Final Reflections

The rough roads described at the start of Term 1 have not changed. The IB has still been the IB. But looking back, I’ve noticed subtle changes in my approach to activities that I am proud of.

I came in with intentions to engage with different identities and to explore a dormant creative side of mine, and Term 2 has tested me to see how strong those intentions truly were.

Softball, preseason and team training have been a great physical anchor and something fun to do without being caught up in the passive phasic dopamine that other types of entertainment produce. Showing up every week, even when it competes with everything else on the IB calendar, taught and reinforced my values of commitment.

I feel that service has been the sharpest growth of mine. Though I talked about wanting to engage with different identities, I did not fully anticipate what it would be like in practice, as even though I was mentally prepared on the first day, eventually I would have to get used to the feeling that there was no script for these interactions. I learned how to read situations and communicate in a way that actually reaches the person I am speaking with.

Finally, in MUN and tabla, I unlocked a lot of that creativity outlet I was yearning for. From learning new pieces and slight fusion with the tabla and designing unique MUN sessions, I had the chance to express myself and try out new, interesting things.

Consistency remains the honest challenge, and I have tried very hard to maintain it, but I am focused on seeing it through. With Project week ahead, it’s an escape that I believe I would really enjoy.

School, homework, tests and sleep. That would be the incessant cycle of unrelenting drudgery in IB. Yet, CAS brings a refreshing light and side to the programme that offers us students a chance to step out of the classroom and really do something. Whether it's internal growth or interpersonal development, it's an opportunity to learn a different kind of skill, a deeper understanding of oneself and how the world revolves around our closed-off home and school lives. Going into this conversation, my teacher and I explored the why for me. We discussed my motivations for stepping into CAS and what I hoped to achieve from the opportunities given to me. For the physical side, it's the recurring discipline; service, giving back and coordinating with others of different backgrounds; and creative, it's exploring a side of myself that I just haven't explored, but now have a reason to.

Engaging with identities of varying backgrounds is something that really excites me. Going into CAS, I want to utilise this opportunity to deepen my understanding of all the different stories that race around me every day and be able to empathise and connect with others in a more mature and aware way. My teacher helped me identify these goals and then helped me outline my approach to ensuring that this is a success. Creating a flexible but effective logging strategy is something I plan to do soon so that I can avoid any mishaps that I have often found in the past regarding my consistency in keeping records. Having a portfolio where I regularly reflect on myself also deepens my own appreciation and self-understanding.

All in all, trying new things outside my comfort zone is something daunting but also exciting, as I can delve into an aspect of myself that until now has been left dormant.