Balancing Books and Business: How One INDLS Student Is Crocheting Her Way Into Entrepreneurship—and a Dual Career in Law and Medicine

One Gen Z student shares how INDLS has enabled her to start her career sooner through online education.

When Safiya enrolled in Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS) as a kindergartener, it wasn’t just for academics—it was for survival. Born with a severely compromised immune system, attending a traditional school would have put her health at serious risk. But over the last 11 years, this decision to go virtual has proven to be about more than just health—it’s been a launchpad for education, entrepreneurship, and purpose.

“I’ve been with INDLS since I was really young,” she says. “At first, I didn’t even realize it was ‘online school.’ It was just school, where I’ve always felt like people genuinely cared about me and my education.”

Now a senior, she’s not just on track to graduate—she’s running her own business, earning college credits, and preparing for a dual career in medicine and law.

Why Online Education Works for Gen Z Entrepreneurs

More than 60% of Gen Z students say they want to start their own business someday, according to a 2022 Nielsen report. But between tight class schedules, long commutes, and after-school obligations, most teenagers in brick-and-mortar schools simply don’t have the flexibility to start a business before graduation.

INDLS gave Safiya the time and space she needed to do things differently.

“Time management is everything when you’re a student entrepreneur,” she says. “Because of INDLS, I can structure my day in a way that works best for me. I can balance my schoolwork and still carve out time to work on my business.”

She launched Viola Panther—a crochet and wearable art company—in ninth grade after learning the craft to cope with the passing of her grandmother. “Crocheting started as a distraction when I was grieving,” she shares. “I couldn’t keep a stitch at first. But eventually, it became a passion and a way to spread warmth—literally.”

Her business has a strong social mission. For every $3 donated through her website, she creates and distributes three crochet hats to people experiencing homelessness or in low-income communities. “It’s my way of giving back and showing that small acts of kindness do matter,” she says.

Accelerating Toward a Dual Degree

Beyond her business, Safiya is already earning college credit through INDLS’s dual-credit program, partnering with Ivy Tech and Ball State University. Introduced to the opportunity by her teacher, Mr. Grossman, she began taking college courses her sophomore year.

“Mr. Grossman was the one who told me about dual-credit options,” she says. “Thanks to those classes, I’ve cut my undergraduate requirements down to two years and have already been accepted into an accelerated 3+3 law program.”

Her ultimate goal? To study law and medicine, combining her passion for anatomy and fast-paced work as a trauma surgeon with her drive to fight for families like hers who have experienced medical malpractice.

“After what happened with my grandmother, I realized that low-income families often don’t get the legal support they need,” she explains. “I want to become a medical malpractice lawyer—to help families like mine get justice.”

A Safer, Smarter Way to Learn

For Gen Z students like Safiya, virtual learning has offered far more than convenience. It provides safety, structure, and self-discovery.

“It’s the same education, just without the physical violence or stress of wondering where your family is or whether you’re safe,” she says. “It’s a space where you can focus on who you are and where you want to go.”

She also believes in helping others understand the value of online school. “Now that I’m older, I want people to know this is a real school,” she says. “We’re doing the same, if not more, than our peers. We just happen to be doing it from home!”

As for how she got here, she doesn’t hesitate: “My mom is the reason I’ve made it this far. She’s my biggest supporter—always encouraging me to keep going, no matter how ambitious my goals get.”

At Indiana Digital Learning School, we believe students shouldn’t have to choose between academics and ambition. Whether building a business, pursuing dual degrees, or preparing for your next big chapter, INDLS meets you where you are, so you can get where you’re going.

Enroll today!

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