In a little over a week my daughter, Roma, will start her 2nd year of college. She has registered for classes, is making a list of supplies, is trying to track down used books, and has been texting friends to see if anyone from last year is in her classes this semester. I know this scenario is being played out all over the globe as students head back to campus, so what makes Roma's story blog-worthy?
She is what you might refer to as an atypical college student. Roma, who will turn 13 in a few weeks, is an early entry college student who graduated high school before I would even let her ride her bike to the park alone.
I know there are some who think we are crazy and others who are cheering us on. I've had to respond to (or ignore) questions and comments that ranged from the mostly positive to the truly annoying. I've been asked if what we did (i.e. letting Roma go to college early) is legal. Yes, it's legal. After all, if it wasn't would a state entity like the California Community Colleges have a policy and procedure for allowing it? Would Cal State LA have a progam for preteens to live on campus and attend classes? The ranks of early college attendees is growing thanks to encouragment from groups like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation via their Early College High School initiative and is being seen as an important piece in the education reform puzzle for both gifted and at-risk kids.
The most common question I get is "how did you do it?" which got me thinking that it was time to get this crazy journey documented once-and-for-all. This blog will attempt to look back and capture our educational journey in one place so that I can finally answer that question coherently. Because, honestly, we don't really know how it happened. There was no plan, only gut instinct and long hours spend making the world Roma's classroom, hence the title "Driving Miss Roma".
So hit the little subscribe button and come along on the adventure with us.
Marie
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