Shiloh Enters 1st Èpèe Tourney, Garners Third

What did you do?

It’s been a month and a few days since I enrolled at Sebastiani Fencing Academy in Princeton, NJ. My mentors and the academy director urged me to join the Épée Fencing Tournament last May 20-21, 2023. So, I signed up with courage even if one of my mentors was also a competitor. I garnered 3rd place despite my very thin experience in the field. For me, such a feat was more of joy and affirmation of my worth as a typical home-educated student.

The board of fencers recognized my achievement at the Sebastiani Fencing Academy in Princeton, NJ.

How did homeschooling help you achieve your goal?

Homeschooling provides ample time for me to practice fencing at home and to attend classes twice a week with a day of free bouting to enhance my performance and learn more about Èpèe, which is my most preferred type of fencing since it is considered the closest to historical fencing among the three, namely, saber, foil, and èpèe.

What are your interests?

Next to my required Seton high school courses, fencing so far is my most significant interest, followed by learning about the different weapons from all over the world as I was inspired by The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and the historicity and practical use of an assortment of swords or weapons from all over the world. Studying these proves my love for Literature and World History. I even crafted many swords and weapons from other parts of the world from scratch.

What are you inspired to do with your life?

When I reached 9th grade, I was also inspired to learn how to play guitar. Later on, I had an audition for the Cantus Angelorun Cathedral Children’s Choir, and together with my sister Shekinah, I was accepted. The acceptance nurtured my love for music, particularly classical Latin songs sung regularly during the Holy Mass on Sundays and other occasions at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. I have also volunteered as an Altar Server at Sts. Peter and Paul for over two years now. Reading notes and counting has become my second nature, perhaps because of my innate knowledge of Math.