Wand Family
Kelly (mom), Zoe (daughter 11)
The SelfDesign program has profoundly influenced my commitment to allow my daughter Zoe space to flourish, as a whole and free being. It takes enormous trust to believe in the human capacity to learn without coercion, without careful preparation of preselected materials, without adherence to timetables. And yet this is what my daughter, Zoe Sweetgrass Forest, has been proving to me for three years - that given generous amounts of time, community support from mentors, and freedom to explore her personal rhythms - the individual will strive to discover, to create, and to understand. The impulse is inner-driven, and unfurls in beauty, complexity and individuality. When learning is self-directed, the integrity of the child's spirit and the strength of the family's bond are strengthened.
Zoe has a home business. She earns over $1500/yr making and selling jewelry at the local farmers' market and craft stores. She directs her earnings into four jars: one is for replenishing supplies, one is for her dream sailboat, one is for horseback riding lessons, and the rest is to spend. Zoe is gifted with an ability to develop lively and beautiful patterns, and the focus to patiently repeat them until a piece of original artwork emerges. Zoe's outlook is independent and entrepreneurial. She has found employment at our local bike shop and with a local campground manager on her own initiative.
