Cassie Beyer balances work, school, community theater in pursuit of new career

For many adult learners, the idea of returning to college after years away can be daunting, but Cassie Beyer is embracing that challenge. This summer, she began working toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biological sciences at 花季传媒 Chillicothe.

鈥淚 always wanted to be a teacher,鈥� Beyer said, 鈥淏ut I know that I want to do something in the medical field. I think the end goal is going to be to become a professor teaching science. I鈥檓 pretty sure that鈥檚 what the path is supposed to be for me.鈥�

Embracing the challenge of returning to college

A resident of McArthur, Ohio, Beyer earned an associate's degree in early childhood education from the University of Rio Grande in 2019. She spent six years teaching at Ross County Community Action-Headstart and recently transitioned to an aide role to accommodate her college schedule.

鈥淐oming back in 2025 has been a challenge. I joke that I鈥檓 a geriatric college student because I鈥檓 in a class with a bunch of 19-year-olds,鈥� she said.

Returning to school meant learning how to use new pieces of lab and science equipment as well as adapting to modern technology, including online classes and a new learning management system. Despite the learning curve, Beyer remains optimistic.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e never too old to go back to college, but it does become more difficult,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 believe education is important. I鈥檝e always believed that, and it鈥檚 the one thing that nobody can take away from you.鈥�

Finding balance

In addition to her studies and part-time work, Beyer serves as a trustee on the board of the (CCT). She is also an actor and has previously directed a play for CCT.

鈥淟ive theater is super important to bring to this community, because it is an outlet for a lot of people to鈥et go and enjoy a show that's being performed by others who just want to make people smile for a couple of hours,鈥� Beyer said. 鈥淚 don't need to go home and watch TV after work. I go to the theater and decompress.鈥�

OHIO Chillicothe Director of Student Service Ashlee Tatman acted alongside Beyer in the CCT production of 鈥淭he Great Gatsby鈥� last year and played a part in Beyer鈥檚 decision to continue her education.

鈥淐assie is a wonderful example of the diverse types of students we serve at OHIO Chillicothe,鈥� Tatman said. 鈥淣ot only is she taking quite rigorous classes to pursue her dreams and change her career trajectory, but as a non-traditional student, she's also working a meaningful job and is very active in the community.鈥�

Beyer is performing as Mrs. Dudley in 鈥淭he Haunting of Hill House,鈥� an immersive production, which opened on Oct. 9 and runs through Oct. 19 at CCT.