Tennessee Tech Sophomore Says University Feels Like Home for Homeschooled Students
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech University sophomore human ecology major Kaylyn Vaughn is the first to admit she was a bit nervous when she came to campus as a freshman in fall 2023.
The daughter of a pastor and a nurse, Vaughn was homeschooled for nearly all her K-12 education – including several years spent abroad in Asia – and questioned whether her peers and professors would welcome her unique set of experiences.
“I wondered if they would be used to having more public schoolers, or if they would expect things I wouldn’t know how to do,” Vaughn recalled. “I thought, ‘Do professors realize they have homeschooled students?'”
To her relief, Vaughn says life as a Golden Eagle has been a “smooth transition.”
Despite misconceptions that sometimes exist about homeschooling families, she adds “there has been no discrimination in any way . . . it’s been a great experience.”
And while those misconceptions about homeschooling have not appeared in Vaughn’s campus interactions, she is quick to debunk them anyway.
“My homeschooling experience was great,” Vaughn said. “My parents were very good about us doing extracurriculars, playing sports and doing what we wanted to do. We were well socialized . . . I really appreciate that my parents were so adamant about making sure we did things outside the house.”
In fact, Vaughn says her homeschool background helped equip her for success at Tech, as it acclimated her to online classes and setting her own study schedule.
“Once I got into high school, I was on my own a little more, including some online classes. I loved it for sure,” said Vaughn. “I had to pace myself and learn to manage my time on my own.”
The proof of the academic rigor of Vaughn’s homeschooling experience is easy to see – Vaughn has made the Dean’s List each semester she has been at Tech.
“I have to work hard to achieve my grades, but I was very well prepared to come into college and be a good student,” she explained.
On campus, Vaughn has immersed herself in student organizations like Human Development & Family Sciences Club and Tech’s chapter of Young Life, a faith-based group where she helps mentor local high school girls. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the child advocacy arena.
Having grown up in Cookeville, Vaughn had reservations about staying in her hometown for college, but those concerns were quickly dispelled.
“I was worried that it would feel like an extension of high school, but most of the people I hang out with now are not from Cookeville. I never realized how many people Tech brought in from other places,” said Vaughn. “I’m never worried about being bored. There are just so many things on campus and always something new to try. It’s been great.”
Vaughn’s experience as a thriving Tech student from a homeschooling background is hardly unique. For the past two years, Tech has earned the “homeschooling-friendly certification” from Homeschooling Parent magazine for the university’s dedicated outreach to homeschooling communities.
“Tennessee Tech has always been about creating an inviting, welcoming university experience for students, and we want homeschool students to know that they can be bold, fearless, confident and kind here,” Tech Vice President for Enrollment and Communication Karen Lykins said upon winning last year’s certification. “Our message to homeschooled students is that there is a place for you here at Tennessee Tech.”
As for those who still hold misconceptions about homeschooling, Vaughn offers simple words of advice.
“Talk to us and get to know us first,” she concluded. “It’s always worth taking the time to get to know people.”
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