I don't know if I'm 'gifted' or not, but after dealing with my ds, I suspect I could probably get a classification if I was in school now.
In school, I did well with ease. I didn't really have to work at school too much. I graduated with extra credits and audited some classes in high school. I took AP classes and seem to remember enjoying them. I also skipped alot of school because there were better things to do.... I believe underachiever was used by more than one of my teachers.
I was ill-prepared for college. My studying skills sucked to say the least - I'd never really had to, so it wasn't something I was good at. I didn't really give college a decent chance. I hated sitting in classes listening to someone talk - I preferred to do things on my own. I think I might have enjoyed internet classes.
This is what I'm trying to avoid with my ds - the apathy that comes from boredom. I'm trying to keep him engaged in school, so that he doesn't lose interest and have the attitude that I have. DH and I have had many good natured discussions about my being a slacker when it comes to school and why that may have been. I love to learn, read, educate myself, etc. I just didn't do well in a formal school setting - could it have been because I wasn't getting what I needed? Maybe.
I don't know that I wish anything had been different - I've done well. I may not have had the formal education, but I am an educated person who's living a great life. Of course, as a parent, I want more for my child. I hope to instill a love of learning (even if not in a traditional setting) and I also hope he encounters teachers who can bring out the best in him. He's had a couple already, we've been fortunate. And of course, there's DH who balances me out, LOL.
