Today we’d like to introduce you to Oslyn Rodriguez.
Hi Oslyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My education business began from a place of desperation. My then 8 year-old daughter cried every day for a month because she didn’t want to go to school. It wasn’t the school; but just the system of traditional education was no longer a good fit for our family. My eldest who was in middle school at the time, and on the honor roll almost gave himself an ulcer because of the demands of school. We were in a constant state of stress – sleep deprived, overworked, unrealistic expectations to perform, and little time to enjoy the pleasures of life. Although we lived in the Sunshine State; we never had a chance to enjoy it.
While school was important; it was not the most important part of our lives. We were tired of all of our decisions being dictated by the traditional school system. My husband and I decided that our family was much too important and jumped off the freight train as fast as we could. While we thrived externally; our home life was crumbling. We were always on the go; missing real connection and quality time with one another. We missed the other activities that nurtured our souls and gave meaning to our lives. I resumed homeschooling my own four children.
Before long; other families reached out to me to ask for help. They too; craved something different. We all wanted educational freedom. Freedom to educate our children on our own terms. Shortly after, I founded Terra Nova Educational Resource Center, a faith-based homeschool hybrid program where families choose the level of academic and/or enrichment support they want or need. We provide academic and enrichment classes, tutoring, field trips, community service opportunities, student led chapel services and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In the beginning, we were grossly underpriced. We struggled to cover expenses. In fact, most of the time, I didn’t get paid. I was also the only teacher and administrator. I couldn’t be present everywhere and at all times. Therefore, some things fell through the cracks because I didn’t have the capacity to handle everything on my own.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Terra Nova is a Christ-centered K-12 microschool/homeschool hybrid program. We partner with parents to provide academic and enrichment classes such as music, art, acting, conversational Spanish and more. We also offer field trips, clubs, student-led chapel services and community service opportunities.
What sets us apart is our Christ-centered approach. Our Bible-based curriculum is infused in everything we do. Our students not only learn about God and the Bible; but they also have an opportunity to live out what they are learning. Our Terra Nova Worship Band is led by students. They select the songs, have weekly rehearsal, and facilitate worship in house and in the community at churches, nursing homes, and at special events.
Our students are an integral part to the success of the newly relaunched South Florida Bible Quiz League. After being dormant for five years, our Terra Nova Students have helped with recruitment and learning how to revive something that was “dead for five years.” We went from having just five students to forty-five quizzers enrolled in our program. This club encompasses students from different denominations and school types from Miami to Broward.
Our program is also unique because we partner with businesses, churches, and diverse organizations. One of the greatest compliments we received from a student recently is that he felt a sense of “community” at Terra Nova. Our students have interracted and gleaned from city officials, pastors, entrepreneurs, and leaders across various platforms.
Finally, our program doesn’t dictate what parents should do in their own homes. While students are in our care; we administer the curriculum. However, once students return home; parents are free to determine what is best for their children; whether it is an extension of our curriculum or choosing to supplement with their own programs or activities.
One of the most rewarding experiences for me as a homeschool parent is sending my children to a program that does not infringe on my parental rights. When my husband has to be in New York for work; one of our children accompanies him. What an invaluable learning experience that transcends a textbook! We encourage our parents to soak up the time with their children. Their children are in fact theirs; not the school’s or the State’s. Parents have flexibility to enroll their children one day a week or several days a week.
I am most proud of the opportunity to help parents see that they have options when it comes to educating their children. They don’t have to settle for traditional educational models if it is not working for them. Education should not be “one size fits all.” The same way each of us has unique gifts, skills, and learning styles, we should find an educational approach that compliments our lifestyles. So many people are now working from home; and are now better equipped to handle home education. They don’t have to worry about hectic school drop offs and pick ups, bullying, and some of the other atrocities plaguing some of our schools. I am honored to walk alongside parents to empower them to take back control of their children’s education and do what is best for their families.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I forsee more families choosing home education for their families. This means there will be a huge need for homeschool support services like Terra Nova. Whether it is educational consulting, academic or enrichment support, homeschooling is on the rise and its time to embrace it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.terranovaeducation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terranovaeducationcenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terranovaeducationcenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oslyn-rodriguez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TerraNovaEducationCenter
- Other: https://www.courageousleadershipintl.com
Image Credits
Mya Monee Carr
