In elementary and middle school I attended private Catholic and public school. I was the only practicing Orthodox Christian besides my brother at both schools. At times, it was quite difficult being the only one who wasn’t either a Catholic, Protestant, or atheist. There were many times that I was asked to explain things, such as icons and certain Saints, to a crowd who wasn’t interested in learning.
At any stage of life–high school, college–finishing the school year can feel overwhelming with the demands of education, family, friends, social life, and our faith. Balancing these aspects can be challenging, but with thoughtful strategies, you can manage your time effectively and stay motivated. Here are some tips on time management, balancing responsibilities, staying motivated, and the importance of exercise and the outdoors! I believe that with balance we can bring ourselves more peace in life.
When people would ask me the classic question, “How was your summer?” I found it an understatement to merely reply, “good.” This past summer, I jumped on nearly every opportunity available to me—all which enriched my spiritual, social, and family life in a unique way. I want to share some of my fruitful experiences with you to give ideas for your upcoming summer. When considering summer plans, trying to find a balance between service, family time, fun, and spiritual growth can be very difficult. Hopefully my experiences will give you some ideas for your summer itinerary!
I spent five weeks in Romania this past summer, visiting family members whom I had not seen for years. Naturally, everyone asked me what I planned to study after high school, to which I would reply, “English and the Classics.” Judging by their knitted brows and expressions of pity, I guessed that they were less than satisfied with my answer. Desperately trying to find a hope for my future, they would question, “You’re not interested in math?” I would laugh and brush it off, but I truly began to pity those deprived of the love of classical literature.
Why are many Orthodox families turning towards homeschooling their children?
As the Director of an online school for homeschooling families, I talk with many parents of homeschoolers, and I also work directly with their children, so I have a unique window into the lives of these families.
It’s important to recognize that families across the nation and the world choose homeschooling for a multitude of reasons.
In March 2020, I (like most people) was restless. Very rarely did I leave my one-bedroom apartment where I lived alone with my cat. On top of that, I had recently moved to a new state and hadn’t had much time to make new friends before the first round of lockdowns started. I missed attending services at my local parishes, but more than that, I missed my previous parish, which I considered my “home.”