F o r e w o r d s
F R O M  T H E  C O O R D I N A T O R S  &   A D V I S O R S

As this school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to share some reflections on the journey we've had with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program. CAS is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, aimed at developing students holistically by encouraging them to engage in real, meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. Its purpose is to help students grow as individuals and global citizens through creative expression, physical activity, and service to the community.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of observing and guiding a wide range of inspiring CAS projects and experiences. From artistic showcases and athletic challenges to service initiatives that addressed genuine community needs, our students demonstrated resilience, compassion, and innovation. Many of these projects not only fulfilled CAS requirements but also had a lasting impact—on both the participants and the communities they served.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was supporting students who initially found it difficult to step outside of their comfort zones. Through consistent encouragement and reflective conversations, I saw these students gradually take on challenges that pushed their boundaries. Whether it was speaking publicly for the first time, taking on leadership roles in volunteer settings, or dedicating time to a creative passion, they made meaningful strides in personal growth.

CAS is not simply about checking boxes—it’s about discovering passions, building confidence, and becoming active contributors to a better world. I’m proud of how our students embraced this philosophy, and I’m equally grateful for the support from our faculty and families, whose encouragement makes these achievements possible.

Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing students who lead with empathy, act with purpose, and grow with integrity.

Looking back on this year’s CAS Projects and Experiences, the word that comes to mind is empowerment. For many students, CAS is the small push they need to step outside of their comfort zones to do that thing they’ve thought about doing but never got around to. CAS empowers students to show up for their communities, make a difference, and test their creative limits. The students who truly embrace this nudge are well on their way to becoming lifelong doers and learners.

I have truly enjoyed being a CAS advisor this year. Seeing students’ involvement in a variety of creativity, activity, and service experiences has made me reflect on my own “CAS journey.”

Looking back, I have embraced creativity by modeling, acting, writing, publishing a book, etc. I have challenged myself physically through aquatic ballet, swimming, dancing, and more. I have engaged in service by offering free virtual psychological support to expats in Cuba during the pandemic, and by creating an IB Psychology Extended Essay (EE) support group where teachers worldwide have the opportunity to connect, exchange resources, and help each other.

These are just a few examples. I have not included experiences that are still in the investigation phase or that I have not yet completed successfully, such as learning to play the piano, maintaining a consistent gym routine, or creating a YouTube channel with the purpose of helping people manage their anxiety.

Without the opportunity to document and reflect on these experiences, I may never have fully realized the impact each of them had on my way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. That is why I consider it crucial for students to be consistent with their reflections, as they can discover not only how much they’ve grown but also gain insights into how to keep growing.

I hope to continue as a CAS advisor next year, guiding students on their own journeys and experiencing each moment with them through their reflections.

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.”
—Shaquille O’Neal

From the outset, the message to this cohort was clear: CAS is not a task to complete but a journey to embrace. Over the past 18 months, that message was lived out through actions, choices, setbacks, and growth. Each student took on this journey in their own way—some sprinting ahead with bold ideas, others pacing themselves with quiet consistency—but all moving forward with integrity and intent.

The CAS experience for this group has been much like a long-distance team sport. Each individual brought something unique to the field: creativity in the form of art, music, innovation, and leadership; activity that challenged limits and built discipline; and service that connected them meaningfully with the world around them. Some experiences were deeply personal, others were powerfully communal. The common thread throughout was a commitment to learning through doing, to stepping outside comfort zones, and to finding purpose beyond academic success.

What stood out most was the evolution in mindset. Early on, CAS may have seemed like just another requirement, but gradually, it became a space where character was shaped. Reflections grew deeper, goals became more authentic, and awareness of self and others sharpened. The shift from “What do I have to do?” to “What can I contribute?” was a powerful one.

There were, of course, challenges. Plans didn’t always unfold as expected. Time was short. Motivation wavered. But just as in sport, it was not the flawless execution that defined success—it was the willingness to show up, adapt, and try again. That resilience, more than any polished final product, is what marked true growth.