For Ian Christiansen, education isn’t just a checklist of classes or grades—it’s a blueprint for life. While most high school students follow a set schedule, Ian has taken full control of his learning journey, designing a flexible, self-directed education that lets him balance academics, work, and personal growth.

Thanks to BYU Independent Study, Ian has become the architect of his own success—and it’s paying off.

A Family of Innovators

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Ian comes from a family that values learning and problem-solving. His grandfather was a farmer who earned a degree in mechanical engineering and spent his career working on military helicopters. His father and brothers are engineers as well, and Ian is proudly following in their footsteps.

“I’m good at math and I like doing it,” Ian said. “That’s how I was raised to think. My dad always says, ‘Think like an engineer.’”

That mindset—focused, curious, and hands-on—has guided Ian’s approach to both school and life.

Finding Flexibility That Works

Ian’s journey with BYU Independent Study began when his family lived in upstate New York. His mother compared local public school options with BYU’s online courses and quickly saw the benefits: academic quality, alignment with family values, and unparalleled flexibility.

“Independent Study just made sense,” Ian explained. “It fit what we wanted, and it worked really well when everything moved online during COVID. We were already used to it.”

Even after returning to in-person activities, Ian kept using BYU Independent Study because of its clarity, consistency, and structure.

“I love how clear it is,” he said. “Classes are all really consistent—from English to piano. I know what to expect, and I can get things done quickly. Last semester, I finished early because I’d gotten into a great rhythm.”

More Time for What Matters

That efficiency has given Ian something every student wants but rarely finds—time.

With his Independent Study schedule, Ian has been able to pursue a wide range of interests: spending time with friends, playing sports, working part-time, and staying active in his church and community.

Rather than isolating him, online learning has opened doors to new experiences and connections.

“People think online learning means you’re stuck at home, but for me, it’s the opposite,” Ian shared. “I’ve had time to do so much more.”

Looking Ahead: Engineering the Future

Ian’s future is already in motion. With several college courses completed and a mechanical engineering scholarship secured, he’s well on his way to the next chapter. Before college, he plans to serve a full-time mission for his church—and he credits BYU Independent Study for giving him the flexibility, independence, and confidence to prepare.

His high school career may be complete, but his pursuit of knowledge is just beginning.

“BYU Independent Study gave me the chance to make my education my own,” Ian said. “It’s helped me develop the discipline and focus I’ll need for everything that comes next.”

Empowering Students to Learn Their Way

Students like Ian are redefining what learning can look like. With BYU Independent Study, they’re proving that when education adapts to students’ lives—not the other way around—anything is possible.

Elizabeth Anderson knows how to work with words.

She recently graduated with a degree in English—creative writing minor, professional writing emphasis—and now works full-time as a technical writer at a radar technology company. Every day, she translates complex concepts into clear, approachable language. She’s definitely using her degree.

But her path to that success wasn’t easy.

Overcoming Challenges Through Flexibility

Elizabeth’s journey to graduation wound through significant medical challenges and ADHD, which made a traditional course schedule difficult to maintain. That’s when BYU Independent Study became a vital part of her education.

“It’s been good for flexibility,” she said. “When my health was bad, I could still do classes—just in a different way.”

BYU Independent Study gave her the space and structure to keep learning at her own pace, allowing her to continue progressing toward her degree when in-person classes weren’t possible.

Learning Beyond the Page

Elizabeth didn’t just complete her classes—she made the most of them. Two of her final courses, Young Adult Literature and American Literary History, both taken through BYU Independent Study, deepened her love for storytelling and analysis.

“At the time, I was working with teenagers,” she said. “That class helped me think about why certain books matter, and how stories shape the way young people see themselves.”

Her American Literary History course gave her the chance to explore a lesser-known work by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

“I got to dive deep. I read what other people had written about it and then developed my own interpretation,” she explained. “It was fascinating.”

Turning Passion into Profession

Today, Elizabeth works at IMSAR, a company developing high-fidelity radar systems. Her role bridges the gap between highly technical engineering language and clear, effective communication.

“I interface between the engineers and their technical stuff,” she said with a smile. “I make it palatable for a broader audience.”

Her ability to translate complex information into meaningful writing has become her superpower—a skill sharpened through years of thoughtful study, analysis, and perseverance.

Looking Ahead

Elizabeth’s long-term plans remain open—perhaps law school, maybe a master’s in social work. What she knows for sure is that she’s found what she loves: learning, writing, and connecting ideas in ways that make sense to people.

We’re proud that BYU Independent Study played a part in her journey and continues to help students like Elizabeth turn challenges into opportunities, one course at a time.

For BYU Independent Study student Avanthika Aravindan of Arkansas, learning is more than checking off assignments—it’s about curiosity, growth, and balance. Like many students today, Avanthika juggles academics with a busy schedule filled with sports, clubs, extracurriculars, and family activities. She needed a program that could keep up with her pace of life while still challenging her academically.

That’s where BYU Independent Study came in.

Flexibility That Fits Every Schedule

BYU Independent Study is designed to fit around students’ lives, not the other way around. With open-entry, self-paced courses, students can start anytime and complete lessons on a timeline that works for them. For Avanthika, that flexibility made all the difference.

“I loved that I could work at my own pace,” she shared. “It made learning stress-free and gave me time for other things I care about.”

Instead of feeling rushed or overwhelmed, she was able to learn in a way that matched her rhythm and lifestyle—without sacrificing depth or quality.

Engaging, Clear, and Supportive Learning

Avanthika also praised the structure of her online courses. She found that the materials were clear, engaging, and easy to follow, which helped her stay motivated and confident. Each lesson built on the last, creating a sense of progress and accomplishment.

When she needed extra help, she took advantage of BYU Independent Study’s free tutoring support, which ensured she fully understood challenging concepts.

“The tutors were really helpful,” she said. “It made a big difference knowing I could get support whenever I needed it.”

Personalized Learning That Inspires

Beyond the flexibility and support, Avanthika appreciated how BYU Independent Study allowed her to personalize her education. She could focus on subjects that interested her most and work through them in a way that made learning meaningful.

Her experience shows that BYU Independent Study offers more than just academic credit—it provides an opportunity to take ownership of learning and discover joy in the process.

“BYU Independent Study helped me make learning worthwhile,” Avanthika shared. “It’s not just about finishing a course—it’s about really understanding and enjoying it.”

Empowering Students to Succeed

BYU Independent Study continues to empower students like Avanthika by offering flexible, accredited courses that adapt to individual needs and goals. Whether balancing extracurriculars, managing family commitments, or exploring new interests, students can learn at their own pace and make education truly their own.

When BYU Independent Study student Josh Callister heard about his older sister’s positive experience with BYU IS, he decided to give it a try for himself. Wanting to keep his mind sharp during the summer months, Josh enrolled in Honors Chemistry—a subject that both challenged and fascinated him.

For Josh, the decision wasn’t just about earning credit. It was about continuing to learn what he genuinely enjoys and discovering new ways to make education exciting.

“I wanted to do something meaningful with my summer,” Josh shared. “BYU Independent Study made it possible for me to keep learning in a way that fit my schedule—and I actually looked forward to it.”

Making Learning Meaningful

Josh quickly realized that BYU Independent Study courses are designed to do more than simply meet academic requirements. The flexible, self-paced format allowed him to dive deeper into topics that interested him and explore lessons at his own rhythm.

He appreciated that each assignment wasn’t just “busy work.” Instead, the coursework was interactive, purposeful, and rewarding.

“The assignments helped me really understand what I was learning,” Josh explained. “They weren’t just to fill time—they helped me connect concepts and build confidence.”

This deeper engagement helped transform what could have been a routine summer class into an experience that strengthened his curiosity and academic skills.

Exploring New Possibilities

BYU Independent Study offers hundreds of accredited high school courses, including core subjects, electives, and advanced options for students who want to go further. From chemistry and physics to creative writing and world languages, students can explore what sparks their interest—on their own schedule and at their own pace.

Courses are designed to keep learning fun, flexible, and personalized, giving students like Josh the freedom to learn year-round without the pressure of rigid classroom schedules.

Josh’s Advice for Future Students

When asked what advice he’d give to other students considering BYU Independent Study, Josh’s answer was simple but insightful:

“Participate fully in your assignments, put in the hard work, and fill your summer with opportunities to learn.”

He believes that putting genuine effort into the coursework makes the experience even more rewarding—and can transform how students view learning.

Josh is already planning to take another BYU Independent Study course next summer. His story is a reminder that education doesn’t have to stop when the school year ends—it can be a lifelong adventure.

When high school student Riley Chan set out to fulfill her world language requirement, she didn’t expect to find a passion that would shape her future. After completing her third Japanese course through BYU Independent Study, Riley reflected on how much she enjoyed the experience and how accessible it made learning a language not offered at her school.

“I really liked that the courses were self-paced,” she shared. “It made it possible to fit Japanese into my schedule, even with everything else going on.”

Riley’s experience highlights a growing trend among high school students: using online learning to expand opportunities beyond what traditional schools can provide.

Expanding Access to Language Learning

For many students, language classes represent more than just a graduation requirement—they’re a gateway to understanding new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. Whether students are interested in travel, international careers, or simply personal growth, studying another language enriches their world.

However, not all high schools have the resources to offer multiple language tracks or advanced levels. Schedules, staffing, and class size limitations can prevent students from pursuing the subjects that interest them most. That’s where online education fills the gap.

Through programs like BYU Independent Study, students can access accredited, high-quality courses in 11 different world languages, including Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, and more. Each course is designed to align with ACTFL standards and offers a full year to complete, allowing students to learn at their own pace—whether they’re catching up, getting ahead, or exploring something new.

A Bridge to the Future

For students like Riley, taking an online Japanese course was about more than meeting a requirement—it was about unlocking new possibilities. She now plans to continue studying Japanese in college and hopes to travel to Japan one day.

“It’s cool that I could learn something so different from what’s usually available,” she said. “Now I want to keep going.”

BYU Independent Study continues to empower students like Riley to explore their interests, achieve their goals, and prepare for a global future—one course at a time.