My name is Semera Kimbel-Sannit, I am a senior IB student and a member of NHS. After four years of IB, I have learned the best (and worst) ways to handle the program.
When you first enter the program as a freshman, it's an incredibly overwhelming experience. Whether it's the new learning style or just the new environment, there are a lot of factors that culminate in a stressful year. However, luckily, the IB teachers are committed to your success and although it may not feel like it, the program itself is not designed to make you fail. There are numerous resources presented both during freshman year (at the beginning of the MYP program) and junior year (beginning of IB program) that are designed to help you succeed. However, while these resources are well intended, often they can just be one more thing that is ultimately incredibly overwhelming. Thus, I think it's important to not just recognize the resources that IB kids have at their disposal but also understand how best to utilize them.
Resource 1: Your Teacher
The primary resource that is the most helpful is, just like in any class, your teacher. Teachers in the IB program are uniquely designed to be very intimidating and also incredibly good at their jobs. They know the program like the back of their hand and therefore, they know how to ensure that their students succeed. In the MYP years, it's important to form good, lasting relationships with your teachers as they can serve as an anchor to guide you through your entire high school experience. The classes that you take early in your high school career, and thus the teachers that you have, can be extremely formative in terms of your work ethic and success in the IB program.
Furthermore, it's important to ask questions during these years. Even if your MYP teachers aren’t preparing you for an IB exam, they still understand the requirements of the program and can shed light on the more confusing parts of the experience. This questions asking strategy extends to the MYP coordinator as well. They know the program, and specifically how it plays out at our school, better than anyone. They can help you decide which classes might be better for you to take now so your IB schedule works out perfectly when the time comes.
Further down the line, during the junior and senior years of high school, your IB teachers essentially become your lifeline. If you want to succeed, you must follow their instructions. Sometimes the guidelines may seem borderline crazy but, ultimately, they know how to best prepare you for the exams. It's important to engage in class, re-watch their lectures and once again, ask questions! Furthermore, during these later years, it's much easier to form closer relationships with your teachers because often, you’ll have them for multiple years. This means that these teachers will know you better than most and will know your strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, don’t underestimate their capacity for emotional support. They don’t just want to see you succeed, they want to see you be happy and healthy! If you feel lacking in either, they are a great resource to reach out to.
Resource 2: Your IB Peers
Your IB peers will be the support system that you will never be afraid to fall back on. They will catch you again and again and again. The community is a wonderful resource for emotional and academic support. I think it's incredibly wise to start a group chat early on so that you have access to everyone’s contact information. It's important to note the essential nature of having a community that's going through the same thing as you. Whether it be finishing an important IB paper the night before its due or trying to find a CAS project, they will understand your challenges and won’t judge. These friendships are incredibly important through all 4 years of the program.
Resource 3: The IB Website
Like I already mentioned, the actual IB program is, in fact, designed for your success. So, use it to your full advantage. If you have questions, read the IB website! They provide an incredible wealth of information. The wonderful resource that is the internet can also provide you with example papers for your IB exams and other extremely helpful materials. Also online, you can find thousands of social media pages, discords and more all dedicated to helping (and entertaining) IB students all over the world. Whether you need an IB meme page or just some advice, the information is all there at your fingertips.
There are numerous resources provided to IB students to ensure their success. At the end of the day, it's really just a matter of knowing how to use them. So talk to your teachers, find solace in the fact that your friends are going through the same thing, or stalk the IB website for any additional information you need. If you truly use these things to their fullest potential, the entire experience will be more successful and also more fun.
-Comment below resources that are find helpful as a student! What works best for you?-
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