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Pajama School - Stories From the Life of a Homeschool Graduate
Q: What inspired you to write Pajama School?
Wickham: At the end of 2006, I made two goals after reading Daniel 12:3 from the Bible. The first was to grow in wisdom and the second was to turn many to righteousness. I felt like writing a book was one way to accomplish both goals.
Q: When did you begin the home school path?
Wickham: When I was 10 years old my parents began homeschooling. My four sisters and brother have also been homeschooled. I am the oldest in the birth order and presently 27 years old.
Q: Did you go to college?
Wickham: I have obtained my national certification status as a teacher of music. This was reached through independent studies, correspondence classes, tests and submitting a portfolio. It is equivalent to reaching a bachelor’s degree in my field of interest.
Q: When will the book be released?
Wickham: March 2009. The pre-release will be available online at www.pajamaschool.com sometime at the beginning of 2009.
Q: Did you always enjoy being homeschooled? Did you ever feel like you were slighted the socialization that your peers had in the public/private realm?
Wickham: We got off to a rocky start and it wasn't always easy, but after much trial and error I enjoyed the time that my parents took to teach me in the home environment. It taught us all a great deal about unity and getting along with one another. I feel like I experienced a broader socialization scene because I was exposed to many types of people, not just the interaction that I would have received by my peer group alone.
Q: Has the process of self-publishing been a complicated and long journey?
Wickham: Yes. I can best describe this journey by using the phrase "vigorous self-education." I began by reading many books, joining blogs, Yahoo! Self-publishing groups and utilizing those special people that God has placed in my life to help me accomplish my goals. Taking on the task of marketing the book will be one of the toughest challenges.
Q: What is one good reason for a person to read your book?
Wickham: To be inspired about the possibilities for the future. if we look at education opportunities from God's perspective.
Q: As an experienced homeschooled veteran what have you taken away that is most important to you?
Wickham: Don't put education or school in a box. The worldly examples of education are not necessarily the best models or true. God's instruction is the best way.
Q: Who is one of your favorite authors?
Wickham: I enjoy many authors but John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life," is one of my favorites.
Q: What other interests do you pursue?
Wickham: I teach 30 piano students in my studio at home.
Originally published in The Derby Informer, October 29, 2008
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