Cassie Casiano, Class of 2003,
Graduate student in English Literature, Florida State University,
Teaching freshman English courses at FSU

“I received a dual BA in English Literature and Mass Media Communications with a minor in Theatre from FSU, graduating Suma Cum Laude and with special honors in the communications major. I'm currently a graduate student in English Literature at FSU studying Restoration Drama. I teach freshmen English (ENC1101, 1102, 1142 and 1145) at FSU and am in the process of designing my own ENC1102 equivalency course centered on musical theatre. I'm scheduled to graduate with my MA next spring, but may finish as early as next fall . . . Once I finish the MA I intend to go straight into a PhD program specializing in Modern American Drama.

My experience at the Collegiate High School prepared me for my current pursuits in a way no ordinary high school could. The responsibility that comes with working at your own pace in college, and especially in graduate school, was learned at the CHS. I currently teach college freshmen at FSU and watch them scramble to deal with this sudden responsibility in their first semesters at college. In many cases, it's more than they can handle. CHS students are eased into the self responsibility in high school, thus minimizing the stressful adjustment period.

My close relationships with several Northwest Florida State College professors provided me with insight into the field of professional academia and in part, inspired me to go into post-secondary education.

In some ways, the CHS offered a more diverse collegiate experience than FSU. The wealth of non-traditional students at Northwest Florida State College allowed for a broad range of perspectives in class discussion. Though young, CHS students given this opportunity bring the maturity of their Northwest Florida State College classmates to other universities.

Like anyone looking back at high school, what I remember most are the people. . . . I have fond memories of sitting outside doing homework and generally being teenagers . . . The friendly office staff and faculty are also fresh in my mind. Their smiling faces and kind words fix them more as friends than disciplinarians and guardians in my mind.

The power to guide my own educational career at the Collegiate High School actually saved me from squandering said career . . . I could choose my own schedule from a much larger number of courses . . . I could be in plays at The Arts Center and join the college Forensics team. I could have a diverse range of friends from high school students to adults. I realize now that the Collegiate High School gave me much of that freedom because they knew it was what I needed. Their ability to adapt the program to individual needs is amazing.

In regards to the transfer of credits to the university level . . . Several of my friends went through AP and IB for college credit, but none were able to transfer enough credits to shave off more than a year, and some had to go back and repeat courses. Since I came in with an AA degree, everything transferred without a hitch.

The Collegiate High is not for everyone. Students must be ready to handle the responsibility and have some sense of where they are headed in life. . . to Collegiate High School faculty and staff – thank you for making my high school (and early college) experience unique and thank you for believing in me and all the other Collegiate High students.”