Hunter Valley teenager Christiana McDonald-Spicer may have chosen homeschooling but she has not shirked stepping out of her educational comfort zone...

As a homeschooled student, Christiana is unique among those enrolled in the SUN (Start Uni Now) program, which gives talented high schoolers a head start on gaining credit for tertiary subjects.

An early riser thanks to SUN

"I'm not locked into a particular 'school' day.  I'm able to study when and where it suits me, so it is a lot easier to juggle the 2 levels," she says.

 "I usually try to study a couple of solid hours a day, but I am flexible so can fit around other activities."

The Cessnock resident said she does not homeschool because of a lack of schools, but because it 'fits' her better.

"I am highly gifted, and went to 5 different schools in Western Australia before I started homeschooling. Because I was different to my peers, I was teased and began to adopt masks in order to fit in.  I suffered from depression and various psychosomatic symptoms by the time I was 9.

"Homeschooling suits me a lot better than a 'normal' school.  I find homeschooling allows me to study the things I am interested in at the depth and the pace I like.

"I learn a lot more, particuarly because I do not have to worry about fitting in with other people and I can be myself."

Christiana enhances her academic studies with participation in AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Voice and Communication exams.

"I completed Grade 8 level in the middle of the year and received a HD, and I am now working on my Certificate of Voice and Communication Australia," she said. 

Christiana's photograph won 2nd place and the People's Choice Award."I enjoy painting in watercolours, and am currently painting some minatures.  I also enjoy photography, and one of my pictures is a finalist in the Hunter Valley Gardens Photography Competition, judged by Ken Duncan.  Winners will be announced this Saturday. 

"One of my favourite hobbies is reading.  I enjoy reading most genres, but my favourite is classical literature.  Jane Austen is my favourite author, and I have read all of her novels.  I also love the Scarlet Pimpernel books, by Baroness Orczy."

Last year, Christiana  spent 6 months travelling around Australia.  She said this was an amazing learning experience. 

"There are so many fascinating things to experience in Australia, so many unforgettable memories.

"One highlight was doing a fortnight's work experience at ABC North Queensland, in Townsville.   I wrote and recorded my own interview, which was then aired.  I also saw John Howard, with his many bodyguards, and Julie Bishop being interviewed."

Christiana leads a busy life but still finds time to get involved in community activities with the Rangers (senior scouts) - she is working towards her Queen's Guide level. 

She studied 'Introduction to Journalism' last term, and received a High Distinction.  At the moment, she is studying 'Conservation in Australia' and 'Historical Perspectives: In Search of Australia'.