From High School Struggles to Nursing Dreams: Cassidy’s Online High School Story
High school doesn’t look the same for everyone – and that’s okay! For Cassidy Ashley from Knoxville, Tennessee, the traditional classroom setting just wasn’t the right fit. She needed something flexible, supportive, and designed to help her move forward on her own terms. That’s when she found Penn Foster High School.
Finding flexibility and freedom in online high school
Cassidy enrolled in Penn Foster High School in June 2023 and quickly discovered the program was exactly what she needed. The self-paced structure allowed her to balance school with a full-time job at her family’s restaurant while still enjoying life as a teenager.
“What stood out the most was that it was at my own pace,” Cassidy says. “I could work, enjoy life, and do school at the same time.”
Instead of being tied to a classroom all day, she could take her studies anywhere—whether at home, at the library with friends, or even while traveling.
Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
Balancing school and work wasn’t always easy. At times, Cassidy fell behind, but she learned to stay disciplined and motivated. “Once I sat down and focused, I started earning 90s and 100s,” she recalls. “I’ll never forget finishing my last essay and running to tell my mom I was done. I was so proud of myself.”
Cassidy’s parents played a big role in cheering her on, and that encouragement helped her finish her diploma in just a year and a half!
Read more: Nerjis Al Habib’s Fast Track to College
A head start on the future
Graduating at 17 gave Cassidy a head start to reach her goals and achieve her dreams! She’s now preparing to begin her next chapter at Walters State Community College, where she’ll study nursing. Inspired by her mother’s hospital experiences, Cassidy wants to bring compassion and quality care to others.
“Penn Foster prepared me for college by teaching me independence and self-discipline,” she says. “It’s all on you, and that responsibility has made me stronger.”
Read more: How Wyatt Used Online High School to Graduate Early
Cassidy’s advice for future students
Looking back, Cassidy’s advice to anyone considering Penn Foster is simple and powerful: “Do it. Don’t let anybody stop you. At the end of the day, it’s your life—do what makes you happy.”
Before Penn Foster, Cassidy felt stuck and unhappy in traditional school. Today, she’s proud of who she’s become: a confident, independent young woman ready to make a difference in healthcare!
Ready to create your own success story? Learn more about how Penn Foster High School can help you reach your goals by reaching out to our Admissions Specialists at 1-888-427-6500!
