RHS IB Alumni Testimonies
P. Jawneh
Class of 2014 The IB program did a great job of preparing me for the academics of college. Having been in the IB program, I felt more confident about the work load that I had to endure and the knowledge that I had acquired through IB. Some of the very things discussed in my classes like English and History were things I discussed in my first semester and this was something I wasn't expecting but I was glad that I knew. I was able to contribute more to conversations in philosophy thanks to Theory of Knowledge and English. I think had I not been IB this may have been somewhat difficult for me. Additionally, thanks to CAS hours, I have learned to be more engaged in volunteer activities for example at CBU, we have what is called September of Service and I was able to participate and enjoy it more having had the opportunity to volunteer while in high school. I know for certain, while in high school, I did not see some of the benefits of what IB had to offer nor was I a huge fan of the program itself, especially due to the workload. I thought that the workload was beyond what high school students should have to undertake while also having to find time to make sure all aspects of the program were fulfilled. I see now though that there were reasons behind these. One important aspect of IB and school in general was time management. This was and continues to be emphasized. I know from my experience in the IB program that I am better attuned to making sure that my time is managed correctly and this comes especially in hand when making a schedule of classes. |
D. Garcia
Class of 2014 Last spring, a wave of anxiety and stress swept over my life as I worried about the financial aspects of college. Although I received several merit scholarships, it was never enough. I began to panic at the thought of giving up going to a private Liberal Arts college and having to settle. However, after applying for the Rhodes College Clarence Day Scholarship, I became a finalist and was asked to attend an interview. This scholarship requires an extensive resume that includes a competitive academic standing and strong community service involvement. Thankfully, this was exactly what the IB program had prepared me for all along. The vigorous workload of the classes along with all the clubs and organizations we are encouraged to join and the CAS requirement, allows us to be well rounded students, something colleges admire. Thus, I was able to receive this scholarship, which relieved every financial burden I had. After completing a semester at Rhodes College, I have finally come to the realization of how the International Baccalaureate program trains us to work at such a fast paced, and hard working environment. Although college classes are by no means easier, IB has accustomed me to a busy lifestyle in which I must balance classes with community service, interests in clubs and organizations, and a social life. Despite the exhaustion that comes from college, I am grateful that it is not a new experience and that IB has prepared me for every all-nighter I pulled this past semester. |
J. Davenport
Class of 2014 The IB program was something extremely tough and mentally, even physically exhausting. I hated it while I was there, and I questioned every bit of it, but I am glad that I stuck it through. I can say that it's one of the best preparations for starting life in college that I've gotten.The most important lessons IB taught me is accountability and struggle. In retrospect, IB is not about the diploma. It's about the hard situations that you're making it through right now, and holding yourselves accountable for those struggles and any of their outcomes, good or bad. In the end, you'll be proud of those times, and know that with or without the diploma, you have succeeded tremendously. You are a special kind of person. My advice to the IB students is to push through til the end, and give those tests everything that they've got! |
J. Prater
Class of 2014 The IB Diploma Program was definitely an eye-opener. While in high school, I didn't think the program was worth it, but in the end I was wrong. Being in IB really prepared me for college, all while making my first-semester of college a whole lot easier. IB is definitely worth all the hard work and dedication. C. Harris Class of 2015 Honestly my IB experience was tough but it was worth the journey. I feel confident that the skills I learned in IB will greatly impact my future. |
S. Foster
Class of 2015 The IB program taught me a lot about the world and my own skill set. I learned how to procrastinate well and also how to procrastinate badly. I learned that you don't have to devote your every waking moment to school to do well, but might have more waking moments than are preferable. I learned that you can't be a perfectionist; sometimes you have to do one thing just to get it done so you can do something else really well. I learned to prioritize classes on a rotating basis so my focus wasn't quite so divided, and I learned that grades are pretty important, but it's I the extra stuff that fills a resumé. A. Forrest
Class of 2015 The IB Program has more than prepared me for college. I am currently an Honors Political Science student at Belmont University. Because I received the diploma, I entered college with 24 hours of college credits and I do not take any required freshman courses. The second semester of my first year of college, I will be considered a sophomore. Over the total of 4 years, I have $120,000 in scholarships. During my time in the program, I did not realize my academic growth and my potential. I was always challenged in all subjects and I felt overwhelming stress of managing my time. However, so far, my college experience has been enhanced by my time-management skills I have developed, and academic skills such as writing essays, comprehending reading assignments and being familiar with certain literature, history and mathematical terms. My maturity level in the IB program developed due to the responsibility I had to take for myself in handling the rigorous demands. This has caused me to have great networking skills with my professors for internship opportunities. Even if I did not receive the IB Diploma, I would not regret being in the program, because it has contributed the hard working person I am today. |
M. Okonofua
Class of 2015 My experience in the IB Program at Ridgeway has been a truly rewarding one. In the program, I learned excellent skills/traits to prepare me for collegiate life such as time and stress management, integrity and responsibility while also developing a a strong sense of community, bonding with other IB students as we braved the IB struggle together. I am so proud to have graduated from such fine and rigorous program. |