Classical Conversations Graduate: College, Career, and Beyond

<p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Think homeschoolers are antisocial? Think again. In this special in-studio episode, Robert sits down with his sister-in-law Emma Bortins, a Classical Conversations graduate who went from small-town homeschooling to thriving in the heart of New York City at The King's College.</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Emma breaks down the myths about homeschool socialization while sharing how her classical education prepared her not just for college, but for real-world success as a publicist, nonprofit consultant, and now new mom. From networking her way into competitive jobs to working with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins, Emma proves that homeschoolers don't just survive in the professional world—they excel.</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Discover how the tools of learning (grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric) translate into workplace success, why authenticity beats aggression in public relations, and what the classical education movement is getting right (and wrong) in the media landscape. Plus, get insider tips on landing your first job out of college and why your network truly is your net worth.</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><strong><u><span style="font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> This episode of <em>Refining Rhetoric</em> is sponsored by 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise and Gutenberg College:</span></u></strong></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Book your cabin now at <a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026">www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026</a></span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag, and join us on board!</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> Over the past 2000 years, the West has developed a successful educational model that guides students toward mature independent thought. Gutenberg College, a Christian, Great Books, undergraduate college in the pacific northwest embraces this time-tested approach. At Gutenberg students are encouraged to boldly pursue truth within a biblical framework. They do so with peers and faculty-mentors in lively small group discussions. To find out more, go to</span> <a href="http://gutenberg.edu/"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;"> gutenberg.edu</span></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif;">.</span></p>