It was an interesting ride. To sum it all up, these past four years of my life have been interesting. I remember the first day of high school very clearly. It was actually my 13th birthday on August 27, 2012, so yeah, it was rough becoming a teenager and a freshman on the same day. I got lost about two times that day and I was very frustrated that I knew absolutely no one in three of my four classes. I had heard so many things about what high school would be like from my 8th grade counselors and teachers, and I was very surprised to see that it was not a super fun and exhilarating experience like they all told me it would be. I was bored with high school because I had not found my niche. I was upset and I actually wanted to go back to the familiarity of middle school. Sophomore year was the same, but I actually tried to make an effort to join some clubs and make new friends. I began to feel some more pressure because of my 2 AP classes (OOH) but then, I decided on a cold, uneventful February morning to join the IB programme.
I didn't even know what the heck IB was until I started hearing about it in the beginning of sophomore year. Once I started to look into the programme, I started to grow some interest into it and I said "why not? I'm pretty smart, I've had all A's since 6th grade, and it will look good to colleges." Yes, I was that kid who always thought about what colleges would like, and I still am sometimes. Anyways, I joined it and I actually liked it. I enjoyed the global discussions and lessons we had and I liked that class was not monotonous like AP World or Pre-Calc. I finally found my niche, a group of people who were hard-working and motivated like I was. It was very stressful at times, and it continues to be VERY stress-inducing, as I am getting ready for my 27 hours of exams that start next week. But I'm happy I did it. IB gave me my first B, which I am grateful for. IB gave me my first all-nighter, which I am not so grateful for. But IB gave me a group of friends, a group that I will cherish forever, and I am grateful for that. IB also gave me the opportunity to learn under teachers that make sure us students are learning invaluable lessons, and I am beyond grateful for that.
I stand by my decision to join IB and I know that I would not have become the person I am today if I had not chosen to do it. Thank you IB. :)
Aww baby Anurupa's first day of high school! I too used to be way too concerned with what would look good for colleges. I really identify with what you said about being grateful for a B, because getting my first B was so heartbreaking, but I see your point about it being an important humbling experience. You've come a long way in terms of being better able to know what's important, and you should be proud of that! Can't wait for next year, roomie! <3
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