I remember those days so well. Growing up and getting up early to get to school on time. Each day was filled with one class after another, and every hour was planned carefully from morning to late afternoon. Even time for fun was scheduled into the day.

I thought that once I grew up I’d be done with all of that, but here I am, doing the same thing, and this time by choice. I sometimes have thoughts that I must be masochistic with all of the tasks that I have scheduled into the day. I know for a fact that I’m suffering serious burnout. How wonderful it must be to wake up whenever you choose, do whatever you want all day, and go to bed when you please. And to top it off, not even have to worry about paying the bills.

Not just for the lucky few who marry money, this lifestyle also belongs to over 150,000 kids in this country who are “unschooled.” This program is an extension of home-schooling, and mandates that parents allow their kids complete freedom to learn and explore whatever they choose, with the hope that the kids will get an education along the way. There aren’t any mandatory books, weekly tests, or curriculum to follow. There aren’t any grades or GPAs either.

When I first read about the idea, it sounded great. The very idea that you could choose to study whatever interested you and not have to worry about learning anything you didn’t like is extremely appealing.

If I’d had the chance growing up I’d have spent my time learning music, art and writing. I would have continued in languages and become fluent in Greek and Spanish. And I would definitely have stayed in theater and dance. On the other hand, I’m the first to admit that had I been allowed to follow my own path completely, math and science would have had absolutely no place in my life. I still stay as far away from them as I can, but I do recognize how important they are.

I love the idea of giving kids the freedom to follow their instincts and study things that interest them. To me, that kind of freedom only encourages the desire to learn. On the other hand, I wonder what will happen to these kids when they’re faced with the real world of SATs, GPAs, college requirements and scheduled classes. Will they be able to cope or will they walk away out of frustration?

Maybe one day the educational system in this country will find a way to combine the best of both worlds for the betterment of future generations.