What Online School Looks Like: A Student Day in the Life Q&A With Johnavan

By: Johnavan V., 11th grade student and SAC intern

SAC Blog Series: Each year, the K12 Marketing Department hires a cohort of high school interns known as the Student Advisory Council or SAC. This year, the talented group of students is creating social media content across platforms to help build brand awareness and engage our audiences around the online learning experience.

Let’s get to know these amazing SAC students. We asked them what makes online school so great, and here’s what Johnavan had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school? Why does online learning work for you?

I love the flexibility of online school, and how independent you can be while attending. It works for me because I like my own workspace. It motivates me to learn when I’m in an environment that I personally created and enjoy.

Overall, online school has given me the flexibility and independence to pursue my academic goals while exploring personal interests and preparing for the future. It allows me to balance my courses, self-study, and real-world experiences, all while developing skills like time management, discipline, and adaptability.

I’m grateful for the teachers, resources, and opportunities that online learning provides, and I look forward to using what I’ve learned to continue growing academically, personally, and professionally as I work toward my career in healthcare and beyond.

Why did you switch to online school?

Once I moved to a new town, we started reviewing options and online school had many more benefits for me and my family compared to staying in a brick-and-mortar school. This new city was very busy, and there weren’t many public schools nearby. After taking driving time and costs into account, just to get to school and back every day, we decided that online school was for me.

My Online School Day

Can you describe a typical day and week for your virtual school experience?

My typical day consists of waking up around 5 AM, when I complete my morning routine. My favorite part of the day definitely has to be the very early morning, before sunrise. It makes me feel productive and focused.

Sometimes, I might even take a walk to clear my head before getting started. I then work on my assignments and attend scheduled live classes from around 8 AM to 3 PM, it depends on what I have that day. I like keeping a consistent routine because it helps me stay focused and motivated.

Some days have fewer classes or assignments, which allows me to finish early and move on with the day. At the end of the week, I like to review what I’ve learned and take notes for any subjects I might need to revisit later.

What classes are you taking right now?

The classes I currently take are: algebra II honors, AP® literature, AP® anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, entrepreneurship, and lifetime nutrition and wellness. My career technical education (CTE) pathway is entrepreneurship, and I have selected some medical classes to tie into my future ambitions as an EMT and doctor.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I’m not much of a traditional book reader, but I really enjoy reading articles, forums, and other resources that help me explore topics I’m interested in, like medical science, global health, and language learning.

My Teachers & Classmates

Who’s your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher is my current algebra II honors teacher. It’s very clear that she not only is interested in math, but that she also cares deeply about her students’ learning, including mine. From her notes, lesson videos, and review sessions, the effort she puts in has shaped how I approach math as I work to get better in the subject.

I am grateful to have a group of teachers who respond quickly when I need help, and create study plans when I’m behind. They’re interactive and play a big part in keeping me engaged and interested in their respective subjects.

How do you stay connected with friends? Have you met friends through online school?

I’ve met many friends through online school, mainly through the K12 Zone. It’s allowed me to connect with others who are in the same class, or have the same ambitions, and offer help when needed.

What are your hobbies?

I’m currently learning Arabic, which is one of my biggest hobbies right now. I wanted to challenge myself and learn a language with an entirely different script. My goal is to be able to transition when I finish school to self-studying the Levantine/Najdi dialect. The added flexible time from online school has helped me progress quickly with the language and I’ve really enjoyed learning about the culture. That’s part of what got me interested in global health and humanitarian needs.  

I also enjoy exploring technology, watching medical lectures and webinars, and learning about global health. Being able to fit these interests into my schedule makes my free time productive and engaging.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My whole room counts as my workspace to me. The structure has changed, but I personally like my current layout the best. When I sit at my desk, I have my espresso machine to my left, two monitors, my PC, my MacBook, and an additional TV screen where I can cast my laptop. The espresso machine is something I couldn’t enjoy as much if I were in traditional school. I love dialing in espresso shots and making lattes between assignments.

I have a few unique touches, like my guitars, and a few wall decor pieces. My personal favorite item is my Syrian flag. It inspires and motivates me to keep learning Arabic.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

After high school, I plan to become an EMT to gain hands-on experience while working full time and pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Online school gives me the flexibility to manage my studies, appointments, and self-directed learning, which is essential as I prepare for this path.

My long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue neurosurgery, a field I’m drawn to because of my personal experiences as a neurology patient, and because of the challenges I’ve faced in life.

I’m also passionate about global health, which is a huge reason why I’m learning Arabic and exploring different cultures. It inspires me to provide compassionate care wherever I go and is something I genuinely enjoy learning about.

Do you feel that online school is helping you prepare for the future?

Absolutely, online school has been a key part of preparing me for the future. Its flexibility allows me to balance different classes that are directly related to my career goals and has given me lots of opportunity for personal growth.

Online school lets me practice completing my studies anywhere, at any time. It’s exactly the kind of habit I’ll need when I’m working as an EMT, finishing assignments on the back of an ambulance, during breaks, or wherever my schedule takes me.

What advice do you have for other students and families considering the switch to a K12-powered online school?

It’s an investment to your students’ education. The resources that your student immediately receives can potentially increase their knowledge greatly subject to subject. Communication with teachers is very simple too. They have a fast response time, and many ways to reach out. Getting your student the learning they need is crucial for their future, and with K12, that process is much simpler (at least it has been for me).

Thank you, Johnavan! To learn more about the K12 Student Advisory Council, visit their webpage, or see how your high school student can thrive in online school with K12-powered programs.

Johnavan is a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in TX, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.