Everything I Need to Know I Learned in IB Language & Literature Year 2 

Well, I have been reading some of the other posts for this blog and they honestly have me really sad and depressed about having to leave everyone. Even though I am super excited and ready to go to college, IB has became my family and I am going to miss them all!

As soon as I read the prompt I knew what I wanted to talk about... IB. Honestly, it has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made and has changed me for the better.

Before IB, I was very self conscious and did not express my opinion. I was afraid to be wrong or to fail so I needed reassurance for everything. I went along with the group, That all changed in Mrs. Brown's english class, Junior year. In the beginning of the year, I hated seminars, being aggresive and forcing my way into a conversation stressed me out and I am pretty sure that I turned red every time I spoke. But of course, we were graded on how many times we spoke, and being the perfectionist of a student, I made sure to talk enough to get an A.

While at first I considered this experience to be painful, I learned a lot from it. The way we were forced to have and stand by our opinions during those seminars helped me to be more comfortable in expressing my opinions in every day situations. Of course, it wouldn't be IB if I hadnt learned to always value other peoples' opinions and perspectives, even when they did not match my own. In this years classes, I am much more comfortable and am not afraid to argue with someone or take a leap to come to a conclusion (even if I am way off, which tends to happen when I interpret poetry... sorry Whitman).

The way that I was pushed in my IB classes helped me to step out of my comfort zone. It led me to a world of new experiences.  It also helped me to find what I love: helping people. While CAS reflections were annoying, the service that it pushed me to do helped reassure me that medicine is the carreer that I want to pursue because I want to leave an impact on those around me ( just as Whiman said.. also I really liked the last Whitman poem that we read, "The Calming Thought of All").

IB is usually considered to be an academic programme, but from my experience in it, I learned how to prioritize life with academics. Is that extra hour of studying really worth the lack of sleep or memories I could be making with my frineds... no! The people taught me that for success it is imprtant to support one another, rather than compete with one another (although on the surface we seem to be competing).

Before IB, I was so concerned with what other people thought of me. However, the important part is who I am now. I am confident, outgoing, and loving.

Sorry that this kind of turned into an IB rant but honestly I am so thankful for the opportunity and what I have learned. The people are amazing and I will probably start crying a lot more often now as we get closer to graduation. I met my best friends in these last two years and some of my most influential teachers. Thanks Mrs. Genesky for all that you have done for us! LOVE YOU!!!

The best advice that I have learned, "Let your smile change the world, but never let the world change your smile!"

Here are some awesome pictures from IB