.

7. That we can't go to college

Haha. Hahaha. One more... haha. This is completely wrong. Most of us go to college and do very well. I am in my second year and I have been inducted into honor society. I have also received college honors. I still have two more years to go, and I am already planning for grad school. Anybody can go to college. And anybody can succeed at anything if they try to.

8. That we can't succeed

This is also very wrong. Most of us succeed at everything we do.

9. That we can't fit in

Fit into what exactly? If you are like me, definitely not a size two. But I totally fit into society. I have many friends. I am outgoing. I feel like I am where I belong (besides the fact that I am a total city girl at heart). I really don't know a stranger. We all have a place, regardless of what our background may be.

10. That we aren't "normal"

First of all, what exactly is "normal", and who exactly defined it? Secondly, we are all just ourselves, like it or not.

11. We stay at home all day

Nope. Nada. Wrong. Some people might stay at home all day. I certainly do not. And I never really did. When you are homeschooled, there are homeschool "groups" that you meet with. You have parties, play games, meet at the park, go swimming, go skating, go bowling, go to the movies, go fishing, go hiking, you have PE day, and so much more. No, you don't stay at home all day. A lot of times if the weather was nice, I didn't even have my lesson inside. I was able to take it outside.

12. We are all religious

No. Definitely not.

Everyone is different. This world would be a lot different if we were all alike. Embrace who you are and be open to others. Besides, what's not to love about the world being your classroom instead of being trapped inside of a school all day?