Letter from an IB Senior to an IB Junior
Dear IB Junior,
The IB is a hard program but there is no reason to freak out yet. You still have two years ahead of you. Things will get tough but success in the IB is not solely reserved to the specially gifted. You don’t need to be able to write like a poet, find a cure for cancer, or solve the Brexit dilemma to do well. A second year’s advice: you just need organization and motivation.
It’s ridiculous to assume you’ll suddenly stop procrastinating. That’s unrealistic. Instead, organize your time. Whenever you have a big assignment due the next day (we all know it happens), instead of trying to work for five hours straight, give yourself enough break time throughout the day so that when you are supposed to work, you don’t experience so much of the urge to do something else. Keep your work and time organized and you will have your stress levels reduced tremendously.
There is no denying that many students find it hard to stay motivated — the chances of you actually enjoying all six of your classes (and TOK) are quite slim. Just know, time you don’t pay attention in class is doubled when you have to catch up on your own, that is assuming you want to do your best. Keeping motivation levels high may be a challenge but the benefit of reduced independent study time is worth it.
There is really no need to be scared of the mighty International Baccalaureate, for if it was as hard as you might think it is, seniors have and are surviving it. We were once in your position and you will soon be in ours, so don’t let the pretentious name discourage you and enjoy being an upperclassman.
Best of luck,
An IB Senior
Thiago Schnaider, Staff Writer for Condor’s Nest.
