Illinois
Yusuf Takes Flight
The world is Yusuf’s workshop, abundant with opportunities to take things apart, explore them, understand more about them, and put them back together.
It’s through independent meaningful learning that Yusuf discovered his passion for technology, developed a deeper love for science and math, and catalyzed his entrepreneurialism to launch the Skyello, the world’s first drone and app ecosystem.
For the entire Seward family, learning is a constant in their lives, integral to who they are individually and collectively. Today, Yusuf builds code and flies drones, recording high definition video content for his YouTube channel.
I wanted my children to have the freedom to learn whatever they wanted.”
While considering options for their education, Yusuf’s mom Ashley found different homeschooling styles allowed boredom to creep in quickly.
She looked for learning environments that aligned with creativity and freedom, rather than compulsions to fit a specific mold. This brought her to independent meaningful learning, which intrigued her.
My kids have the freedom to learn and explore whatever they want. They are the captain of their ship of life. I’m just facilitating the learning, they do the rest.”
Ashley on her role as a parent
① Independent meaningful learning helped Yusuf's love for technology and science take flight.
② Through following his interests, Yusuf is now ranked second in Illinois in drone racing.
③ Through unschooling, Ashley has built a partnership with Yusuf that gives him the freedom to explore the things he loves.
④ Yusuf loves to get his hands dirty. Picking apart and putting together the wiring that gives his drones the power to fly.
Yusuf’s days are full as he builds and modifies his drone equipment, travels around his community to find new flight locations, and edits videos to publish online for his YouTube channel.
With independent meaningful learning, Yusuf is the pilot, rather than a passenger, of his own learning, while establishing a foundation to step into adulthood through real-life experiences.
I’m learning the basis for adulthood and real life right now as part of just my learning experience.”
Yusuf on the impact of self-directed learning
Independent meaningful learning has strengthened the Seward family’s relationships, while providing Yusuf and his siblings with learning spaces that stimulate their interests, strengthen their social and life skills, and give them the tools to turn their skills into careers they love.
Ready to explore independent meaningful learning?
We’re here to help you take the next step.
Our Getting Started series covers the basics, answers key questions, and helps you take the first steps toward learning in a way that feels right for your family.