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Meet Haley Taylor Schlitz

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Taylor Schlitz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Haley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey to my version of “16” started when I was 11 years old. It was at this point in time, I realized that in order to discover and create my life’s purpose, I had to move past the way general education has been designed. I had to move past high school. Realizing that most of the high school was a repeat or extension of middle school motivated me to prove to the education system that I had the academic ability to start college early. I had to find a path that allowed me to pursue the “me” I wanted to be. Homeschooling allowed me such an avenue, to take my own path and demonstrate my ability.

A few months ago, I was fortunate to experience achieving one of my goals. During the month of February, I was notified by nine different law schools from across the nation that they had accepted me for admission for the fall of 2019. I was honored that schools such as SMU Dedman School of Law, Howard University School of Law, University of Houston Law Center, Texas Tech University School of Law, Southern University Law Center, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and others had decided my version of 16 was possible and they all wanted to support it.

My decision to pursue my version of “16” has provided me with an opportunity to explore and start to understand the complex issues that I care about. I find myself thinking about how the next steps in my journey will allow me further insights into these issues so that I can strive to provide solutions. I understand that although my “16” is not the 16 most envision in their life, my version allows me to engage in the areas I deeply care about and advocate for a fully just and equal society.

I am attending SMU Dedman School of Law because I believe it will provide me with the best opportunity to continue my education journey and my passion to address education equity issues, especially in our gifted and talented programs, in America. The lack of access to these programs helps promote stereotypes and keeps students of color in our k-12 schools locked in a traditional education system that in many ways views them as the problem instead of future leaders who will solve a world problem. It is my hope that as a lawyer, I can help facilitate services that focus on the legal advocacy needs of underserved students and their families in accessing gifted and talented education programs. I love my version of “16” and look forward to immersing myself in the study of law.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the biggest obstacles that I faced, and still face, is people projecting their own ideas and experiences on to my education journey. People ask me things like “what about prom” when they find out I graduated from college at 16. They assume that I must be some type of social misfit who will be unable to connect with my peers.

When I decided to apply to law school, there were those counselors who tried to steer me away from this decision. People told me I was “not old enough” for my path. I continue to learn from these experiences and in some ways, they make me more committed to finishing the education journey I am on.

I hope that my story will help remove roadblocks that many adults place on students and allow others to pursue their own educational journey.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I recently co-authored a book with my mother, Dr. Myiesha Taylor, about homeschooling for African American families. Our book The Homeschool Alternative takes families through the process of homeschooling and shares in detail resources that are available to help them. Additionally, we share with families that we know not everyone will be able to homeschool, but they should consider adopting a homeschool mindset. When we talk about the homeschool mindset we share that you can still take after-school time, weekends and summers to focus on academic growth and achievement.

Our book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. We also have a website: www.thehomeschoolalternative.com

Additionally, I am helping my brother with the launch of his video game tournament company that is aimed at creating social events for kids around their desire to play video games. His company is Kidlamity Gaming and I am serving as the COO. I have learned so much through the process of launching this company. So far, he has held seven events and they have all been successful. I am excited to see where he will take this dream of his. The website for his company is www.kidlamitygaming.com.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think this is a great question. One of the funniest things I come across in my own journey is when people share with me that I will find “my path.” It implied to me that all I had to do was pull out my phone, access Google maps, type in my life goal and a predetermined map of directions would easily appear and all I would have to do is follow it.

But just like Google maps, we all know that really isn’t the case. When you first enter your destination, Google Maps at least provides you with two or three trip options. You choose one and as you are driving what usually happens is you get a notification of some type of change. I am sure everyone can relate to the directions in Google Maps changing in mid-trip. How many of you have experienced the dreaded constant u-turn suggestion? I just started driving a few months ago and I can tell you that the u-turn direction drives me crazy. But as a new driver, you realize that if you don’t do the u-turn, you eventually create a path that is made by your own decisions. Now, you might not get there as quick. You might even get stuck in traffic. But sometimes, you find a new place on that path that you would have never come across. Sometimes, you find a more scenic path that you enjoy.

I think of this when I think of how to define success. I think success is both a long and short term discussion. But overall success is making that path. I want to be able to look back at my life and see that the path that I made was one that allowed me to embrace my goals, hopes, and dreams.

Pricing:

  • The Homeschool Alternative – $14,95

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