Leading and Learning Online: Naima Ashraf Thrives Virtually with GWUOHS
For rising senior Naima Ashraf joining George Washington Online High School (GWUOHS), her freshman year was a turning point. A quick solution for a mid-year move quickly turned into a place where she could thrive academically, personally and professionally.
“We were looking for something flexible,” Naima said. “Once I started my spring semester at GWUOHS, I just knew this was the right place for me.”
Since then, Naima has made the most of every opportunity at GWUOHS and she hasn’t looked back since.
New Learning Opportunities
Impressed by the wide selection of courses in STEM, liberal arts, and entrepreneurship, Naima was eager to explore her options, and search for an interest she was truly passionate about.
“We didn’t have this kind of variety in my old school,” she said. “Here, I’ve had the chance to explore different concentrations. That helped me realize I want to go into science or the medical field.”
As she prepares for her senior year, she plans to take additional STEM courses to pursue a career in medicine, planning for medical school.
Leading Outside the Classroom
In the meantime, Naima takes advantage of extracurricular opportunities like The Chronicle, GWUOHS’s student-run newspaper. What started as a passion for writing quickly grew into a leadership role – she now serves on the editorial board.
“I joined because I love writing. Now I help plan meetings, guide content, and work with other student writers,” Naima said. “It’s taught me how to communicate and lead in a way I wasn’t comfortable doing before.”
Being a part of The Chronicle has increased her self-confidence.
“I’ve grown so much as a writer and as a person,” Naima said.
Naima is also the founder and president of the GWUOHS UNICEF Club, where she leads peers in raising awareness and funds for global humanitarian causes.
“This was the first time I ever led a club,” she said. “We spent the fall getting organized and introducing our mission to the school. By spring, we’d hosted two fundraisers—including a Halloween-themed campaign—and raised around $1,000 to support children worldwide.”
Naima credits the school’s flexible environment and supportive faculty for her success in and out of the classroom.
“Being able to adjust my schedule has helped me balance school and leadership. And our teachers and advisors are so accessible—they’re always checking in and offering help when we need it.”
Preparing for her Future
Thanks to GWUOHS’s Journeys Symposium, a program designed to guide students through personal development and college planning, Najma is better prepared for life after high school.
“We’ve been working on college essays and applications in Journey, and it’s been incredibly helpful,” she said. “My college counselor, Mr. Mendler, is amazing—he’s always ready to help and answer questions.”
As she looks ahead, Naima hopes to attend a university near her family and pursue a path in health or medicine—inspired by the passion she’s seen in her parents’ careers.
“My dad’s a doctor and my mom works in public health. Seeing them love what they do makes me want to be in that world too—not because I feel like I have to, but because I want to help people.”
Advice to Students
Whether she’s editing articles, organizing fundraisers, or diving into college prep, Naima is a prime example of what it means to thrive in a virtual learning environment.
“This school gives you the tools to learn about yourself, not just your subjects. High school is when you figure out who you are, and GWUOHS gives you the space, resources, and support to do just that,” she said. “You don’t need to be in a physical building to make a difference. I’ve grown so much at GWUOHS. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”
Learn More
Interested in learning more about GWUOHS? Learn more and enroll at gwuohs.com!