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Wow, my school on Hacker News. I went to Sudbury Valley School from when I was 13-18. The school is not without its problems, but I'm really grateful I got to
by charlesholbrow 12y ago
Wow, my school on Hacker News.
I went to Sudbury Valley School from when I was 13-18. The school is not without its problems, but I'm really grateful I got to go. For me it was an opportunity to focus on the important things -- communication, identity, relationships, sexuality -- The things that a more traditional education is likely to try to distract you from.
It was difficult to make the transition back in to the traditional education system, but I'm finishing my Master's and I'm about to start my PhD (Both at MIT) so it can totally be done!
- jostylr 12y agoCan you elaborate on what you found difficult as you went to college? How long did it take you to be comfortable with it? And what did you end up studying?
- charlesholbrow 12y agoIt was basically the Math that was difficult -- Like most SVS students I didn't spend time on academic subjects. So I was 5 years behind when I started the college application process. I spent a year at community college to learn most of the basics that I had missed. I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to get into a college, or find a half decent job that I worked REALLY hard to catch up. My undergrad degree was in Music/Sound Technology, but the Music Program at UMass Lowell where I went is quite technical, and actually prepared me pretty well for the job market (unlike most Undergrad Music Programs IMO). I spent ~ 5 years working in video games, research, and web development before starting at the MIT Media Lab where I am now. I really like to code, so I've been doing that the entire time. How long did it take for me to feel comfortable? Still hasn't happened. I have gotten more comfortable with being uncomfortable though :P