Nearly a year and a half ago, we posted about 19-year-old Alecia Faith Pennington, who grew up in a homeschooling Christian household with parents who opposed any kind of government regulations on how they ran their family. That also meant there was no documentation for Alecia — no birth certificate (since she was born at home), or social security number, or doctor’s notes (since she never visited one), or school records (since she was homeschooled), etc. That became a huge problem after she ran away from home without any proof of her own existence.
Alecia eventually posted a YouTube video explaining her dilemma, hoping someone could help her.
In case you were wondering how she’s doing, you’re in luck. The excellent podcast Radiolab just ran an episode all about Alecia — “The Girl Who Doesn’t Exist” — and it documents the amazing journey she took to become a verified human being.
I listened to the episode yesterday and was captivated by the story all over again. I was also infuriated by how her parents treated her throughout this ordeal, and I was really angry at the pro-homeschool lobbying group that punished the legislator who helped Alecia overcome her toughest legal hurdles.
It’s an amazing, compelling story. Be sure to listen to it. You can reach Alecia through her Facebook page.
(Thanks to Insightfill for the link)
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."