For us parents, a major part of unschooling is learning to spot our children’s passions and find ways to support them. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. Not because we can’t figure out what our children are passionate about, but because we’re conditioned to be much more limited in our thinking than they are. Take my husband, for instance, when my children decided they wanted to build a wagon or make a giant leaf pile. He was willing to set his own preconceptions aside and allow Thomas, Faith and Katy to take the lead, turning their vision into reality.

Today, I want to introduce you to Hannah Bell, a fellow unschooler with one heck of a vision. She is determined to meet her favorite singer, and she’s got two things in her favor: a fierce determination to realize her dream, and parents committed to helping her do so.

When I heard about Hannah’s undertaking, I asked her to write a short piece for this blog, so that you can hear her describe her passion in her own words. Here they are:

Hi, my name is Hannah Bell. I am 11 and I am in love with Cher Lloyd. I found her music on youtube and fell in love with her. I love that she tried out and was on the show X factor. I really love her voice and the songs she sings. Her songs are fun and about love, freedom and passion, and I really connect with them.

Last week, I looked up at the sky and asked if I could please meet Cher Lloyd. The next day I saw a contest online to meet her. I had to do it. I created my own video and thought of a funny story line. I did a homeschool film and editing group last year and that helped me a lot. I did learn that it takes a lot of time to make a video and I wish I had started a little sooner. Overall, I am very happy with it.

So here is my video, thank you mom and dad for your help 🙂 Please view and vote for my video from now until Oct 31. Thanks you guys!

That’s passion, boldness, and determination, don’t you think?

I also asked Hannah’s mom to share how she and her husband helped to support and facilitate Hannah’s passion for this project. Here’s what she had to say:

Hannah’s passion began over the summer when she and our exchange student from Spain were listening to new music on itunes. I held props and helped be part of her story line. Tom filmed exactly what Hannah asked him to. He and Hannah worked on the editing with computer software she got for her birthday. It was difficult lining up the lip sync with cuts and audio…we stayed up late. I helped by keeping her spirits up, motivating her even after several takes. This is awesome life learning…and a typical type of day in our home.

We have enjoyed watching all the other entries and artistic ideas. Hannah is excited even if she doesn’t win. She believes in herself and hopes that Cher Lloyd has viewed her entry. Hannah remains certain she will meet her one day, and I must say I believe her fully.

When we believe that our children can achieve great things, when we put our skepticism on hold and enter into their enthusiastic optimism, then we are practicing unschooling at its best.

Please take a minute to watch Hannah’s video and click the VOTE button. YOU can be part of her unschooling dream, too!