When Nala Washington first joined EPIC Homeschool Network, she was just a third grader–still adjusting to life as a homeschooler, having previously attended private school. Now, as a rising 12th grader and the National Vice President of BETA Club, she reflects on the impact homeschooling and EPIC have had on her as a student and person. 

A Family Decision

Homeschooling was a mutual decision in the Washington household. For Nala and her family, it wasn’t just about academics—it was about creating a learning environment where she could truly thrive. She recalled that her family believed the amount of support and nurturing a child needed wasn’t always readily available in a traditional schooling environment. Teachers are often spread thin assisting large numbers of students at once. Homeschooling opened the door to personalized learning, and EPIC became the bridge to connection, community, and real-world opportunity. 

From Student to Leader

For Nala, EPIC wasn’t just for networking and academics; it became a space where she could lead, teach, and inspire. As a requirement for her Girl Scout Gold Award, Nala had to develop and implement a project that addressed a key issue in her local community. She decided to create the “Green For Good” project through EPIC, which gave her a chance to teach, improve her public speaking skills, and engage in community-centered work. 

For her “Green For Good” project, she taught other EPIC students about gardening and the environment. Through her lessons, students leave empowered to use new skills and begin gardening projects of their own. She shared that “Being a teacher with EPIC gave me a whole new perspective,”. Through coordinating lessons and planning meaningful breaks, Nala learned not only how to teach but how to engage. She started looking for ways to make learning more interactive and to meet students where they were. 

This opportunity to engage in impact-oriented work is one of the many benefits of EPIC. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and are often given the platform to share their knowledge with others. Even though she earned her Gold Award, Nala made the decision to keep this project going. Now each year, she sets new goals for herself as a student teacher. One of her biggest takeaways? “Learning from my mistakes and improving every single year.” 

New Interests, New Passions

Thanks to EPIC, Nala discovered and strengthened a love for both gardening and coding. She fondly remembers taking a coding class advertised by EPIC and receiving a free computer through one of their community partners. Coding continues to become an important skill in the job market and in college. EPIC is planting seeds that will help students like Nala become more successful and prepared for life after high school, whether that means college or immediately entering the workforce. 

Even beyond EPIC, the network led her to discover other opportunities like Inspire Homeschool Co-Op, where she found her love for violin and deepened her understanding of herself.

An 8th Grade Milestone Worth Celebrating

One of the moments Nala is most proud of? Her 8th-grade graduation. “Middle school was hard for me,” she admits. “But being able to achieve that milestone—it meant a lot.” EPIC helped make that achievement possible by offering the academic support and personal encouragement she needed to keep pushing forward.

Beta Club, Toastmasters, and a Rising Voice

Nala’s growth didn’t stop in the classroom. Through EPIC, she joined the BETA Club—and it quickly became one of the most transformative parts of her journey. This year, she was elected National Vice President after an intensive campaign filled with speeches, skits, and countless conversations with fellow students. In this prestigious role she is responsible for BETA Club on a National level and works with a team of officers to help the organization run smoothly.

“It helped me grow as a person,” she says. “I had to connect with people on different levels, get to know them, understand who they were.” She began at the state level in Georgia, winning votes through personal connection and hard work, and then took those same skills to the national stage. Her leadership, confidence, and public speaking were also sharpened through Toastmasters, another opportunity she found through EPIC.

Community Support 

A common misconception regarding homeschoolers is that they lack community and opportunities to form personal connections with students their age. However, with EPIC, that is far from the truth. Some of Nala’s closest friends are people she met through EPIC’s BETA Club. It’s not just about the programs—it’s about the people. “I’ve really made connections through EPIC,” she says. The field trips, service days, and shared experiences have helped her grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually. In fact, one of the friends Nala made through EPIC introduced her to a learning cohort, where she met a mentor who is helping her with college preparation, application materials, and more. 

As for her local community, she’s participated in countless community service events, and giving back has become a core value. “It gave me a chance to interact with my community,” she explains. “To really give back and connect with others.” And that’s what EPIC is all about.

Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn

One hallmark of the EPIC experience is the abundance of field trips and exclusive events organized for families. Learning shouldn’t be limited to just the classroom; these trips help put that philosophy into practice. When asked what her favorite EPIC experience has been, she lit up and spoke highly about Ruby Falls! The gemstones, rocks, and caves were all fascinating. 

She’s also learned that EPIC is preparing her for the future—not just college, but life. Through EPIC connections, she found a mentor who’s helping her prepare college applications and even guiding her through the process of writing a book.

What’s Next for Nala?

Nala isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As she enters her senior year, she’s excited to deepen the friendships she’s formed and continue growing through EPIC. “The people involved in EPIC have truly changed my life,” she says. “In the future, I want to come back and give back. I want to stay involved with EPIC in some way.”

If She Had to Sum It Up Briefly…

To other homeschoolers considering joining EPIC, she says this: “This is an organization that genuinely prepares you for life. It’s built not just for students, but for families.” There are supports in place for parents and students to find community, support, and unique opportunities. 

Nala Washington is proof of what’s possible when students are given the space to grow, lead, and thrive. EPIC makes that possible.