From Early Graduate to Bakery Shift: How One Insight School of Washington Alum Found Balance, Confidence, and Her Own Path Forward

When Eva reflects on her educational journey, one word comes up repeatedly: balance. For Eva, finding the right learning environment wasn’t simply about academics. It was about discovering a structure that allowed her to learn in a way that actually worked for her life, personality, and future goals. 
 
Eva, who lives in Duvall, Washington, graduated early from Insight School of Washington (ISWA) in March 2025 after unexpectedly completing all of the credits required for graduation ahead of schedule. While early graduation wasn’t originally part of her plan, the flexibility and structure of online learning helped open doors she hadn’t initially anticipated. 
 
Eva attended traditional brick-and-mortar school through 4^th grade before transitioning to homeschooling, then returning to brick-and-mortar for 5^th grade. For grades 6 and 7, she did a hybrid homeschooling model with her mother. During the pandemic, her family made the move into online learning full-time starting her 8th grade year while many traditional schools were still navigating how to operate virtually. 
 
For Eva, the shift immediately felt different in the best possible way. She no longer felt drained, distracted, and overwhelmed by the structure of long school days followed by hours of additional homework at home. 

“I didn’t like spending six hours at school only to come home and still have more work to do,” Eva shared. “There wasn’t much balance.” 
 
At ISWA, she found something better aligned with how she learned best. The school’s schedule and flexible pacing allowed her to stay organized, think ahead, and create more space for personal interests outside of academics. 

After actively participating in SkillsUSA during her sophomore and junior years, Eva fully expected to complete a regular senior year. Instead, her counselor contacted her with surprising news: she had already earned enough credits to graduate early. 
 
In March 2025, Eva officially graduated and decided to take a thoughtful gap year rather than rush into a college decision she wasn’t fully ready to make. Today, she’s using that time to explore both career interests and future academic pathways. Since January 2026, Eva has been working night shifts at a local bakery, a job she says she absolutely loves. 

Baking had always been a personal passion, so stepping into a role creating pastries, croissants, muffins, and scones felt like a natural fit. She’s especially excited about upcoming seasonal menu items now that the bakery owner has returned full-time. 
 
The experience has also helped her continue thinking through future career and college goals, which currently include possible degrees in microbiology, molecular biology, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering. 
 
“I loved science and biology classes in high school,” Eva shared. 
 
In fact, she credits one ISWA teacher in particular for helping spark that interest. 
 
“My interest in those degrees was very much influenced by my anatomy & physiology classes with Mrs. Kathy De Barra, Science Teacher,” Eva explained. “It was by far one of my favorite courses. What once seemed almost impossible to learn started to feel like second nature when I was being taught by her.” 
 
Outside of work, Eva enjoys reading, baking, video games, origami, and volunteering. She recently became involved with the Girls Study Community, which she describes as a welcoming and inclusive space where students can feel supported and connected. 
 
She’s also a proud cat owner after adopting a brown tabby cat in January 2024 through a trap-neuter-release program. 
 
Although Eva chose not to attend prom due to travel distance and logistics, she still maintains friendships with classmates throughout Washington, even if many of them haven’t yet met in person. 
 
When reflecting on her overall experience at ISWA, Eva says the relationships she built made a lasting impact, especially with teacher Alica Pascua. 
 
“Mrs. Pascua is THE most supportive teacher and human being I have ever met,” Eva shared. “She was such an amazing communicator, made sure we’d talk through my concerns, address my questions, and figure out a path forward.” 
 
For Eva, online learning was never about choosing an easier path. It was about finding the right environment — one that gave her the flexibility to grow academically, discover her interests, and confidently move into the next chapter of life on her own timeline.