When you dig deep to figure out how online high school students are successful, you’ll discover they are organized, goal-oriented, and self-motivated.
Olivia Bolles embodies all of these traits—and she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Bolles began online school in junior high, making her a veteran online learner. After trying out public school her freshman year of high school, she enrolled in a private online high school in 10th grade before finding her way to our community of learners.
“When we found out we were moving to Arizona, we switched to ASU Prep Digital,” Bolles said. “ASU Prep Digital’s connection to ASU, and the ability to take online college classes, was very appealing to me.”
Along with being able to take university courses through ASU, being an ASU Prep Digital student affords Bolles the opportunity to make more time for her biggest passion—music.
“I’ve been playing violin for 12 years and the piano for 9,” Bolles said. “Every week, I go to ASU for a private violin lesson with an ASU professor. Additionally, I’m the assistant concertmaster of the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra!”
Because she can set her own schedule, and work from anywhere, Bolles is able to do schoolwork and make time to practice music, ensuring she never misses a ‘beat.’
“My musical endeavors keep me very busy,” Bolles said. “I know I wouldn’t be able to practice music as much if it weren’t for the flexibility of my ASU Prep Digital schedule.”
As an experienced online learner, Bolles has come to find that online school has many benefits. The most unexpected benefit, in her opinion, has been growing into an independent learner.
“By the time you’re in college, your professors will expect you to be mature and responsible enough to know when assignments are due,” Bolles said. “Unfortunately, many students are so used to having teachers in a brick-and-mortar constantly reminding them when assignments are due and tests are happening. Online school prepares you for college in a way that a brick-and-mortar may not.”
While Bolles learns skills that will benefit her in college, she’s already thinking about what path she might take—and how she can get a head start while she’s still in high school.
“I would like to double major in violin performance and journalism,” Bolles said. “At the beginning of next semester, I’ll take college English and sociology. I’m even considering adding on a college level Spanish course as well.”
Bolles is on a successful path and shows no signs of slowing down. And for those who are new to ASU Prep Digital, and online learning in general, she offers advice that will prove useful as you navigate this new experience.
“Be sure to utilize your pace charts!” Bolles said. “Make lots of checklists and keep a detailed schedule. And don’t be afraid to contact teachers. Our teachers are extremely willing to help and will go above and beyond to make sure we are succeeding, both in and out of school.”
