The Unschooled Gamer

Did you know what you wanted to do with your life when you were eleven?

I did.  I wanted to be a writer.  Sure, there were moments growing up that I also wanted to be (in no particular order):  an Olympic gymnast, a hair stylist, a scientist, and a psychologist. But the one constant, the one thing that I always wanted to be – for as long as I can remember – was a writer.  I never knew the exact form it would take, which meant that I navigated a frustrating college experience consisting of, “Well you should major in English.  No, you want to take Journalism.  Let’s try Mass Communications.”  Until I finally admitted that none of them were really the right path for me, but that I still just wanted to write.

I am turning 38 tomorrow, and I am a writer.   No, I don’t earn a living writing (although it does very occasionally earn me at least a little bit of money), but I am a writer.  I am living out that eleven year old’s dream.

I write.

Sometimes a few people read what I have to say.

Sometimes a lot of people read what I have to say.

Sometimes people are even touched in some way by what I have to say.

Sometimes my words are for me and me alone.

But I am a writer.

Paxton, eleven years old at the time of this writing, wants to be a video game designer.

 

He has always wanted to be a video game designer.  Why, when I know from my own experience the reality of an eleven year old’s passion, would I not take that every bit as seriously as my own writing?  I don’t share his love of video games, but I have learned to appreciate them on a whole new level through his example.  I can see how much he loves them.  I can see how much he’s learning from them.  I can see how much it all means to him.

Last night, prompted in part by a discussion about this article, I told Paxton, “You know what you should do?  You should start a blog about video games, so that people can see what you’re doing, and see what you’re learning.”

And he answered, “I’ve been thinking about starting a blog!”

So last night, long after the rest of us had gone to bed, he did.  He is now, officially, Paxton The Unschooled Gamer.

And as it turns out, he’s a writer too.

 

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4 Comments

Filed under about me, blogging, Paxton, unschooling, video games

4 Responses to The Unschooled Gamer

  1. Erika

    Paxton, you are one cool human being!!!!

  2. Amy

    I love that you are supporting his dream! And I’m glad that you are following your dream now. 🙂
    I knew I wanted to be a writer from a young age as well and went through the same thing in college. I ended up settling on Journalism (but never really had the desire to be a reporter). I finally found my way back to the type of writing I truly love. It was a very windy road!

  3. Lisa

    Mom of much younger kids here. Can I ask a question? How do you know if they want to be a video game designer because it’s their passion or because every boy I know seems to want to be that because they play video games? It won’t change the fact that I’m supporting him on it, but I worry about him “getting lost” in his computer. I have an older nephew (17) that spends all his time there and, honestly, it’s become unhealthy for him. He says he wants to be a video game designer (and he knows a lot about the stuff) but he does.nothing.else.ever. So I worry about whether there is a line there somewhere to watch out for as a parent. I’m asking truly honestly (from you and your son if he’d like to give his opinion). Having younger kids, I find the wisdom of “older” moms truly valuable. Thanks!

    • Hi Lisa, thanks for the comment! Well, I have three boys who enjoy video games, and only one of them wants to be a game designer. 🙂 17 year old is currently learning how to fix small engines, and the other (10 yo) wants to be a voice actor at the moment. I honestly don’t worry about them getting lost in the computer – or in any particular activity really – because either 1) it’s a passion that they’ll continue to develop over the years, or 2) it’s a passing interest that they’ll explore until they’ve had their fill and then they’ll move on to something else. The one caveat to that is that I, as a parent, need to be sure I’m “plugged in,” talking to them, offering them cool things to do, interesting opportunities, support in ALL their interests, etc. Because a computer, like anything else, can definitely be used as a means of escape if the child is bored or feeling lost or not getting enough interaction, etc.

      My brother in law works with computers (he’s a programmer; he isn’t in game design). He works from home, and he spends all his free time on the computer. It’s such a passion of his that my sister often doesn’t know if he’s working or “playing” when he’s on the computer. But it doesn’t stop him from being involved in other activities, being involved in his church, a good husband, an attentive dad, etc. My son is just like that. He spends far more time on the computer than most traditional homeschoolers would be comfortable with, but I truly don’t worry. He’s also an active, funny, intelligent, well-rounded kid who’s a blast to be around. I don’t doubt for a second that he’s going to do something great with his life. 🙂

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