Two years ago, we spoke with high schooler Kassadie Weber, who shared how online school gave her the freedom to dive deep into her passion for ASL. Now a psychology major at DePauw University, Kassadie continues to explore new interests, build meaningful connections, and apply the skills she gained through virtual learning to her college experience.

At DePauw, Kassadie has embraced both academic and extracurricular opportunities, from psychology and creative writing courses. But beyond the classroom, her experience as a student advocate for school choice has carried over in unexpected ways. 

A Head Start On College

A determined and gifted student, Kassadie was not stopping at just her high school diploma. As a student enrolled in Indiana Digital Learning School, she was able to take advantage of the partnerships with Indiana Tech and Ball State to participate in college courses! This early exposure helped her not only explore different subjects and prepare for college life, but also allowed her to earn credits that counted toward her college degree. 

By the time she arrived at DePauw, Kassadie was ahead of the game.

Set Up for Success

One of the biggest advantages of Kassadie’s online education? She was already a pro at navigating virtual learning environments, a skill that has given her a distinct edge in college. 

“I feel like I had a solid foundation in figuring out where to find information when and where I need it,” she explains. “That’s been a huge advantage in my college coursework.” Virtual school also taught how to be adaptable, whether it be learning new platforms or shifting student locations, which has been a “game-changer” during her freshman year. 

Beyond technical skills, she also developed strong time management abilities. With no rigid class schedule at her virtual school, Kassadie learned at a young age how to create her own schedule, keep herself accountable, and stay on top of her classwork. Now, at DePauw, she seamlessly balances her coursework, campus life, and future career planning, all thanks to the discipline learned from being a virtual student. 

Flexibility Leading to Passion

When we last spoke with Kassadie, her passions began with ASL interpretation. With her flexible learning schedule, she expressed her immense joy in having the freedom to take specialized courses, shaping her academic path on her own terms.

She has since shifted her passions to psychology, but has maintained the same sense of curiosity that drives her. “Indiana Digital allowed me to spread my wings and pursue what I wanted,” she says. “I had the chance to start early and see what I liked and didn’t like before stepping into college.”

A Natural Advocate 

Kassadie’s experience in online education has fueled her passion for education freedom, giving her firsthand insight into why students should have the right to choose the learning environment that works best for them.

Through her advocacy work, she has learned how legislation impacts school choice and has spoken up for students who may not have had the same opportunities.In high school, Kassadie stepped into the role of student advocate, fighting to ensure students had access to alternative education options. 

That same skill set has translated into college day-to-day. She now has found herself helping her classmates navigate college life and confusing education environments. “I had several classmates who came to me early on if they needed something. They knew I would be the person in our class to know the answers and resources and advocate on their behalf, because I am accustomed to those things,” she shared.

A Bright Future Ahead

As she continues to make her mark at DePauw, Kassadie is embracing the university experience with open arms.

Her eyes light up when she talks about how great her university’s atmosphere is. Kassadie has found a tight-knit group of friends that have exposed her to “different perspectives and walks of life”, which she loves. Most importantly, however, has been her fascinating coursework, including Intro to Psychology and Greek and Roman Mythology!

As she looks to the future, her commitment to advocacy remains strong. “The way I learned in online school taught me to have an open mind,” she reflects. “What works for one won’t work for all, and I’ve applied that lesson to every area of my life.”

With her resourcefulness and passion for advocacy, Kassadie Weber is a living testament to the fact that virtual schools can be a launchpad for success.