I have to admit, I was hesitant to join IB. I started high school at a different school, so joining IB meant having to switch schools a year through high school. Despite my concerns, I made the switch to Cape High and joined IB, and it’s safe to say that it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I joined IB because I knew of its recognition in the global community for how it prepares students for college, and I was not disappointed. I’ve always been interested in STEM and had my sights set on becoming an engineer, and IB has allowed me to prepare myself for a career in STEM based on the classes I have available to me. I’ve taken biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and physics, just to name a few. I love the classes that I take, and I look forward to go to school because of what I learn each day. I know what I learn will help me to do well in college. I also love how IB earns me college credit at some schools, so my hard work now will allow me to have more room in my schedule for other classes in college.
One unique aspect of IB is having to take college level courses in all subject areas, not just the ones you like, unlike AP or AICE. By taking IB history, english, and foreign language courses, I have learned more about myself and my aspirations. Prior to joining IB, I had my heart set on STEM and never really considered any other career path. Since IB allows students to learn about so many different subjects, my aspirations have evolved. While IB has cultivated my love for STEM, it also opened my eyes to career paths in International Relations, which I will consider as a possible career. The IB curriculum has turned me into the best student I can be. The prestige of IB and the knowledge I have gained during my time in this program has also helped me get into my top choice school, Rice University, which I will be attending on a full ride scholarship beginning in fall of 2019. I can confidently say that I would not have achieved my dreams without my experiences in IB.
While the IB curriculum itself is unmatched, the teachers and support staff really make it special at our school. None of us could succeed without the amazing educators, counselors, and coordinators that we are surrounded by each day at school. Any of my teachers are willing to do almost anything to help me succeed. Whether it be offering tutoring after school or sponsoring an activity that we might want to start, the support that surrounds me in IB makes all the difference.
From my first day in IB, I was surrounded by the most amazing and talented group of peers. The people I met that day made me feel so welcome, from helping me find my classes to just starting a conversation. Today, these people are some of my closest friends. That’s one of the things I love about IB. All of us are going through the same thing, and we are all here to help each other. We have become a family, and I’m so glad to be a part of it. IB has done so much for me as a student and as a person, and I can’t wait to continue to use my knowledge and values gained from my experience in this program as I chase my dreams in college.
Mary Brady is a senior in Cape Coral, Florida. She excels s in the International Baccalaureate program, with a focus on STEM where she wants to pursue a degree in medical technology. Mary is active in Model United Nations, lacrosse, and is part of the Science National Honor Society ad multiple volunteering organizations. She will be attending Rice University post-secondary.