When a lot of people hear the term “homeschooler,” the image of a socially inept outsider comes to mind. I've been asked if I wear skirts for religious reasons, if I am scientifically ignorant and "shielded" from sexual education and creation theories, and if I regret my educational background. The worst question has to be, "If you were homeschooled, how were you able to prepare for the real-world?" I graduated public high school in 2015 and am about to enter my second year of college. Contrary to popular belief, my homeschool background was the best real-world preparation I could have ever received.

1. I'm already used to talking to people of all different ages.

The age variety in college seems way less uncomfortable when your favorite childhood class included students from age 7 to 19.

2. I know what it's like to choose my own path.

Picking classes is a breeze when you've been using self-designed curriculums your whole life.

3. I have some seriously useful time-management skills.

The satisfaction that comes with finishing your homework as early as possible is too real.

4. By the time I got to college, I'd had years to practice answering those pesky questions.

"No, my parents aren't teachers...yes, I have friends. What? Of course I'm a normal person!"

5. I understand the importance of community.

Years of attending Friday afternoon co-ops and park district extracurricular activities really did pay off.

6. I know that anything can become a learning experience if I apply myself enough...

Free admission day at Six Flags is to physics as Greek life is to social studies.

7. And that I should never be ashamed of my love of learning.

8. Lastly, I know that happily and completely accepting myself is okay.

Growing up without feeling pressured to conform to the desires of others makes coming to college so much easier. There wasn't eally a big coming-of-age climax; I just felt like my unapologetically strange self was starting the semester at a new school.