The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

As my time as an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program student comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on all the lessons I have learned and the moments I have experienced. With IB Biology, I learned the importance of notes and preparation. IB History taught me the significance of global understanding and reading the class texts. IB Spanish helped me to further develop another side to myself as I learned of language and culture. IB Math taught me to never give up and deal with not always succeeding in the ways I want to. IB Music included me in the universal love and language that is the arts as I analyzed eras and cultures. IB World Literature strengthened me as a person and student, adding many topics and skills to my arsenal of knowledge to wield forever. TOK opened me up to themes and elements I had never unraveled before, making me a better student with challenging assignments and a selfless person with CAS. With IB, writing is the main outlet of expressing one's knowledge, applying one's courses, and illustrating personal identity. I have a passion for learning that has shown no bounds as I broaden my horizons. English and the very theory of knowledge exist as my fundamentals as I thrive off worldwide reading, thoughtful analysis, and heated discussion through writing and exploring. IB truly impacted me by nourishing my international thinking, growing it into something that will help me make a difference as one never stops learning about the world in all its different Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge.

As an academic, athlete, artist, and involved individual, I’ll make an impact in college, making a difference in this world as every element of IB acts as the vehicle driving me toward that future. The support of my school and community made me both a leader and follower as I advance and take action with new people and knowledge. I can't wait to represent everything that has shaped me as I transition to the Honors College at Georgia State University, growing in my independence as I leave my comfort zone and thrive in newfound love and adversity.

While the 2019 to 2020 school year wasn't what I expected, it was still filled with crazy celebrations, exciting experiences, memorable meltdowns, stubborn senioritis, real relationships, lasting late-nights, panic-inducing pandemics, and so much more that will stay with me forever. I don't regret a single thing from my unusual senior year as I learned more about myself and started my journey into the next chapter. I’m so thankful for all that I have learned and been part of in every class, activity, trip, and performance over the years!

So, overall, I advise all interested in IB to remember that IB is challenging, yet rewarding; it isn’t meant to kill you, but to make you more alive, and it is up to you to take on the challenge of finding the right path towards your success, thriving in the light through the support of your IB family by battling away the darkness when it charges in to suffocate you. Stay strong by staying loyal to your personal and academic self by setting boundaries and looking forward to the future. Connect with your work and make it your own so your knowledge and personality shine through, making your collection of universal understanding something you can be proud of. IB will stay with you forever as it roots in you a magic nourished with Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge that will never stop growing, even after graduation. I challenge everyone, including myself, to live in each moment and keep reaching for what one wants no matter what. IB students value being Knowledgeable, Open-Minded, Caring, Balanced, and Principled Inquirers, Thinkers, and Communicating Risk-Takers who Reflect, defining us as well-rounded individuals who will help to mold this world into something better as we set out to evolve into the next version of ourselves when high school comes to a close.