Cassie Woleslagel: working hard, chasing dreams

By Kandace York

When Cassie Woleslagel crossed the stage to pick up her business administration degree at BGSU's August commencement ceremony, she was already one year ahead of most people her age.

The College Credit Plus program, which she started as a junior in high school, gave her the opportunity to earn 27 credits – a full year’s worth – by the time she graduated from high school. This shortened her time at BGSU to just three years.

Even though Woleslagel’s time in CCP meant that she was often studying while classmates were relaxing, she described the experience as very positive. “I think it made my transition into school at BGSU a lot easier; I already had that college feeling prior, which made me feel more comfortable at BG.”

From the start, BGSU was her first choice. “BG is not only a great school, but a great business school and that’s what really attracted me. I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I made sure to choose a school where I knew I would get a great education.”

Her great education extended outside the classroom, to membership in the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity. But one more big experience was waiting for her.

Woleslagel’s hard work and academic success had already earned her one key scholarship that decreased her tuition costs. A second scholarship through the Hoskins Study Abroad Award meant that she would be able to get even more out of her education by studying abroad.

“Those scholarships mean so much to me because they have helped save me thousands of dollars,” she said, “and studying abroad was hands-down the best decision I made my entire college career.”

The education abroad idea was one she had “inherited” from her older brother, Brad, a BGSU alumnus who had studied in Nantes, France for a summer. “Just hearing about his experience made me want to do the same. My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to chase after my dream.”

For her two business-specific education abroad experiences, Woleslagel chose Spain and France. “Both schools were outstanding business schools and taught me so much; I couldn’t have chosen two better universities to attend overseas. Not only did I get educated about the business world, I also learned so much about myself while spending a summer and a semester in Europe.”

The prospect of living in another country for weeks or months was still intimidating, even with support from the scholarships and from her family, Woleslagel admitted. But she said she’s “so happy” she pursued the opportunities anyhow, and she recommended that other Falcons consider it as well.

“My advice to incoming freshmen is to chase your dream, whatever that may be,” she said. “Get involved and take advantage of all the resources around you.”