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Homeschool Teen on the National Scene
How I became a part of "Seventeen" Magazine
by Joanne Spataro, creator of FreshAir TeenZine
& Member of the Teen Advisory Board of Seventeen Magazine

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I was so excited when the mail came. I started flipping frantically through the newest issue of Seventeen magazine. I found the wonderful spread on the new Teen Advisory Board members. I was one of them, with my picture on the glossy pages. I was chosen for this prestigious position from hundreds of other applicants. My months of hard work and persistence had paid off!

My original goal was to publish an article in a national publication. I started searching for the perfect magazine to approach. I decided Seventeen magazine was the best choice. I sent them a query letter about my article. Although my article didn’t make it into the magazine, another opportunity was on the horizon.

Seventeen’s editorial assistant, Margaret, said I had an impressive resume for the tender age of fifteen. She suggested I try applying for their Teen Advisory Board. I thought it was a great idea, so she sent me an application to fill out. After sending it, I kept in touch to see if Seventeen had made a final decision. Soon, I became a finalist for the Teen Advisory Board. I also had an on-the-spot telephone interview. This was a very helpful and challenging experience. I had to think on my feet and show Seventeen all that I had to offer.

The tension was building. I was so excited when I finally got my answer. I made it onto the board! I would be on the council and advise Seventeen about story ideas and future articles. My picture would appear in the September issue of Seventeen. Now on newsstands, Seventeen profiles its 17 Teen Advisory Board members. I’m thrilled to receive this wonderful opportunity. It goes to show that if you really want something and stick with it, you will almost always get what you want!

• Do you have a dream to share?
• Do you think you can make a difference?
• Share your story with us!!

see Joanne's FreshAir TeenZine
& get involved in our discussion group

Faces of Home Education Profile
"Lights! Camera! Guinea Pigs!
Films by Alyssa Buecker,
High School Homeschooled Filmmaker
hosted by Joanne Spataro, FreshAir TeenZine

Alyssa Buecker is an extraordinary teenager. She’s a very talented up-and-coming movie director, with a cast of unique actors. This home-schooler’s future as a director blossomed when she combined her love of directing and animals. Alyssa is the producer, editor, director, and writer for all her films! See a bit more on her unique films which have gained prominence at HBO, Nickolodeon and the Cannes Film Festival!!

Getting College Credits in High School
Interview with Liz Kroboth
high school homeschooler & college student
Liz Kroboth is a perfect example of Alternative Paths to College. She was a homeschooled student who took almost two full years of college courses while she was in high school through the CPCC Concurrent Enrollment Program in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only was Liz a student at the college, she got involved with student government in a big way. According to Tony Zeiss, the president of the college, "Liz served as our student body president 2000-2001. She was home-schooled and was very prepared for this leadership role. She served on our board of trustees and had to learn to move with ease from working with peers to working with some of the community's top leaders and policy makers."
Find out more about Liz and how she did it!!

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