Cassie Thoopsamoot ’16 didn’t take the traditional path through college.

After graduating from Waterville Senior High School in 2006, she began studying nursing.

“But life got in the way with that,” she said. “So later, I ended up taking some courses at KVCC and graduated from their early childhood program. And then I decided I wanted to do more.”

So, Thoopsamoot began a new journey at Thomas College. She will graduate with an Elementary Education major and Psychology minor this May.

While at KVCC, Thoopsamoot had two children. She had her third child last year while studying at Thomas College.

“School, work, and children. It was interesting to say the least. For me, because I am organized, it wasn’t as difficult as some people maybe feel like it is,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, but as long as you are organized and focused on your goal.”

Her husband’s family owns Pad Thai Too in Waterville – so he is also busy. Thoopsamoot says having a supportive family and a small school where teachers are on the same page has helped her succeed at Thomas College.

“I like all of the education teachers and I like that they can collaborate so nicely. It makes being in their classrooms so much easier, because they are all on the same page,” she said. “Having that sense of family amongst them inside and outside the classroom is really nice.”

Thoopsamoot has felt a lot of support from her professors while at Thomas College – especially from Cindy Lepley and Dr. Richard Biffle.

“Dr. Biffle has instilled the confidence that I always needed in myself – by just being honest.”

After marching this month, Thoopsamoot will student teach in Augusta at the Hussey School in a third grade classroom.