No matter how well you know your way around a laptop, apps and any other tools needed for an online high school education, you may be in for some unexpected surprises — and benefits as a virtual student.
Here are 3 things that you may not have anticipated gaining as part of your journey into a virtual high school education, especially if you take the time to commit to the requirements of learning online.
1. You can learn what it takes to work independently. As a student of an online high school, you’ll have plenty of structure. Just as in a traditional school, classes will be scheduled at a certain time and homework assignments must be turned in by certain deadlines. However, you’ll have much more flexibility to arrange your schedule throughout the day. And that requires plenty of discipline — a quality that can work to your advantage in college and in the workplace where you’re required to be more independent in handling your schedule and monitor your own study and work habits.
2. Hone in on your career interests. Do you have a passion? Sports, art or technology? Some other area? Not so sure? Well, an online education provides you the opportunity to do plenty of exploring. While your high school experience will be demanding, you also have more flexibility to devote time to exploring a certain subject area. Take advantage of it. Seek out internships and shadow opportunities during those time slots in the day when you’re not scheduled for courses. Don’t be afraid to ask different corporations in your area for the chance to observe employees at work. Also, check out college courses in your neighborhood. It’s possible that they may let you take a course or sit in on a class — if you ask. Better yet, enroll in an online college course or two during your school year.
3. Get creative. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. It’s human nature, no matter your age. As an online high student, you have the opportunity to truly understand what it means to be a lifelong student. Take the initiative to aggressively pursue different ways to supplement your education. Have fun with it. Think about it. If you’re studying history, check out the historical places in your region that can give you some inside glimpses of the period in your lessons. Pull in a few of your classmates to come up with creative ideas to make it interesting. While it’s likely your online school will offer various field trips, there’s nothing stopping you from adding a few of your own.
The opportunities and benefits of an online education are endless. Constantly seek ways to explore them, and see where an online education can take you.
