*I’m currently IBY1 student, so this post will mostly about me reflecting (or ranting) about my first semester of IBDP because it is quite a roller coaster ride for me as of now.
For those who are not familiar and want to know more, the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) is a two-year curriculum where students choose 6 subjects from different areas and also have to fulfill the core requirements: TOK (theory of knowledge – somewhat a philosophy class), CAS (creativity, activity, service – extracurriculars), and EE (4000-word extended essay)
Bucket of Ice Water to Wake Up From Perfectionism
I initially think II was quite prepared for IB not only that my sophomore year advisor also teaches IB, and I also volunteer in an IB community created by IB students and alumni before actually taking the program. My advisor knew me quite well and his biggest advice to me is to stop being a perfectionist, which of course I don’t take seriously. I kinda flew through middle school and first two years of high school, but the IB program was a sign that achieving perfection is not possible. The first time i take a look at my economic test, it was very disappointing, but I eventually overcome that perfectionism mindset. After i put less pressure on myself and grades, I feel much happier and exciting for learning.
Questioning My Knowledge Capacity
The IBDP definitely makes me become more aware of what i know and not know. For me, math in freshman year and sophomore year was quite easy so i never truly enjoy it. Math AA HL makes me feel dumber and dumber but at the same time give me much more motivation and enjoyment of being able to understand and apply a new concept. There’s always so much more things out there that i’m eager to learn for the next semesters. TOK does mess up my brain, but it forces me to think more critically of what I know and believe and also consider events from different perspective.
Being Independent and Proactive
For middle school and first two years of high school, teachers are always there to make sure and grade that we complete assignments and homework. In IB, my friends and I have a hard time especially for Chinese B when we don’t have a standard set list of vocabulary we could learn from. Besides asking teacher for more materials, I’ve learnt to be more resourceful and independent by actively reaching for set of vocabulary according to theme and grammar structures that I needed.
Cooperation and Support
This is the biggest shock for this semester. In first two years, students in the same grade as mine are very independent worker, and i’m also an introvert and prefer to work alone. This year was the first time ever when i see all of my friends form study groups and help each other out on homework or study for the test. Being able to learn from others and also help my friends make this semester more easier to handle
Appreciation for teachers 💚🥺❤️
I can’t stress out how much teachers become my source of empowerment in this semester. Not only that they teach me so much knowledge, they also encourage the class that we will eventually improve and what we are doing now is a reflection of how you will do at the final IB exams. I’m able to get more vocal during class and also feel more comfortable to talk to my teachers more.