PA Virtual Grads-Where are They Now?
Katrina Lynn Whetsel
Katrina Lynn Whetsel graduated from PA Virtual in 2009 and capped off her educational experience by singing at graduation which was held at Hidden Valley Resort in Hidden Valley, PA. Katrina began her music career at 14 like most other vocalists – by singing her favorite cover songs. Cyber school gave her the flexibility to spend time in the studio while also finishing high school. After graduating from PA Virtual, Katrina went to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and received her BA in digital design. One of the best aspects about a cyber education according to Katrina was the how she learned independence and personal responsibility. She found her teachers always went above and beyond to give students the tools and guidance needed to prepare for college. We caught up with Katrina and asked her a few questions about how life has been since PA Virtual and what advice she has for current students!
PA VIRTUAL: What are you up to now? Tell us about your post-college life!
Katrina: Aside from my music, I work for an online t-shirt company as a graphics applicator. Basically, this means I make some of the items we sell, as well as assist each department helping to ensure quality products are being brought in and shipped out to customers. I'm also working on my own business from home called K-Tee's Shirt Shack. I design and make t-shirts and other products, as well as offer services like photo restoration, advertising designs, and photography. Recently, I was a part of a listener contest for KVGI, a big country radio station in Texas, where I won six times in a row based on listener votes. Because of this, my songs are in the station's permanent rotation. Later this year, I will take part in the Hoedown in the Holler country music festival sponsored by WFLE in Kentucky. The most exciting news I can share about my music is that recently I was contacted by producers from “The Voice” about possibly appearing on the show – that’s all I can say for now, but it is an exciting possibility!
PA VIRTUAL: What advice would you give to this year’s graduating seniors?
Katrina: My biggest piece of advice for this time in your life is to follow your dreams! After graduation, things start to move fast and “being an adult” comes pretty quickly, but this is a time where you are still going to be learning a lot about yourself. You will have a lot of outside forces trying to push or pull you in different directions.
You truly can do anything you want as long as you work hard and keep true to yourself. I've accomplished a lot of things I was told are not physically possible to do by pushing negativity away and working hard. Do those things and you will without a doubt make your dreams come true!
PA VIRTUAL: What is the most important thing you have learned from your years in college?
Katrina: The most important thing I learned in college is that the only person who can make things happen for me is me. There is an endless world of opportunity out there; you just have to go for it!
PA VIRTUAL: Is there anything else you would like to share with PA Virtual students?
Katrina: I wish all of you the best in whatever you decide to do in life! Never give up on your dreams no matter what obstacles you face! You can check out Katrina’s music on YouTube, Facebook and Soundcloud.
