Alumni Profile – Emily McCarthy on Music and Homeschooling

1. How long were you homeschooled through Seton?

I was homeschooled since kindergarten and it has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

I was enrolled in Seton from 9th-12th grade. My three younger brothers are currently Seton students.

2. What did you like about your Seton experience?

Looking back on my high school education, I can confidently say that the Seton curriculum prepared me very well for college.

The religion courses in particular helped me grow stronger in my understanding of the Catholic faith.

I am so grateful that the homeschooling lifestyle gave me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions, particularly music and songwriting.

I started writing music at the age of 15 as a form of self-expression and I often collaborated with my other musical homeschool friends.

Being homeschooled also helped me grow closer to my family.

My brothers have become my best friends and I’m so thankful that we were able to spend so much time together as homeschooled students!

3. Where did you go to college, and what is your degree?

I am currently a junior at Concordia University Irvine, pursuing my Bachelors of Arts degree in graphic design with a minor in marketing.

4. How did your Seton education help you navigate the college experience?

Being homeschooled through Seton helped me to become a good time manager and a strong writer. Both of these qualities have served me greatly in my college career.

Additionally, the Seton religion courses prepared me to explain and defend the faith to my non-Catholic peers.

5. What are you doing now?

As well as being a full-time college student, I work as a marketing assistant at a promotional products company and I cantor every weekend at my local parish.

I am also a songwriter, and released my first EP, “Poster Child” on iTunes and Spotify this past October.

My brother Danny, a current high school junior at Seton, composed and performed the violin tracks on the album.

My two other brothers are musicians as well, and we love to get together and jam, sometimes with our other homeschool friends!

Below are the links to my EP:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2q8oI4P

iTunes: https://apple.co/2TG6B39

6. What gives you passion or motivation in your current occupation?

As a songwriter and a musician, I am inspired to create uplifting and wholesome music. In a time where our culture has sadly turned away from God, it is so important that artists continue to spread light, love and faith through their art. As a cantor at my parish, I am particularly passionate about leading others closer to Christ through music.

7. Any advice for current Seton High Schoolers?

The flexibility that comes with homeschooling is an amazing opportunity to pursue your passions. Find something you love to do, and keep at it! Your gifts can be used to impact the culture in a positive way and bring the light of Christ to others!