North Carolina
Meghan’s Menagerie
For as long as she can remember, Meghan has been a lover of both animals and science.
Through independent meaningful learning, Meghan freely explored the things that piqued her interests—understanding the animal kingdom—while building the skills and gaining the knowledge and experiences that today has her on the path to becoming a veterinarian.
Meghan lives in a menagerie of her own creation, filled with adopted animals including horses, iguanas, birds, cats, dogs, fish, chickens, rabbits, tarantulas, ducks, and a bearded dragon named Ravioli.
I see it more as a philosophy of take every moment and learn from it. You love frogs? Let’s go learn about frogs together. Let’s go learn about what they eat. Let’s go explore the pond where the frog lives.”
Her passion for beasts and biology guided what she was interested in learning. She developed grammar skills through reading books about animals, and science by providing medicine to her pets.
Along the way, she had the freedom to shadow local veterinarians, volunteer with a turtle rescue team, and receive hands-on experience at an animal hospital.
Independent meaningful learning is unique for each individual. There are no standards, no expectations, and no qualifications needed to learn through self-directed learning.”
Meghan on how independent meaningful learning meets the unique needs of every person
① Meghan has dozens of animals she cares for.
② By apprenticing local veterinarians growing up, Meghan got to explore her interests early on.
③ Through independent meaningful learning, Meghan grew up comfortably interacting and socializing with people of various ages.
④ Meghan discovered her love and passion for animals through unschooling.
Curiosity helped Meghan and her siblings pivot their interests into career goals.
My peers, I feel like they are already burnt out of learning, or say they hate learning, when the reality is they hate the way that they’re learning.”
Meghan’s path led to veterinary school, but other members of her family (not to be confused with genus or species) have varied interests. Her brother is pursuing coding and nursing, while her sisters explore music and dance. Each is considering how to incorporate their interests into careers that they love.
Regardless of their differing directions, their roads are forever connected by the unique possibilities of independent meaningful learning.
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.