My Christian Walk, Homeschool Career, and Future Plans

By Nate Wales, Second Place Winner, Leigh A. Genasevich Scholarship

I started homeschooling in fifth grade. Up until then, I was a student in our local public school, but felt frustrated by how little was accomplished. So much time was wasted, and the teachers seemed to have little control over problem students. Homeschooling gave me the ability to complete my work efficiently and pursue my own interests. As I advanced through the grades, I spent time developing my creativity, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and in ninth grade, I began taking college courses through the Early Start Program at Commonwealth University.

By the time I graduate high school, I will have completed 72 college credits—placing me well into my junior year of college. Every course I have taken has been directly aligned with my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing, demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence and career readiness. Beyond academics, I have also been recognized for my artistic talent, winning several Scholastic Art Awards for my drawings, LEGO sculptures, and photography. This blend of academic ambition and creative achievement highlights my dedication, discipline, and ability to excel across multiple disciplines.

My Christian Walk

Faith has always been my foundation. Growing up in church, youth group, and Bible studies, I was surrounded by Christianity, but I had to make the decision to follow Christ for myself. My faith has been tested, and I’ve chosen to stay grounded. One of my personal goals is to incorporate a daily holy hour into my routine, dedicating time each day for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Serving others is a key part of my faith. Whether through community service at Bethany Christian Fellowship—where I’ve assisted with physical projects like yard work and roof repairs—or mentoring younger children in Sunday School, I strive to live out James 2:26: ‘Faith without works is dead.’ I have also dedicated time to labor-intensive projects at my church, helping preserve and improve our 140-year-old building for the congregation and the broader community.

I prioritize discipleship by having devotions, learning from mentors, and working through tough questions that have strengthened my faith. These experiences have deepened my sense of purpose and responsibility, and I’m committed to growth, no matter where life takes me.

My Homeschool Career

Homeschooling allowed me to learn in a way that fits who I am. I pursued subjects I was passionate about while maintaining a strong academic foundation. The flexibility of homeschooling also allowed me to develop skills in creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout with a unique project: designing and building a LEGO replica of Spaulding Memorial Library, engaging the community in the process. This project required 117 hours of my personal time and 263 total hours from all participants. I also organized hands-on building events where local children and fellow Scouts could take part in assembling the model, turning the project into a collaborative experience that brought people together.

In addition to my Eagle Scout project, I built a business selling restored LEGO sets online and at pop-up markets, tripling my initial investment through strategic planning and hard work. I invested my own money into purchasing pre-owned LEGO collections, meticulously reassembled the pieces into their original sets, and listed them for sale in my online store. I also became a vendor at Pop Culture Markets in my area, often ranking as the most successful vendor
at the events.

Additionally, my homeschool education allowed me to travel with my parents to fitness conferences and competitions. As a Spartan DEKA FIT athlete, I qualified for the World Championships in 2024, earning fifth place in the world for the DEKA MILE and eighth place in the world for the DEKA STRONG. These experiences taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of a strong mindset.

My Future Plans

I’m excited about what’s next. Coaching and leadership are already part of my life, and I plan to continue my education in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. My ultimate goal is to open my own LEGO store—a space where creativity, nostalgia, and intellectual engagement come together. Every time I travel, I visit both official LEGO stores and independently owned Brick Stores, which has given me insight into what makes a business successful. My vision is to specialize in restoring used sets, carefully reassembling them, and making them available for collectors and builders who want to experience the magic of LEGO at any age.

Beyond just selling bricks, I want my store to be a community hub—a place where people can come together to build, learn, and share their passion for LEGO. My entrepreneurial mindset, combined with my hands-on experience selling LEGO through BrickLink and pop-up markets, has already given me a strong foundation. Through my business education, I will continue developing the skills necessary to bring this vision to life.

Conclusion

Looking back, my journey has been shaped by faith, discipline, and growth. My Christian walk is about action, homeschooling taught me responsibility, and my future is about stepping forward with faith and purpose. With a strong foundation in both faith and practical experience, I am ready to make a lasting impact.