Testimonial
From Ballet to Business Strategy: How Carissa Turned Uncertainty into Empowerment
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For many young people, the path to success feels predetermined: graduate high school, attend university, get a job, build a life. But life rarely unfolds so neatly. For Carissa, the road ahead was anything but straightforward. Her story is one of courage, adaptability, and the power of choosing a path that aligns with both reality and aspiration.
A New Direction
Carissa grew up with a clear vision for her future: she would study abroad, earn a degree in healthcare, and dedicate her life to helping others. It was a dream she had nurtured for years. But during high school, life took an unexpected turn. She transitioned to homeschooling in grades 11 and 12, a major adjustment that forced her to become more self-directed and independent.
“I always thought I would go down the traditional university route,” she says. “But when things changed, I had to step back and ask myself what I really needed—not just what I had always planned.”
That period of uncertainty came with a growing realization: the conventional academic path wasn’t always the most practical or efficient. Many university graduates, she noticed, were struggling to find jobs or lacked the skills needed to thrive in a competitive workplace.
“I didn’t want to spend years studying only to end up feeling unprepared for the real world. I wanted to gain experience while learning, not after.”
“I always thought I would go down the traditional university route,” she says. “But when things changed, I had to step back and ask myself what I really needed—not just what I had always planned.”
That period of uncertainty came with a growing realization: the conventional academic path wasn’t always the most practical or efficient. Many university graduates, she noticed, were struggling to find jobs or lacked the skills needed to thrive in a competitive workplace.
“I didn’t want to spend years studying only to end up feeling unprepared for the real world. I wanted to gain experience while learning, not after.”
Finding the Right Fit: Discovering eduCLaaS
That desire to bridge education with real-world experience eventually led her to eduCLaaS, an international work-study program that offers a unique two-year bachelor’s pathway. It wasn’t love at first sight—Carissa and her mother were initially skeptical when they came across an ad on social media.
“After attending their events and doing my own research, I realized this wasn’t just another online course. It was a globally recognized program designed to prepare students for the workforce through hands-on learning.”
What stood out to Carissa was the program’s structure: a blend of rigorous coursework, mentorship, and immersive projects that connected students to industry realities from day one.
Learning to Lead, Not Just Study
The transition into the program was challenging—but in the best way.
“The bootcamp pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I had to stop waiting for instructions and start thinking like a problem-solver.”
Instead of focusing on theory alone, Carissa found herself working on real projects, analyzing performance data, developing creative strategies, and collaborating with peers from around the world. The experience taught her how to lead, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly—skills that are rarely emphasized in traditional classrooms.
One highlight? Successfully planning and launching a social media campaign that resonated with a broad and diverse audience.
One highlight? Successfully planning and launching a social media campaign that resonated with a broad and diverse audience.
A Shift in Ambition
Before eduCLaaS, Carissa had dreams of working in healthcare or opening a café. But her experience in the program opened her eyes to new possibilities.
“Now I see myself in corporate marketing, maybe even with one of the Big Four companies,” she says. “I’ve realized how much I enjoy strategy, analytics, and creating campaigns that work.”
Now, she envisions a future in performance marketing and analytics, where she can drive business growth through data-informed strategies, and is already thinking ahead to a Master’s in Finance down the line.
What She Wants Others to Know
Carissa’s journey isn’t just about switching paths—it’s about choosing one that feels right. She hopes other students realize that there’s no single definition of success.
“It’s okay to take a different route. What matters is finding a path that challenges you, helps you grow, and opens doors to new possibilities.”
For anyone feeling uncertain about their next step, her advice is simple: explore, research, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Looking Ahead
Carissa is now building a foundation that’s not only educational—but transformative. With every new project, every collaboration, and every skill she masters, she’s moving closer to her vision of becoming a forward-thinking leader in the digital business world.
“Taking a leap into something unfamiliar was scary—but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve made. This journey helped me discover who I am and who I want to become.”
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What If This Is the Beginning of Something Bigger?
Like Carissa, you might be questioning the traditional route—and that’s okay. There’s power in exploring new options, especially when they help you grow faster, smarter, and stronger.
eduCLaaS is built for learners who want more: more relevance, more challenge, and more results.
✅ Claim your FREE consultation today
✅ Explore programs that match your career goals
A different path doesn’t mean a lesser one. It might just be the one that sets you free.
✅ Claim your FREE consultation today
✅ Explore programs that match your career goals
A different path doesn’t mean a lesser one. It might just be the one that sets you free.
