Leader Highlight: Jess Reiche
Unite Homeschool Email Volunteer
November’s Leader Spotlight
Jess Reiche, Unite Homeschool Email Volunteer
How did you begin homeschooling?
Many years ago, on a date with my future husband, he explained that he loved being homeschooled and was hoping to homeschool his future kids. He asked if that was something I’d be open to if/when we had children. Personally, I fell through the cracks in public school and thought homeschooling sounded like an interesting idea – so I said, "Sure, I’d be open to the idea” really having no clue what I was hypothetically saying yes to. Fast forward to having a 2E (twice exceptional) toddler and homeschooling was the only thing that made sense. I couldn’t imagine putting my very advanced child in kindergarten in a couple of years, and I didn’t want to advance her to a higher grade, so at the age of 3 our homeschool journey began in our living room with dollar store workbooks, videos, tons of books and frequent trips to the library. She flourished, I enjoyed it, and our homeschool adventure began.
What is your favorite part of homeschooling?
I love the flexibility of homeschooling. We can travel whenever we want and how often we want. I love being able to observe how my children learn and fit our schooling to meet their needs. Whether it be moving faster through a subject or allowing them to read upside down on the side of the couch, if they are learning and growing then I consider our school a success. On a personal note, I also love being home with my family. We put a large emphasis on family time and life skills and homeschooling makes it that much easier.
As a leader and active member of Unite Homeschool, what do you see as the benefits of the network?
We started our homeschool journey in NY, where homeschooling was incredibly difficult legally and the community and support was almost non-existent. We were “weird homeschoolers” and relied on a few trusted people for guidance and friendship. When we moved to GA almost 7 years ago it was incredibly overwhelming to see how many resources were available to homeschoolers. We met homeschoolers wherever we went and tried to find a like-minded community but realized that sometimes more isn’t better. We had a hard time finding a positive group that we all felt comfortable in. I refused to compromise our values and integrity and decided to just be who we are wherever we go, and trust that God would provide friendships in His timing. And that’s exactly what happened when we attended our first Homeschool Meetup at the Woodstock Library. I love that Unite’s leadership is Christ-reliant without being preachy or closed off. The people we’ve met are non-judgmental and aren't cliquey. I appreciate the large amount of socialization opportunities that range from educational to pure fun and are for all different age groups.
“If you look at where you are right now and what needs to be done in the immediate future, homeschooling is a lot easier than you think. Don’t put yourself in a box, be willing to change and grow as needed..”
As homeschoolers I think it’s important to remember that we’re more than “just homeschool moms” – can you tell us a little more about Jess?
This is something I’ve struggled with on and off throughout the years. I think when you love what you do – it's hard to make sure you have other interests as well. As the kids have gotten older, homeschooling has become a part of who we are, but it doesn’t define us the way it used to. Some things about me: I’m an extreme introvert AND very shy, so being in large groups is a real challenge for me. My hobbies are quiet ones – reading, cross-stitching, playing Animal Crossing & Disney Dreamlight Valley, and having friends over for tea or coffee. As I mentioned earlier, I was born & raised in NY and in what feels like a past life, I worked in trade show and event management in NYC.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
Don’t label yourselves. Once we put a label on ourselves, our family, or our homeschool style, we limit growth. We also add unneeded stress to our family. If you look at where you are right now and what needs to be done in the immediate future, homeschooling is a lot easier than you think. Don’t put yourself in a box, be willing to change and grow as needed.