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

By: Connor W., 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 Connor had to say.

My K12 Why

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

I like online learning because it’s flexible. I’m not the type of person who loves a strict schedule, so the ability to shape my day is a game-changer.

My Online School Day

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

My typical day is pretty great. I wake up and get breakfast, then get started on school. I usually only work till 1 PM at the latest; I’ll often go to work later in the day. I’m a lifeguard and I love it. The job is very flexible, just like my schooling, which is great.

Do you have a favorite part of the day?

I’m a big fan of lunch.

What kind of classes are you taking right now?

I’m in the business career pathway as part of my school’s career and college prep program. I’d like to get into marketing, so I have classes in business, economics, and psychology.

Right now, I’m in a program my school offers that lets students take college courses for free. I’m taking exclusively college courses. This semester, I have microeconomics, diversity, and computer proficiency. That dual enrollment experience has been incredibly convenient. I’ve been able to take college classes and high school ones simultaneously, and it’s helped excel my education so far.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace is effective and minimal. I have a desk with just enough room for my laptop and books. I don’t decorate much.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve done schoolwork?

A better question would be, “Where haven’t I done schoolwork?” Because of the flexibility of online school, I’ve done homework everywhere from the backseat of my dad’s car to the top of a tree.

My Time Beyond the Classroom

What do you like to do on your breaks?

Read, take a walk with my dogs, or spend time with my family.

How do you stay connected with friends?

I stay connected with friends in various ways. Discord is a big one, and so are my youth groups. I’m a very social person, and I’ll often host game nights at my house to stay in touch with my friends.

What activities or hobbies do you like to do in your free time?

I go to youth group, have a job and two internships, and occasionally dabble in photography. The flexibility of online school makes these passions much easier to pursue.

I like to read a lot of different genres, but my favorite is sci-fi dystopian novels. The Hunger Games series, in particular, is amazing. I do a bit of writing on my own, but not in the traditional sense. I occasionally write movie scripts and sometimes Dungeons and Dragons interactive murder mysteries.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

My plan is to go to college for a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

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

Definitely. I’ve already learned about the college lifestyle because I take classes at a local community college. Not to mention, the flexibility of my online learning lifestyle has helped me get a job.

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

Don’t listen to the negative buzz around online school—it’s flexible, educational, and engaging!

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

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