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+--- Thread: Doubting (/showthread.php?tid=9482)
Doubting - animatrix - 04-26-2009 01:13 PM
I apologize if I ask the same question, at home I'm doubting whether or not I can succeed
at attempting my father in letting me unschool. I'm losing hope, my sister who I hate now
because she's becoming indifferent, and that she tells me that it's pointless, and my dad is probably
going to say no. Here is the situation I'm in (technical version), I'm moving to Oklahoma from Texas
because I want to move with my dad, the thing is I'm trying to create a presentation to pursuade him
to let me unschool, and I'm trying to be as careful as possible to make the presentation with
important ideas to cover. I'm researching so much it's becoming serious for me, and I'm wondering
should I keep trying? How can I prove to my real dad who hasn't been in my life really to make
him agree? I know the only thing I can do is try to proove my arguments as valid as possible, and
if anyone can tell me should I keep trying? I have internal motivation, and I assume every possibility
I can think of, I assume that my father will say no, but I desire for him to say yes, the more challenging
the situation is the more I doubt, but can someone tell me, give me a glimpse of hope what I should
try to keep believing in. I'm hoping my presentation (Powerpoint: Four Phases : Each Phase 25 Slides with info.)
will change his point of view on education, this presentation is very serious, both aesthetically, and
the information presented. I'm using everything I have learned internally that is not from school to
make my father realize the truth about school and real education. Everything from art, to math, to english,
the worthless subjects we assume to be worthless that can be extremely helpful when learned by oneself.
I imagining a huge challenge (my older sister) because she really is angry about me trying to Rise Out of High
School to get a GED, and my Dad. The point is I don't want to become indifferent, but I want to become
a true learner, a passionate learner, creative learner, to break away the school chains of oppression. I
just want to know if I'm doing the right thing to revolutionize my family's thoughts on what is education.
If they could only imagine themselves unschooling, looking at the real idea maybe they're thoughts could
change. My so called friends (I really don't have any) are so sucked into public school (but I've been trying
to spread the word)... Some are realizing, but I hope those people can change for the better. My goal
for unschooling is not only learning but also connecting with my family that has broken due to divorce, etc.
I wish my family can accept this idea, but in reality I understand that they won't. Then again I will keep
trying, and if I do complete this project I would love to give SoulRiser as well as other members all
the material I used so far even if I fail / succeed at presenting my information, my algorithms (not scripts,
its what I call my flowcharts I use) and my power point itself for others to use if you also trying to
unschool, this presentation won't be perfect, but it will show in a composite form to pursuade
the linear thinking into a new diverse idea of learning, creativity, and wisdom. I'm just wondering
if what I'm doing is right, and maybe the mistakes I may have posted may make me realize how truly
hard it is to revolutionize an idea, but succeeding later will be the greatest reward, but failure is also
another great award, and I'm sorry if this is long, I apologize if a majority of you don't care, and you can
criticize me for everything I've said, but all I'm asking is should, and what I'm doing is right? :(
Re: Doubting - monkey - 04-26-2009 02:59 PM
I think you should do it, A 100 slide power point? Thats pretty epic.
If your willing to go to such an extent to prove to your parents how you feel, Im sure he will see how serious you are about this. Not just because you are lazy or anything. Despite the hard work it will take. Im sure it will change your life for the better. I can tell your passionate about this.
You should do it.
Re: Doubting - animatrix - 04-26-2009 04:55 PM
THANKYOU, YOU HAVE GIVEN ME HOPE!
Re: Doubting - random_name - 04-26-2009 09:23 PM
If you put enough time and effort into said powerpoint, it could also show him that you are willing to do work, and learn on your own.
Re: Doubting - SoulRiser - 04-28-2009 10:27 AM
Yes, you're doing the right thing, and even if it doesn't work to convince your dad it'll still be worth it. And besides, how will you know what you can do if you never try?
Re: Doubting - Leon Kinotolian - 04-29-2009 01:54 PM
Given that the 100-slide Powerpoint has accurate, detailed, and persuasive information, and that you keep the atmosphere both serious and calm, I am sure you will meet success. However, I would HIGHLY advise not doing this when your sister is home. If she's that great a challenge, she'll blindly ignore everything in the Powerpoint and tell your old man that you're crazy.
Just go for it, damn it. You'll never succeed if you never try.
Re: Doubting - xcriteria - 04-29-2009 02:54 PM
Definitely complete the project and try to convince your dad. If you're that serious about it, it is very much worth it. I'm impressed at your ambition in crafting a sophisticated argument. Please share it with the people on SS -- you never know who it could be a huge help to.
Even if you don't initially succeed, don't give up. Keep at it. If you still don't get anywhere, let the argument chill for a while, but don't throw it away. Bring it up periodically, continue learning what you can on your own and using that as an argument in your favor.
I initially challenged my parents on school in junior high, and my argument failed completely -- they got sick of hearing about it. But I basically gave up after that, and I didn't try again until 11th grade, after I learned about the GED, and constructed an argument specifically tied to going to college.
At that point, they finally agreed! But I regret losing the fire, dropping the argument, and not continuing to research options in the years up to that time. I might well have been able to convince them to home/unschool at some point in between, or to do GED+college a year earlier than I did. I guess I let my discomfort with stirring up trouble and depression and apathy take over. I had horrible grades in school, it was virtually all pointless, and I learned bad habits of avoidance rather than directly confronting problems. I still learned on my own, but it's a very different circumstance when you get no recognition for self-learning, while constantly getting the message that your grades are more important than anything else.
And regarding your sister and your friends -- some people just don't get it. School works for some people. Others, it's passable. And others, like many on this site, can't stand it. People are different, and educational choices should reflect that. My brother (many years later) sympathizes more than he used to, but even a few years ago I remember arguing with him over the issue.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.