IB Is Not Me

I hate it when teachers think they know what's best for you. True, there are several teachers on campus whose opinion I do highly consider... but they know me and have at least some clue as to what I'm capable of. When people who barely know my name start telling me I shouldn't waste my potential and how I should welcome a challenge... that makes me raise an eyebrow. I'm honored that people think highly of my intelligence. And though I do enjoy a challenge, I'm honest enough with myself to know my limits.

The IB program is wonderful. The teachers are excellent educators and the students are serious about learning the subject matter. But it's not for me, or at least not all of it.

Me? I don't care enough about all these subjects. I want to study literature and take a few creative writing classes. I want to have more time to learn Spanish rather than just memorize material for a test. I want to take a class that is completely irrelevant, but fascinates me. I want to learn how to write a screenplay, design clothing & jewelry, cook a few gourmet meals, and edit videos.

I have a clear understanding of what I want. And yes, maybe I do have potential to succeed at anything I set my mind to, but that doesn't mean it's worth it to me. Years after high school is done and over with, the IB Diploma will become just another paper. I am in no way claiming that this isn't a wonderful and challenging achievement, but I want to learn for myself and not to meet some requirements.

There is so much emphasis on how great the IB program is. Yet, no one ever admits that it has its flaws.