Homeschooled and lost/empty?

Question

Well, Im 16 (almost 17)/male and live in NW, Indiana as an only child. I'v been homeschooled since 3rd grade, and from about 12-16 I had basicly 0 contact with people anywhere near my age and just recently I worked at a grocery store for a few months before being forced to quit over a back injury.

Where I live there's not much to do. I'm currently looking for a job, but having a workmans comp claim previously rules out carryout jobs at grocery stores here and makes it hard everywhere else.

I'v currently got Just one person I talk with or hangout with once or twice a week (Usualy installing something on his car or his friends car..) and I just can't find anything to do for the better part of the day.

I generaly just wake up, do my school (an hour or so, I use switched on schoolhouse) and then usualy play a game on the pc or work on my truck.

Pretty much I just want somewhere to go and something to do with my time but cant find anything or anyway to "socialize".

Thanks,

Keith

Answer 1

aren't there people around outside(anywhere?)

try talking to people,  you don't need to talk to people your own age.

Answer 2

It sounds like you must live in a small town. Is that the case? If so, it definitely makes it more difficult to find social opportunities. You've bascially got to take whatever you can. Check out the youth club and even if it's not the greatest, it's better than nothing. Plus, you could try to work with the people there to make it something better--you don't have to wait for them to come up with some great ideas.

Are you allowed to participate in things at your local high school? That would be something to look into.

As for filling up your time, 1 hour of school work isn't a lot for a high school student. 4-6 or more is far more typical. Is there nothing more you'd like to learn? What are your plans for the future?

One last idea is to consider joining a state-based homeschool association/group which may have a means of connecting with other homeschooled teens--even if it's just online.

Just branch out more--something will eventually come of it.

Answer 3

well there are definately some pros to your situation that you are missing! for one, you have a truck!  lol

Join the nearest YMCA or Catholic youth center, or gym.  You can go anytime of the day or night, and meet some interesting ppl.  

Secondly, since you are nearly 17, you'll start to find yourself socializing with "older" ppl, 20-25 and that will build your confidence too.

Third, the health clubs or YMCA might be good opportunities to get a job too, so once you are a member there, you'll get to know the staff and could let them know you are looking for work.

Lastly, join Circle K, Key Club, check out Junior Achievment or FFA.  or see if the school has some clubs you'd like to join, chess, debate, ski...whatever.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Any thoughts on going to college?  You could prep now, study for your SAT or ACT.  You will find an infinite variety of social opportunities at college, as well as gain awareness of a broader world you can live in.

Answer 5

Join a club. How about 4H??? They have more than just cattle showing. Find something you are interested in and go for it. They have computer stuff there, dog showing, cooking, sewing, gardening, etc etc etc.

Answer 6

IM me (camoflauged_fox) on Yahoo. I've been homeschooled since 3rd grade and I use SOS too. I'm 15 years old and now in 9th grade. >.< You could spend forever IMing me. xD

I can give you tips on things you could do, otherwise, just go try to hang out at places like the mall or something! Get your butt out there and do stuff!!!!!!

Answer 7

This may be a dangerous suggestion, but: make your own fun and be creative! Your friends do not have to be your age. Mine aren't. If you are empty, then maybe your schooling is not challenging. Go to the library and check out some philosophy books, cooking instruction books (Chics dig guys who can cook!), home renovation books, biographies, etc. Start a club based on what you are learning. Start a film club and make all the members responsible for finding art films, independent films, cult classics or documentaries to watch each month. Have discussions afterwards. Start a Toys for Tots drive. Find out from local churches if they have elderly who need work on their cars and trucks and help them out. Have a fundraiser for a local domestic crisis center, or to build a playground. Learn to play pool. The possibilities are endless. Good luck!

EDIT: I'm sorry to hear about your dad. No wonder you feel empty. (((((Keith)))))

Answer 8

Even if you were in brick school you wouldn't have any friends OUTSIDE of school, because apparently there ARE NONE and since you don't have transporatation you can GO where they ARE.

That's not homeschools fault, that's where you live.  Move away to where there are people!