How BYU Pathway Changed One Young Woman’s Life

At the recent Fairview Stake Welfare and Self-Reliance Devotional at Don Antonio Meetinghouse, Elder and Sister Dotillos from BYU-Pathway and Sister Villanueva from HelpStart Education Foundation encouraged attendees to pursue learning not just for employment, but to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and develop self-reliance.

For 19-year-old Cassandra Aying, the messages seemed aligned with her situation. Her family couldn’t afford to send her to college, so she took a chance on BYU Pathway. What started as an online class became a life-changing experience for her. Through her online studies, she met the missionaries, and soon after, the gospel.

She discovered BYU Pathway last year through a friend, Sister Jane Velasco, and enrolled in Life Skills PC 101 even though she was not yet a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Hindi po kaya ng parents ko mag-paaral, kaya nag-enroll po ako sa [BYU] Pathway,” she shared.

When her mother, Vivian, left for Saudi Arabia to work, Cassandra nearly dropped out of school. Vivian, a single mom, frequently reached out to Sister Jane with her problems. 

The Velasco family stepped in to help and encourage Cassandra to continue studying, even when she was losing hope due to their situation. 

Cassandra persisted with only a broken cellphone to access her online classes. Sister Jane remained firmly committed to supporting her education.

“Nagtiyaga lang siya sa sirang cellphone,” recalled Sister Jane.

During her classes, the Velasco Family suggested meeting with the missionaries to help her understand some lessons, especially the Book of Mormon. Out of curiosity, she welcomed their visits.

In April 2025, Cassandra was baptized, and a month later, she was able to attend her first YSA conference. “Masaya po na makasama sa YSA Conference,” she said.

Sister Jane shared that she was happy Cassandra had found new friends at church despite family and financial challenges. 

Cassandra’s siblings, Marvin and Cirilo, were also baptized on April 23, which happened to be Cirilo’s 16th birthday.

President Velasco emphasized that education can break the cycle of poverty: “Parang mahirap tanggapin na mahirap ka na hindi ka pa maka bangon. Ang pag aaral ang key to success.”

The story of the Aying siblings is a reminder that small opportunities can lead to unexpected doors. 

BYU Pathway Worldwide is an online education program provided by Brigham Young University–Idaho and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering affordable education for both members and non-members.