By Becky Holland
For Kendell Rainey, homeschooling provided flexibility, close family connections, and the opportunity to discover where her heart truly belonged.
Rainey, 18, recently celebrated her graduation after being homeschooled throughout much of her education. While she admits there were moments when homeschooling felt lonely, she says she was never truly alone.
“Home school was so much better,” she said. “At times it was lonely, but my sisters were there.”
From first through 10th grade, Rainey attended a once a weekly homeschool gathering where students met together for classes and activities
“It gave us a bit of socialization,” she said with a laugh.
Her typical school day was structured and simple.
“I’d wake up, work on assignments, take a lunch break, and then return to classwork,” she said.
Rainey was also dual enrolled during high school and plans to continue her education at Georgia Southern University before eventually transferring to Valdosta State University to pursue a degree in psychology.
Her interest in counseling was shaped during a mission trip to Honduras, where she saw children struggling with difficult circumstances.
“My heart was pulled,” she said. “I saw a need for children to have counseling and help.”
At one point, Rainey considered becoming a criminal prosecutor but eventually realized that career path was not for her.
“I decided I didn’t want to be stuck doing paperwork,” she said, laughing.
Outside academics, Rainey enjoys reading, playing piano, and crocheting — something she jokingly describes as “the most granny hobby ever.”
She is also active at House of Grace in Cochran.
Friends and family describe Rainey as personable, with a laugh that is infectious and a personality that makes people feel comfortable around her.
Looking back, there is one thing she wishes she had done differently.
“Don’t quit your extracurricular activities,” she said when asked what advice she would give her younger self.
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