The IB program’s sole purpose is to provide an adequate education that is reminiscent of college, and although the Pre-IB program is nothing more than a joke, the last two years of IB will test your willpower to succeed. If you’re one of those pansy freshman who think of themselves as being “too cool” for the program, then I suggest you leave. During 9th and 10th grade nobody should have problems, as getting straight A’s is fairly easy. But it is 11th and 12th grade that will test you.

Remember, if it is an education you’re seeking– the IB program is the best in Polk County. IB should come with a warning label, for during the latter years of IB: some will lose their religious fervor, some will lose their willingness to succeed, and some will simply lose their minds. The losing your mind part can be avoided if you have time-management skills… haha J. But if I have learned one thing from my 4 years it is to procrastinate within your own bounds. I remember doing actual posters with cutting and gluing on the bus in 9th grade, I remember doing all of my summer school homework on the bus, I remember printing stuff out with portable printers in the hall 5 seconds before its due, but if it becomes a habit or there comes a point when you stop actually doing the work…take a minute and relax. The thing that helps me is introspection, or looking back at what I did and reflecting on my failures rather than simply letting bygones be bygones.

When you start in 9th grade, try take part in as many extracurricular activities as you can, because colleges place just as much importance on those as grades themselves. Also, don’t let your summers go to waste; true it’s important to recuperate during the summer but try going out and doing something academic or community oriented as that’ll help build your college resume as well. High school is a 4-year experience and each year is equally important—and instead of feeling repentance at the end of high school, make it a priority to start doing things early.

Basically, if you want to succeed you will…just keep your head up.

Vivek Patel

 

To all of the little IB Freshies:

Welcome to the world dominating International Baccalaureate program.  You have just signed away your soul for the next four years of your life.  Congratulations!  Now I will attempt to recall three and a half years that I struggled to repress to benefit your naïve little selves.

First of all, chances are that IB is not half as bad as you will grow to believe.  Of course you are receiving advice from people who are probably awake far into the wee hours of the night writing this because they were too busy slacking.  Like me.  Either way, that is a good place to start: procrastination.  No matter how many times you will be told not to do it, you will put off your assignments until the last minute anyway.  Therefore, I will not even bother warning you against it.  I did not procrastinate at all until my junior year, and now I cannot stop it.  It is a terrible habit to get into.  I will leave it at that.

Secondly, sleep is a glorious thing.  You will probably miss many hours of sleep due to the cruel intentions of your teachers (that last statement is debatable), so do not stay awake if you do not have to.  You will regret it later.  Trust me on this one.

As for your years at IB, freshman and sophomore year are not too difficult work-wise.  Junior year is filled with enough busywork to make you lose sanity, and senior year plunges into the remaining IB assessments, which cannot be described politely by any means.  I will not delve into detail about any class in particular with one exception.  When you choose the science that you will study for your remaining two years, do not choose biology unless you intend to study it in your future.  I somehow wound up in that class although I plan on studying software engineering and let me tell you, that was possibly my worst mistake as of yet.

Now for some advice that I wish I had followed more closely.  Do not waste away your high school career.  These are supposed to be the best years of your life, so try to lighten up and enjoy them.  You do not want to look back on this period of your life with regrets.  Of course, you do not want to ruin yourself in the process, but find time to spend doing something you want to be doing, whatever that is.

From the Almighty Calculus Queen (also debatable),

Brianna Floss

 

Throughout my high school, and more accurately my IB education, I’ve been able to overcome academic obstacles and become successful.  However, despite how difficult the road to senior year was, it was also memorable, and I believe a few key ideas will help make traversing that road much simpler and allow any incoming freshman to more fully enjoy their time in IB.  I certainly wish that I had been given such advice as I am about to divulge.

One summary piece of advice that can help you succeed in the IB program is to keep a level head about your workload, whether it is for tests, class assignments, or external assessment.  By this I mean that you must take your assignments piece by piece, without allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by a seemingly endless amount of work.  Just remember, if you don’t start an assignment you’ll never be able to finish it.  For external assessment items, doing a good job is vital, and turning a well done assessment in late is far superior to turning in a niggardly effort on time for partial credit.  Keeping this flexible and ready mindset when it comes to your workload is vital to success in the IB program and will facilitate the process incredibly.

Personally, I would recommend putting your most time and effort into the subject that you like best.  Despite the fact that all of the subjects will be assessed in the end, the knowledge you gain will be best used if it is from a subject that you like or plan to investigate in college or base a career off of.  It’s very helpful to look long-run when choosing courses and studying.

As you enter this program, I hope that you keep in mind the things that I’ve told you.  Together with a good attitude and work ethic, you’ll be able to survive the rigorous courses, assessments, and other responsibilities with little problem.  Good luck with your studies!

Drew Tyson

 

My advice would be something along these lines:

OK!  So, you got into IB!!!  YAY!!!  We never doubted it! (don’t you love it when people say that?)  Well, here is the deal.  You need to watch for three main problems as an incoming freshman.

First, I tell you not to cheat. (“oh wtף? I don’t need a lecture!” It’s a disclaimer close yer yapper.) Either do your own work or don’t do it at all.  I actually turn out to be a product of the latter argument of the equation, but hey, whatever works.  Therefore, second you don’t want to get any “BIG D’s” on your report card.  I never said you have to get straight A’s, but too many D’s in a short period can really hurt someone.  I mean seriously… people have gone to the hospital.  D’s can really tear you up.  Also, always wear clean underwear because you never know what is going to happen.  The man upstairs has a plan for you and sometimes it turns out to include bad break dancing and a rabid raccoon.  Alright, enough of my troubles.  Third and foremost I feel that its important to listen to people.  After a while, the droning of teachers, fellow classmates, and administration becomes one undecipherable stream of useless information that just floats by.  Always listen because this allows you to find your niche in the scheme of life.  You will begin to achieve an affinity for people/subjects and begin to guide yourself rather than being lost in the constant barrage of assignments.  After three and half tough years of grueling deliberation, I found that “I <3 Calc + Bio.”  I would get a tattoo of that, but someone I know would get jealous.

Well, ta ta for now my friend and remember beware of those D’s.  😉  I hope your IB experience is as great as mine has been.

Your friend in slacking,

Fred Wehle

P.S. –  Holiday Ham is a hoot

 

Dear Freshman,

Looking back now on my experience in IB, there are so many things I wished I had realized. Having caught senioritis somewhere around the end of 10th grade, the past few years have been a struggle to keep up with the work I put off until the last minute. I know, I know – you’ve already heard all the procrastinating horror stories, but it doesn’t really sink in until its hits you. It’ll hit you in the form of a very irate Dr. Vetter if it has anything to do with external and internal assessments. Trust me, that’s a side of him you don’t want to see.

I’m sure you’ve heard your teachers tell you to get your extended essay done over the summer because it will be such a weight of your shoulders. When I heard that, I thought “Yea, sure, whatever,” but, seriously, I wish I had listened because then we were pummeled by like a bjillion different freak storms that completely threw me off. Some of my friends had done theirs over the summer and they were soooo much more relaxed and unstressed when the due dates rolled around that it wasn’t even funny. I’m not saying you have to finish it, but at least work on it a smidge; maybe even get the outline done or something.

There is one last thought I’d like to leave you with: DO NOT (and I mean DO NOT) take this experience too seriously. It should not be the center of your life. I’m not telling you to completely disregard it or screw around all the time, just be sure to sit back and enjoy life every now and then. Too much focus on schoolwork will drive you over the edge and depress you (believe me). Get your work done and plan ahead, but be sure to hang out with your friends outside of school so you don’t go completely nuts as some of us have. Oh yea – be sure to obey the wishes of the IB Empress (Laney Spann) and the Queen of the IB Underworld (me) and whoever we leave in charge once we leave this May. Follow this commandment and your days in this world will be prosperous.

As Always,

Katie Carson

Queen of the Underworld

 

To the incoming freshmen,

Well, you’ve been accepted into IB.  Quite a thrill, no?  You have a right to be excited – you beat hundreds of other students in terms of mathematics, English, and writing.  However, don’t think you can just waltz into IB, do what you used to do and end up doing as well as before.  It’s a lot of work, and here’s a couple of hints to help you get through the four grueling and yet also awesome years.

Firstly (although this may be contrary to what others have said), procrastinate as much as possible in freshman – and maybe even sophomore – year.  I know others keep saying “Don’t procrastinate, it’ll be your doom (blah blah blah).”  However, you won’t learn not to procrastinate until you really know how it feels.  During freshman year is the best time to learn this, with the little homework you actually do get.  When you’re up at two in the morning realizing you have a mini-extended essay due that day, you realize that procrastination really is a bad thing, and is something one should avoid at all costs.  This is a lesson no one but yourself can seriously teach you.  In the later years, if you procrastinate then, you’re pretty dead.  Although sophomore year is still really easy (with a teensy bit more homework), it’s not wise to procrastinate past freshman year.

Another thing integral to surviving the IB experience is sleep.  You will be needing – and missing – lots, and lots, and lots of sleep.  This results in many trade offs.  For instance, you could write your mini extended essay at two in the morning, or you could salvage whatever sleep you could and sleep for three hours (luckily, I ended up choosing the former).  You could get six hours of sleep, or you could remember to and actually study for the world history final, biology final, and calculus final and also do the essay for calculus (this time I chose only to do the calculus essay at 5:30 AM).  I strongly encourage you to take as many naps as possible while doing as much work as possible.  If you can’t get it all done, no sweat – it’s very hard to get all A’s and make top of your class anyway, with all the other bright hardworking kids.  Health is much more important than a worksheet (seeing as you can do the worksheet on the bus).

Also, learn to round.  Rounding is very important in determining your grades (speaking of which, a quick reminder – only semester grades matter).  For instance, in the first quarter you might get an 89.5, and the second an 88.5.  Well, the 89.5 rounds to a 90, and the 88.5 rounds to an 89.  Averaging the two values yield 89.5 which rounds to 90 – an A.  Rounding is very much your friend with your grades.

Finally, do yourself a huge favor and avoid drama (just typing the word makes me shudder).  It really is quite pointless and is also a huge waste of your time, with which you could be making up sleep or studying.  While I really have not had any, my friends have, and it has made their grades and health suffer.  Why go through this?  High school, and even life, is too short for this junk.  Avoid this at all costs.  However, do feel free to get a boyfriend/girlfriend.  Just avoid drama.

High school really is a blast.  Work hard, party hard, sleep hard.  Remember, following the four easy steps above almost ensures you to have a successful and lively IB experience.  Have fun in IB!  That’s what it’s all about.

Regards,

Kevin Kong

P.S.  I’m only a sophomore this year, so find me if you want around campus next year.

 

Dearest freshmen: My name is Mandy Davis, and in less than 6 months, I will hopefully have my IB diploma.  Looking back on the experience, there are several things I think I would’ve liked to have known as a freshie.

First of all, probably everyone you’ve ever meet, and some people you don’t, will tell you this, but please, for your own sake, learn to organize and not procrastinate.  I still haven’t learned how, and I am paying the price in some mediocre grades and sleep deprivation.  So, if you would like to have a comfortable life, this especially is true of junior and senior year, please start your homework before 7 pm every night.

Next, I suppose I’ll give you an overview of the different years of IB. Freshman year is probably going to seem semi-difficult, there will be a lot of projects and such.  Sophomore year should be your easiest year of high school.  In sophomore year, you pick which science and math you want to be in junior and senior year. I am a biology student.  Out of the three sciences, biology and chemistry are said to be the hardest.  I would not really advocate biology unless you plan to do something that you will need it for later on in life, or if you just really like the subject matter… or if you really like fruit flies.  Biology can be dealt with, but it adds a lot of work to your schedule.  I am in calculus, and I was in Trig/Analyt last year.  It is a lot of work, being that I am not really math-inclined.  But, if you like math, or are just willing to work hard at math, I would recommend Ms. Frisbie’s courses.  Junior year will probably shock your socks off. But, if you paid attention and took the advice of the aforementioned group of people, everyone you’ve ever met and some people you don’t, and learned to not procrastinate, you will be much better off.  After junior year, the first semester of senior year is still hard. But it’s manageable. I have yet to have the last semester of senior year, but everyone has told us it’s a lot better than junior year or first semester.  Please read your textbooks, even though you can squeak by without most times.  More importantly, please read your books for English. Some of them may seem dumb or pointless, but I think they’re all good for perspective.

In retrospect, I would like to say that I do not regret doing this program in the least.  I feel that I have been very well educated, and that I have an advantage over regular high school students, even though some of them may have higher GPA’s than me, because I took 5 math courses, 5 years of Spanish (and 3 years of French), and 5 years of sciences instead of the course requirements and the rest electives.  So, if you want to have a very good high school education, and you’re willing to spend more time working than sleeping, then you have come to the right place.

Best of luck,

Mandy Davis

 

Dear IB freshmen,

If you haven’t realized it yet, you’ve pretty much sold your soul to the devil by deciding to come to IB. Sleep deprivation, headaches, and book bags that weigh more than you are inevitable, I regret to say. Whether this sacrifice will be worth it or not is up to you and the decisions you make in the upcoming years. Look at this letter not as a guidebook or as an essay for my calculus final (cough you can thank Ms. Frisbie for that cough), but as a small glimpse into the life a senior who knows much more about the IB experience than you do. Take the advice I, and my fellow classmates, give to you; we’re not spending time we’d rather use to study for our Chemistry or Calculus final just to have our words fall on deaf ears.

First of all, the attitude with which you treat your classes is crucial to your success here. I know you’re probably sick of hearing about the terrible consequences of procrastination, but I wouldn’t mention it if it wasn’t just that important. Granted, a little procrastination here and there is refreshing – you don’t want to burn yourself out halfway through sophomore year. Procrastinating on something important like your Extended Essay or your World Literature Paper, however, is not only stupid but it will result in a call from Mr. Keers or Mrs. Delk, and two very angry parents (trust me, I know). Just make sure things don’t pile up on you.

Secondly, I would suggest to bond with your classmates now, no matter how much you hate them at the moment – it’s insignificant in comparison to the years of backstabbing and eye-rolling that will happen should you not come together as a class. No, I’m not suggesting you all move in with one another. Just try to make your high school tenure as comfortable as possible, and you can start by at least being polite to the people you will be spending the next four years with.

Finally, make sure you choose your classes wisely. For example, when you’re about to enter your junior year, and you’re trying to choose what math class you want to take – why in the world would you want to take Trigonometry if you had a D in Algebra II? Also, pick your science with caution. Sure, Biology may seem like an easy subject during your freshman year, but does it stay that way in your junior and senior year? Of course not. Go for the science that is most closely related to your future career, so at least you won’t have suffered in vain. If all else fails, pick Physics.

Of course, there are plenty of other pieces of advice you need to hear before you step into this world of external assessments and endless exams, but I have a Calculus and a French final to study for and it’s almost midnight. Good luck with all you do, and chill out: you can breeze through freshman and sophomore year with your eyes closed. Enjoy these next for years of your life, and who knows, maybe your little contract with the devil (otherwise known as IBO) will be worth it. Even I don’t know that for sure yet.

Marie Pantojan

 

Dear freshman,

Where to start? As an IB student I’ve gone through ups and downs, happiness and sorrow, and so many other successes and obstacles, but considering it all I’m almost there. IB is challenging, it will try your last nerve, but trust me quitting is not the solution. I’ve considered doing so many times, but in the end the reward outweighs the pain. Although the work is hard and the teachers “don’t understand,” there are ways to work through it. With IB I’ve been able to change myself to become a better person for the most part, having adjusted to solve problems I’ve had with teachers, assignments, and friends.

There are two habits you have to learn to avoid. Although I haven’t really applied either to my life and it may sound hypocritical, it is something I have realized, though it is a little late, I am still trying to apply them to my life. The first is procrastination, I know everyone tells you to “not procrastinate,” but here’s some firsthand experience. College applications, when they come around and you still haven’t learned to stop procrastinating you will kick yourself as you forget to do something on some application somewhere and you have lost your opportunity. I know that is just one example, but have faith in me, I’ve gone through it all and it hurts when you do get kicked, so just don’t procrastinate. The other piece of advice was to avoid getting annoyed, teachers and friends will both do something stupid, will make you mad, but every time you let it get to you, you just hurt yourself. I just realized this as I wrote this letter, but I will start applying to my own life now. For you all though, why wait, the opportunity is standing right in front of you to conquer every chance you get.

These are something to avoid, but there is one important thing to keep and never let go of, it is what will keep you sane. Friends. They are there through the hardships, through the happy times, and most importantly in the end. Without my friends there is no way I would have survived IB, and without their support I am sure I would have let it all go. You may not be the closest anymore, but they are the ones that will come to your rescue in your time of need. With your friends lies your sanity, your ability to enjoy life to go out and have a blast, you are a teenager enjoy it, it took me three and a half years to realize it, don’t let it take you so long, enjoy your life. Life is cruel, let it be, there’s only one way to fight it, enjoy yourself, you have friends go out one night to a movie, go bowling, just go hang out at someone’s house. Do something. School will be there when you get back, but once you’ve lost your youth that is it, you have other passions, fulfill them. Mine was my religion; let yours be what drives you to live, to be unique, to be you. In the end, my advice is to not be me through your high school life, incorporate what I have learned and make the most of your experience the reward will outweigh the costs. I promise.

Your friend,

Ravi Patel

**P.S. If I’m wrong, you can hunt me down, Ms. Frisbie has my information, I just hope that will never happen. Have the greatest four years of your life.

 

IB can be a big, scary place. But know that you have friends out there and they are a stronger force than what confronts you. Yes, i did steal that from the Series of Unfortunate Events movie, but it holds true here as well. I can assure you that IB is possible, because i am almost done with it. I come to you as one of the laziest people you may ever meet. IB takes, more than anything, a bit of stubbornness. Believe me there will come times when you will have to do your homework or do something fun just to stay alive and sane, and your sole motivation may well be spite, just to show that these Geneva based Nazis can’t take you down. My life here in IB is probably as good a cautionary tale as anyone’s, and so basically i will tell you what you should and should not do.

You definitely should not do a lot of the things I have done in my years here in IB. Chief among these is sleep through Mrs. Bond’s stoichiometry notes. They may not be as interesting as  interesting as the back of your eyelids, but they are the basis for the entire year of chemistry. You will find yourself, like me, hopelessly lost amid all those scary letters to be found in the periodic table.  Another big, ugly problem is Ms. Smith’s English journals. These are relatively user-friendly when done in small chunks, and an 800 pound rabid bear when you wait till the night before. If you wait till the last minute, you will experience the worst night of your life. Also, don’t sleep through Mrs. Holm’s algebra 2. It may seem kind of tedious, but you will hate yourself in calculus if you don’t do relatively well in here. I realize that after freshman year, the relatively easy sophomore year seems like a good chance to vegetate for a year. It isn’t hard, but all of these things will become very important within a few years.

You should try to have a life in IB. IB can and will suck your soul out via a bendy straw without some friends, whether its your family, girlfriend, boyfriend, just plain old friends, or whoever. You need the human contact, or you will go crazy. I learned this the semi-hard way. Also, whether you realize it or not most people in IB are covertly hilarious, its just lurking a little bit below the service. You should also get CAS if and when you can, because good CAS is hard to find. A special request on my behalf as well. On Halloween, go trick or treating on behalf of Mr. Keers candy jar when you are seniors. The man must have a partnership with Hershey’s to supply that much candy, and it is the right thing to do to help him out. Collect candy bags or just trick or treat for it, either way.

This basically sums it up people, this is all I can leave to you guys, because a lot of IB is learning the hard way, and I still have bruises. But you will make it, and you will have, in hindsight, a very good time.

Scott Cave

 

Dear freshmen,

Before I offer some wise-words and what not, welcome to Bartow High School and for those of you in IB, congrats.  What is there to say?  You are finally out of middle school and now in the big leagues.  Granted, at first it is scary because for a vast majority of you, you don’t know anyone.  So my first piece of advice is to let go of your little bubble.  Forget all of your boundaries and make new friends.  These are the people that you will have the same classes with for the next four years, so don’t waste time getting to know everyone.  I didn’t really find my best friend until late sophomore year because you get either too caught up in work or you are just one of those antisocial people.  Don’t be.  These people will become your family because you will need them and they will need you throughout this time.

My second piece of advice is, do not get caught up with what everyone else is doing, grade wise or what classes, ECT.  Do what you want to do while at Bartow.  There will be those that claim they are better than you based on GPA, yet they take some joke class at PCC like intro to computers.  If you worry about those superficial people then you start to think that you aren’t as good because you don’t have that 4.500.  My question is who cares?  10 years down the road, no one is going to care that you were 5^thor 200^th in your class.  What you will be remembered for is how you treat other people, not some number or rank.  But if you are one of those that have to have the top GPA to feel complete…go for it.  Yet, do not grow such a big head that you don’t have any friends because brains only get you maybe a quarter of the way.  The rest is all on people skills, which many IB students lack. Thus, develop them.

My last piece of advice is the whole deal about procrastination.  Ok, I am not stupid because I know you are laughing about this because I did the same.  I did it all through out my time here at Bartow.  It makes some good stories, but don’t fall victim to it because it will catch up with you.  Just have a good stress reliever and whatever you do, do not do homework on Friday or Saturday night.  The most annoying thing to hear from a friend is that they can’t go to the movies because they are doing homework.  That is when you slap them and force them into the outside.  Some people shut themselves so far in that it gets hard to break them out to sunlight.  Just have time for your friends cause IB is not about work at all, it’s about the people next to you. The best thing about IB is you leave knowing you have others that you can call at a pin drop and they will stop the world for you if that’s what you needed.  As I leave IB, I will always remember how our class came together for some of the others that had some of the roughest times and it is amazing to see such dedication to others.  Friendship is key to IB, without you will sink.

You may take this advice seriously or laugh it off as a joke.  To be honest, I don’t care how you take.  Yet, when you leave IB you will understand what I have just told you.  I am thankful for my time at IB because it opened my eyes to see the beauty within every person in the program, no matter how bad I hated them.  Good luck in IB or here at Bartow.

Brant Wells

 

Dear Future IB Seniors:

As a senior half way through their senior year, I’ve come across some very helpful ideas for success in the IB Senior year. First and foremost, DON’T PROCRASTINATE! And secondly, remember you are still in high school, live it up, don’t be such nerds!

I mean it when I say not to procrastinate, it’s not good for you or the quality of your work. If you actually do your work before it’s due (that means not the night before at midnight or the morning of, or God forbid, the period before it’s due), you might actually be able to get some sleep the night before, be confident in your work and maybe even learn something that day. And plus it keeps your grades from plummeting and keeps your parents off your back about grades.

But the most important thing I think all seniors should know is that even though IB is hard and very competitive, you’re still in high school! Quit worrying about who got what grade or how much better or worse you are than everyone else, just do your best, be happy with it and go on with your life. High school is meant to be fun and carefree, unfortunately the carefree part is IMPOSSIBLE for any IB student, but you can still have fun. So, get your nose out of the book for a minute and go do something nonacademic!

Well, I’m all out of helpful ideas for your senior year, and I promise if you heed my advice your senior year will be much less stressful and crazy than mine has been so far. I wish you nothing but the best in your upcoming years of IB, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have (Right!).

Sincerely,

Kaela Keeley

 

To all the new freshmen:

First off, welcome to IB!  Or at least Pre-IB, you’ll get to the really hard stuff soon enough.  Encouraging right?  I’m sure you’ve had an OK time adjusting this first semester, made lots of new friends, and had lots of interesting experiences.  High school is a fun time, but being in IB makes it a little different experience than most kids are having right now.  You’re going to have to give up a lot of social time to study, and, since most of us are here only because our parents love school, you’ll also probably spend some weekends sitting at home with your books because you got a C in Chemistry for the first time and are grounded.   Just some things to expect – having fun yet??

Theoretically, IB has a lot of benefits for a high schooler.  Normally, I am a very positive person.  However, I am not completely able to see all of those benefits.  You have to be very committed to IB these next few years to be able to make it through.  By the time you get about half-way through your senior year, have just been through the toughest part of it all, and are ready to drop IB any second more than anything, you’ll start to realize that the benefits that seemed so shiny in the beginning have dulled somewhat.  Especially after researching colleges, and finding that many of us “smart IB kids” don’t even get into the good colleges that we want because, no matter how hard we work, there’s always that one person ahead of us that’s going to take the slot.  People at other average high schools who don’t take the tough classes for four years that we do get into those good schools because they ended up as the valedictorian, while we struggle to maintain status in the middle of our tiny class.  The benefits that are seemingly there are a large part of what will keep you going the next couple of years, so keep in mind that there is still something there.  Question them later when the occasion arises to you personally.

Follow your strengths, but also consider who the teachers are when you decide what classes you’re going to settle in for several years in IB.  It all has a great effect, and you can’t afford to really mess up your last two years.  No matter which path you choose to take, the road’s going to be tough, and you’ll have to work really hard.  If you set your mind to it though, you can do it. You’ve already proven yourselves a cut above the rest just by choosing to take the risk and come here.  Keeping yourself in that cut above the rest will prove to be the challenge, but if you follow the typical IB advice, which we all give because we wish we had the willpower to follow it, you’ll be ok.  No procrastination, do your work on time and as early as possible, and get lots of sleep.  Way too many people find out how good coffee is in the morning, around 3:00AM to be exact, while in their junior and senior year.   I am proud to say that I am NOT one of those people, have never pulled an all-nighter, and don’t plan to.  I have found that if I absolutely force myself, I can get some of my work completed on time, though still not all.  Anyways, you’ll be fine!  Follow this bit of normal IB advice to the best of your ability, keep in mind that benefits do still exist, and question situations as to your capability only when they come flying at your face, threatening to knock you down.  The struggle just might be worth it, because from what I hear, college can be a breeze once you actually learn how to write a paper. : )

Laura Weaver

 

Upcoming Students,

You beware of the one nasty habit you’ve been told to avoid since starting school: PROCRASTINATION. It is an IB student’s worst enemy. Extended essays, TOK papers, internal assessments, portfolios, labs, history essays, journal questions, and the daily assignments will glare at you from their neat deadlines, tricking you into thinking you’ve got all the time in the world — until midnight, the morning of the due date. AVOID this.

In TOK, work on your big assignments throughout the semester. In history, READ THE CHAPTERS. In English, READ THE BOOKS. In Spanish, LEARN the VOCABULARY. See a pattern? Working little by little is too easy to blow off.

Don’t forget this, either: EAT BREAKFAST. Regulate your online time. Make time for socializing every week — your friends will become your sanity. You’re going through this together, not as adversaries.

Good luck!

Brittney Buckley

 

To those who better be concerned,

First, congratulations on embarking on the greatest challenge you have likely faced. You are already a champion (and will quickly learn that this school is the home of) just for being here. Now, for little advice from a senior of old. First, do not be cliché, I hate that, and thus, I hope to not be cliché in my advice.

It is very important that you keep things in perspective! Do not let the small things like homework assignments stress you out. Who is really going to care about one zero in 10 or 15 years? On the other hand, do not let your grades completely slip. Who is going to care? College maybe?

The most important thing is balance. You are in high school now, so enjoy it! Do not let school take you over. It is just as important to make friends and spend time with your family or doing a hobby. I’ve seen too many kids go from bad to worse, mentally, to a point of danger just because of stress.

Be cool, you will be fine,

Big Mizzle,

Amo Timpe

 

Having gone through a year and a half of IB, I have learned a lot. As a freshman, you should know the following: have a few good friends you can trust, do not get the online grades, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Having a few very close friends helps. It is better to have a few friends that a lot you don’t know. It’s also someone you can trust when you stress.

It is important to NOT get online grades. It can stress you out. Some people check grades THREE times a day. This puts too much pressure. Just try your best.

Most importantly, Don’t sweat the small stuff. The more you stress, the more you aren’t happy. Be happy and have a good childhood. Enjoy life.

Sincerely,

Rajiv Bhatia

 

Dear Student,

Be very careful when you enter IB. After the first two years may wonder what all the fuss was about and why everyone thinks IB is so hard. IB  saves it all for junior and senior year, so be careful.

There are important things to remember for each class. In English, read the books assigned. They will help you in your senior year when you write your World Literature 1 and 2 papers. Work hard at your language, whether French or Spanish. Part of your IB test includes an oral so get in as much practice speaking as possible. Choose a science that you like. Biology is a good middle-of-the-road choice if you don’t like science at all. Keep your math notes every year and make sure you learn the basic concepts. You will need them later. Work hard in all your classes.

Do community service early. Many prizes and scholarships depend on community service, so it’s important to have it done. Do some extracurricular activities, but not so many that they distract from your work. Getting through IB is hard work, but you can do it.

Jessica Wheeler

 

Dear Student,

You may or may not know me, but I am writing to give you — offer you — some advice that I think you may find helpful in your freshman year. I wish someone would have clued me in on what was going to happen in the next four years, but of course it’s something you just have to find out for yourself. Never worry, here are some failsafe ways to make it through high school sanely and with the least stress.

The single most important thing you can do to help yourself in high school is to make good friends, and stick with them. Especially in IB, your friends are the people who will help you when you are in trouble, lend you advice, and support you when you are stressed beyond reasonable limits. Without my friends, I could never have come this far. I’m a senior, with four months left, but I still need my friends to help me through this final stage. When you make friends your freshman year, choose people who are like you, and who share your goals. Don’t just choose friends because they are fun, because “fun” people are the ones most likely let you down.

The second most important thing to remember in your high school years is to listen to your parents. They know what they are talking about. Even if you don’t want to listen, you should. They have been there before and can give you advice you can really use. So, listen to them.

That’s all I have to say. Good luck!

Renee Garifi

 

Dear Student(s),

It has been a good run here for me. I lettered in JROTC, have a fairly decent GPA, and scored a 31 on the ACT. However, I did have some trouble. Some good advice to take, do all of your work. Teachers assign it for a reason, to help you learn, and if you don’t do it, you will not pass the tests, much less the course.

The areas that I found most needing of study were math and science, especially if that science is based heavily on math. Do not take just the basic courses either. Do you think that a good college will take you if your education is the same as everyone else’s? If you have a gift for learning, than most of these courses will come easily to you, however when one is difficult, don’t blow it off, just keep at it.

Finally, a little discussion about socializing at BHS. Be what you are. Whenever you like to wear, listen to, drive, etc., there will always be a place for you among the student body. It isn’t important to be popular; heck, most of the “popular people” are jerks anyway. Making friends with teachers also helps. Whether you need a couple extra days on an assignment, or to be bumped from a 79 to 80, teachers are more likely to help you if you are friendly and nice to them. Well that’s about all the advice that I can think of, have a great time, and remember, don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out alive.

Sincerely,

Tristan Gibbons

 

What advice would I give to a freshman? A newbie in the IB program. First things first, Congratulations on being accepted into IB. While you may — scratch that, you will — regret it at certain moments throughout the next 4 years, it really is worth it. So on to the advice…

I’m sure that by now, you know what I’m about to say, but I’ll say it anyway: Don’t Procrastinate… much. You’ll do it anyway, no matter how many people tell you to do your work when you get the assignment, to start your projects before 3 hours before school starts. You won’t listen. How do I know? Because I didn’t either. Nor did the Class of 2004, or 2003… you see where I’m going with this? But really, if you have the time to do just a little bit of work ahead of time please, please take that opportunity. Every little bit helps.

Your freshman year will be relatively easy; sophomore even more so. Take advantage of that. Junior year gets hard. And the first semester of your senior year… well, I won’t lie to you: it’s the hardest 18 weeks I’ve ever been through in all of my schooling. That being said, start to build up to that outside of your academics. Get to know your teachers; they can be so much help to you, and they really do care about you and want you to succeed. Ask for help if you need it, or just talk to them. Above all, get to know your classmates; there will be no one else for you to turn to when it gets tough. They are the only ones who will understand the workload, the stress, the severe lack of sleep (and believe me, there will be a severe lack of sleep). You will need your friends more than ever when it comes down to the wire. A great example: The paper on which we were asked by Ms. Frisbie to give you advice? Right now it is sitting in my locker at school. I had to get a copy from a friend. See, now don’t you just love when examples just fall from the sky like that?

Don’t stress out over things you cannot change. Or over things you can change for that matter. If you get a B on a test (which will happen, I’m telling you), deal with it or retake the test if you can. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher or a classmate. But if it’s 1 am the night before a test, and the words are swimming on the history textbook page in front of you: Go To Sleep. I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t do anyone any good to stay up beyond your limit. For me, the limit is a few hours after 1 am, but you get the point. The only thing that will happen if you stress out or don’t get enough sleep for a long period of time is that you will get sick, you won’t be at your best, and you will only suffer more for it. Again, I’ve done it; it’s not so much fun. Believe me no one likes you much when you’ve had 3 hours of sleep in the past week.

Now, I don’t follow all this advice. Which is exactly the reason I’m telling you all this. Because I wish I had listened to the people who told me these things when I was a freshman.

Something that you’ll have to start to think about halfway through your sophomore year is what science you’re going to take for the last two years of IB. I chose Chemistry and, to tell you the truth, it’s hard work; long labs to write up (but often fun labs), 200-point tests that are usually difficult, and no other grades beyond participation points for board problems. I’ve heard similar stories from my friends in Biology, although they have more grades and sometimes harder labs. Physics is the easiest science to take, but from what I’ve heard it doesn’t prepare you as well for the AP/IB tests as Chem or Bio do. But don’t take a science based purely on the workload; I only told you that stuff so you’d be informed. Take a science that a) interests you and/or b) will be of use to you in the future.

I won’t bother to tell you about specific teachers because it won’t take long for you to figure them out. Or more importantly, to figure out what you can get away with in each class. There are some quirky characters at our school, and they definitely make class interesting.

But I will repeat myself: the teachers are here to help you. I promise, none of them bite (and we’ve run the mean ones off already).

Watch out for Dr. “Sunshine” Vetter. You will want to kill him many times throughout your IB career when you hear his cheery “Good Morning” over the intercom at 7:00 in the morning after you’ve been awake for 36 hours. But he is also here to help you succeed, along with Dr. Katz (who you will learn to love SO much when you get to be a senior), and Dr. V just wouldn’t be the same without the over‑cheeriness.

One of the most important things to remember, that I have left until the end so that it will hopefully stick with you, is to HAVE FUN. Seriously, if you don’t take breaks (and lots of them) you will be Burned Out before you hit junior year. And you don’t wanna miss that blissful year. Oh, sorry, was that too sarcastic?

Don’t be scared. You can do it. (Right now you’re thinking you’re all big and bad; don’t worry, you’ll get over that). It’s hard work. It’s stressful. But it’s also interesting and it’s even fun. Don’t forget about having a life. Be social. Join clubs. Relax on occasion. Take advantage of the free time you do get. Be thankful for your teachers. Love your friends. Remember: it’s only school.

Ciara Heaps

 

Dear Freshmen,

Welcome to IB! Err, Pre‑IB, that is. Through the next four years, you will discover many new friends, interests, and more importantly, yourself. However, although your next few years may be filled with success and accomplishments, there may be some disappointments, and also a few pitfalls to avoid. Thus, I will offer some (hopefully practical) advice to you, Class of 2009.

The very first thing I would advise is to determine what direction you want to pursue in your life. In freshmen year, many of us don’t know and many more are filled with great hopes and aspirations. I would say, first assess what is needed to be done to achieve your goals and whether they are realistic not meaning that you can’t accomplish them, of course, but rather whether you are willing to put forth the effort required for them to succeed. If you have a clearer image of what you want to accomplish, you are much more guaranteed to do it. In addition, with electives being so scarce in IB, knowing what you want to do will aid you in choosing the most beneficial electives. Of course, if you can’t decide, there’s always room for exploration here at IB, Bartow High School, and also the dual enrollment option at Polk Community College.

Another aspect I would like to address concerns the area of organization. Not all of us are blessed with an intuitive sense of neatness, though our parents probably had hoped so. However, if you haven’t learned the organization skills necessary for this program (and I’m sure you’ll soon realize what they are — keeping organized folders, using planner or some means of remembering assignments) I’d advise you to do so quickly. IB is so much easier to cope with if you know (or remember) what you’re up against, and also when you do assignments on time, or even before they’re due. Of course, there’s the “don’t procrastinate” speech too, but I’m sure you’ve heard enough of that by now.

IB is also easier if you learn to be efficient. Being efficient means doing your homework quickly and although this may come easier to some than to others, there are ways to improve efficiency. Many of them include things such as finding a good work place, or establishing a good work ethic or a daily hour (or hours) in which you can concentrate to do your homework. Just find what’s right for you. By finishing your work faster you will have more time to do other things that you enjoy and that often alleviate the stress of IB and will therefore, make you a happier and better balanced person.

As for some more specific advice on IB… Freshman year consists of a lot of projects which aren’t hard, but prepare you for the large workload. Sophomore year focuses on quality, so pay attention in your classes. Junior year is a lot of everything and can be a little overwhelming at first — the transition from sophomore year to junior year, from Pre‑IB to IB is a little like going from middle school to high school. There is a lot more work and a lot more serious things that count, which affect your IB diploma. However, if you’ve used freshman and sophomore year to install a good balance with yourself, you will be well off. First semester of Senior year is a lot of work also, but learning to adjust and knowing that it’s all worth it in the end is the key. Second semester senior year is supposedly better, but I’ll restrain from giving any advice since I still need to live it.

One last thing — don’t let academics get in the way of other things in life. Academics and IB are especially important, but so is high school life. IB isn’t all about academics either, as the diploma even requires CAS hours — hours dedicated to creativity, action, and service — from you. Join sports, try new clubs, and find your passion. Take the time you have during Pre‑IB to explore high school and use your newfound interests as an escape during some of the difficult times of IB.

Truly, IB is not for everyone. There are some people who find that they are not willing to give so much of their life for the program, and there are others whom, after four years, regret their initial decisions. That, however, is a personal decision, one which we must all make for ourselves. However, IB at Bartow High School definitely has many opportunities for various individuals to pursue different dreams. If you are willing to sacrifice certain things (time, for example) for your goals, then IB is definitely worth exploring. If you use the opportunities IB offers to the best of your ability, or to the extent that the program allows, then you are guaranteed to succeed in whatever you do.

Yalu Wu, c/o 2005

 

Dear Freshmen,

I was instructed to give you advice so I will, but you must remember that everyone is different. As you read the advice of my classmates and myself, you probably will be able to pick up a few ideas that are present in almost everyone’s advice. You can do with it what you would like, but my first piece of advice is to at least keep some of it in the back of your mind.

One piece of advice that you will be told over and over is not to procrastinate. It may seem cliché, but it is true to at least some extent. You will learn which teachers accept late work, which is not always a good thing, because you do not need to be doing a whole quarter’s worth of work at the end of the nine‑weeks. Procrastination, like everything, is good in moderation. If you really do not feel like doing any work one night, do not, but make sure you do it the next night. It is okay not to start on a project the day you are assigned it, but make sure you leave enough time to complete it. Not all assignments can be done in one night, especially those requiring research.

One thing I learned, is do not listen to what older students say about teachers. It is best to make up your own decision. First, some teachers leave and you wasted all that time listen to some give you advice about a teacher you will not have. Your opinion of a teacher also depends on your own personality. You will have all kinds of teachers during your four years here, and you just have to learn to deal with the teachers you do not particularly care for. I do not consider myself cliché, but remember first impressions are very important, once you earn a “label” from a teacher it is unlikely that it will change, for either the better or worse.

My last advice is on the IB program as a whole. I would like to tell you it is not easy, so if you are expecting it to be, leave now or change your attitude. However, it is not unbearable if you stay on top of it. Each year the work is harder and there is more of it. Do not let the upcoming years intimidate you, because if I was to tell you everything I have done this past semester it will most likely scare you. I am glad I was not aware of this senior year work load when I was a Freshman, but now that I am a Senior, I can handle it, because I was prepared. Just, always stay on top of things and it will not be any more difficult than it has to be.

Sincerely,

Abby Hennessey

 

The first piece of advice that I would give to an incoming freshman to IB would be to get to know the people around and form good bonds with them. You will most likely be seeing these people for the next four years of your life. In fact, I only know of a few people who maintain real relationships with those kids that they left behind in taking on the IB challenge. I would also advise that you prepare for this split. Also, the relationships that you form in the long run will be vital to your sanity and success within this school. First of all, they save your sanity by providing an outlet from the IB world. I would encourage everyone to go out on the weekends and enjoy this time. After all, it only lasts for four years. Next, schoolwork does eventually become extremely difficult, and it will be very handy to have close relationships that allow you to work and study together. This will help take the load off of school to a great extent, and also allow you to enjoy your social a little more.

There are many pitfalls to avoid for starting freshman. The first is becoming stressed out to an excess degree. This can often lead to psychological problems, as you will see if you talk to any of the seniors or even juniors. However, I would also say that you need to challenge yourself; but I would focus this challenge on areas that you like. For example, if you like art, focus on art class because it can often relieve quite a bit of stress. I would also suggest avoiding biology as a choice for a science unless you are a really big fan. I hear that that class is extremely difficult and a major stress causer. I would also avoid falling into the harsh competition for class rank. As long as you have an acceptable GPA, colleges are not really going to care where you stand in your class. This is a major problem that some kids fall into, constantly worrying about whether they are going to get an A in a class. This can also tend to lead to psychological problems.

Being a big of math and science fan, I would say that the most worthy and important area of study is your higher‑level science and calculus class. However, not everyone agrees with me on this subject, so I would suggest that the most important area of study is the area of study that you wish to further pursue in college. Some people feel that English is the most superior class, and I say good for them. The important thing is that you are happy with the way your education is going. I would also like to suggest that you find an elective at Bartow High School that you can really get attached and that can serve as an easy relief class. For example, I am taking YJP and I love it. There are never any homework or class assignments. YJP is really a chill out class, and I think that it has helped me during the most stress period in the IB program. To sum it all up, whatever you decide to do, have fun with it.

Ryan Kraft

 

Dear incoming freshmen,

IB can be a very rewarding experience filled with many happy memories; however, IB is also a challenging and rigorous program that takes a lot of dedication and motivation. It is important to try to not stress yourself out, after all your high school years are supposed to be some of the best years of your life, but you must not allow yourself to get off track. Therefore, I have some advice for you to make it through your first year.

The number one rule for IB is to not procrastinate. This seems to be some kind of sickness that strikes you sometime during your sophomore year, so be aware. Procrastination just adds stress, and believe me it is not fun. Many times you will have several assignments/tests due on the same day, so it would be wise to do your work ahead of time.

Some classes can be very stressful, and you have to dedicate hours of your time to studying. Freshman year goes by fairly easily and quickly; however, I suggest that if you plan to take biology in 11th and 12th grade that you study really hard so you have a strong foundation when you get to that point.

In addition, remember to have fun. If you do not procrastinate, you will have time to hang out with your friends. Actually its important to keep in touch with friends that aren’t necessarily IB students in order to maintain a healthy, realistic outlook on the world (sometimes too many IB students can drive you crazy!)

Indya Carroll

 

Dear Incoming IB‑Smarter Kid,

Although you may have some preconceived ideas about what high school will be like, I’m writing to tell you a little about my own experiences in hopes of encouraging and advising you. The International Baccalaureate program is challenging and you will have to work persistently to survive all four years, but there is also room for fun and friends. First, I want to say that you CAN do it! Over the years, you will see your class size decrease as people decide that they would rather attend “regular” high school, but I would encourage you to stick with your decision to be at IB. Just because the program is hard does not mean that it is not for you; everyone who is accepted into IB has the potential to graduate with the diploma but it requires effort. The bottom line is that you are here for a reason, so do not quit!

Since your academic classes are the focus of your IB years, I’ll touch on this area next. From the very first day that you are here, you will hear about time management and procrastination. While it would be nice to learn not to procrastinate, do not worry too much if you cannot seem to break the habit. As a senior, I cannot honestly say that my time management skills have improved very much over the last four years, but the important thing is that you get your school work done. If you have to stay up all night the night before something is due, do it and know that you won’t be alone. Also, do not get into the habit of not turning in assignments. You might be able to skip a couple of worksheets or homework assignments without destroying your grade but beware that this does not become a habit that leaves you failing the class. Lastly, read the books you are assigned for English class. You have a great opportunity to gain your literary foundations throughout high school. Never will you regret reading a book, and you might even like some of them.

Lastly, I would like to speak to you about the social side of high school. As an IB freshman, do not be afraid to make friends within your class. You may be trying to maintain friendships with people from your middle school, but, in two or three years, most of your friendships will likely be with people in your class at school. The people around you are extremely valuable: they understand what you are experiencing as far as school work and they are the ones who will be able to help you with your homework on those late, desperate nights. Also, try to get involved in activities in school, such as clubs and sports. These involvements can be a great way to relieve your stress and to meet people outside of your class.

I wish I could give you the secrets to success for high school, but I cannot. Just as I have made my own way through the obstacles of IB. so will you make your own choices and cut your own path through these four years of high school.

Best of Luck!

Genevieve Russo C/O 2005

 

So this letter is for the incoming freshman of the year 2005/2006. I will try and give you some advice that will hopefully help make your IB experience a little easier. The first piece of advice I would give to you incoming freshmen is something you will hear over and over again throughout your time in IB; That piece of advice is that when you get assignments and projects, do not procrastinate. Get started on them early and get them done ahead of time, as opposed to getting it done during lunch the day it is due. It will be very temping to let things slide and to put things off until later, but if you do that then the work will pile up and you will cause yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. So make sure to get your assignments done and done before the day they are due. Especially when you get into your junior and senior years when you have to write a ton of papers and complete a bunch of projects. So don’t procrastinate.

The second piece of advice I would give to incoming freshman is to not freak out about “the real IB.” It’s true that it is kind of stressful at time and the work will seem to never end, and that as soon as you finish one test you have to start studying for another. But I promise if you manage your time and work hard you will be able to make it through IB. If you stress out about all the work, then it will just be that much harder to get it all done and add on more unnecessary stress. So don’t worry about the real IB, it isn’t as bad as all the horror stories you will hear and if you do the work the teachers assign and ask for help if you need it, then you will get through it.

The third and final piece of advice I would offer to you is to pick the science that you really like and find interesting, and not just pick the one you think will be the easiest. In your first two years you will take biology, chemistry, and physics, and then you will have to choose one that you will take in both your junior and senior year. Be sure that you pick the one that you are actually interested in and not just the one that you think is easy. You will here a lot about how physics is easy and if you take it you are pretty much guaranteed an A or B. But if it is not the science that interests you, you will probably be incredibly bored. I took biology, and while the class may be harder, I know I enjoy it and try harder in it, then I would if I had taken physics. So that is all the advice that I can offer you, I hope you enjoy your time in IB and I wish you the best of luck over the next for years. Have fun.

Melissa Dygert

 

Ode to Mrs. Frisbie

Here’s to Mrs. Frisbie, who knows how to teach
And in whose class we rarely dream of the beach
Because she makes the material interesting and fun
And possible to learn for just about anyone

Here’s to Mrs. Frisbie, who flashes math signs
And who probably knows how to disable mines
Because her brain is like an encyclopedia
Full of facts from Ancient History to everyday media

And here’s to Mrs. Frisbie, and her cool sound effects
That make canceling even cooler than a T‑rex
And also her word problems, she always will make
Funny to keep us learning, alert and awake

Yes here’s to Mrs. Frisbie, a cool lady indeed
Who always will help those who are in need
Of extra help learning stuff for the test date
And I now hope she’ll take my work a day late

Rachel Ehrlich

 

Without a question, my entire experience at Bartow High School and the International Baccalaureate Program has been joyful and simultaneously challenging. Additionally, my knowledge has truly been broadened by the rigorous academic curriculum of the IB Program. Although at times I have felt overwhelmed with assignments, tests, and projects, I have also maintained a positive attitude and have always tried my hardest to succeed. Personally, I feel that in spite of all the pressures and deadlines, perseverance and dedication are key within any high school student. Specifically, I can advise an incoming freshman to take upon as many challenges as possible, for hard‑work will pay off in the future. Additionally, I would advise an incoming student to not be discouraged by any social or academic impediments. School will always pose difficulties to any individual. Despite this, I feel that rising to the challenge and attempting to succeed is also a critical part of the entire learning experience.

Indeed there are a myriad of pitfalls that a student can avoid. From personal experience I definitely would recommend not to procrastinate. Although it is reasonable to procrastinate some, I feel that getting work done ahead of time is efficient, and further eases one’s stress. Completing work ahead of time gives one an opportunity to get more involved in the community, and allows individuals to pursue specific hobbies such as music or reading. I have truly attempted not to greatly procrastinate. To be honest, sometimes procrastination is necessary to the fullest extent. However, in my opinion it should not completely characterize one’s academic career at BHS/IB. In addition to this, I would advise students to study specific subjects. For me areas such as history, Spanish, and English are easier subjects that do not require an extreme amount of studying. In my opinion, I feel that one should concentrate on mathematics and science. These subjects obviously involve a myriad of concepts that need to be reviewed constantly. I would recommend additional practice and drilling in science and mathematics to ensure that one understands all the concepts. Within these subjects topics build upon earlier learned topics, so as a result, learning the fundamentals is very important.

I would further like to address the fact that one should get involved within the ongoing activities and clubs around campus. I am the founder and president of the BHS/IB Habitat for Humanity and it has been an enjoyable experience to actually get involved in the community and help those individuals in need. For example, I have truly enjoyed organizing a project for collecting funds for tsunami relief aid to Asia. Simply getting involved has opened my eyes to different aspects of society. Furthermore, I have enjoyed volunteering with my friends for National Honor Society, and for World Language Honor Society. I additionally, have enjoyed the challenge involved with A­-Team, which has given me an immense amount of general knowledge. From my experiences, I undoubtedly recommend that a new student at BHS/IB get involved in the variety of activities the school has to offer. Getting involved in my opinion, will give diversity to one’s experiences and will enable one to meet new people and make new friends.

Anoop Sheth

 

Dear freshman to be,

Welcome to your first year of IB! There are many pieces of advice I’m sure you want to know before you start your journey.

Firstly, It is very important you have a friend you can rely on to help you stay on task with your studies because everyone forgets an assignment here or there. Always try to get along with your peers and teachers; you’re not getting much variety in these four years. Also, make sure that you get along with your teachers because their outlook on you will be important for many awards that you will receive.

Secondly, always get to class on time. I can vouch that you will get a tardy and Peanut Butter & Jelly jail during lunch if you do not. Lunchtime is important for studying and making sure you have completed all of your assignments. You do not want to spend it doing FCAT practice, which I’m sure you will pass.

Lastly, and most importantly, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!! This is the most poignant of all the points. Trust me, you could be a lot less stressed if you maximize your time. If you have two weeks to do an assignment, it will not take one night. Also, do not feel all-niters are the best way; you could become very sick and have to do more make up work. In addition, trying to skip school, in order to finish an assignment, does not work; the teachers are hip to the game.

All in all, try to stay focused and do not let others deter your dreams.

Abre’ Conner

 

The first thing any freshman should keep in mind is to enjoy your fun year while it lasts. Just kidding! The truth is that it is entirely possible to enjoy yourself throughout the IB program as long as you have a positive outlook, trite as it may sound. When starting as a freshman, it is obviously very important to make friends. If plenty of people from your middle school are attending IB, you’re lucky to have them, but don’t stay in your social safety zone so much that you miss out on developing other relationships. If you don’t know anyone or only know a few people, don’t worry, you will make friends. Just be yourself (no one likes people who try too hard) and be friendly and the relationships will form. In fact, you will probably find that as you go through the IB program, you make more friends and become closer to people in your class every year.

1f you don’t live near Bartow, the journey to school can be quite a burden, as well as a tough adjustment to get used to. My advice is to look for ways that you can use commuting to your full advantage. Morning trips (and even afternoons, really) can be great for catching up on sleep (as long as you’re not driving). If you aren’t prone to carsickness, car or bus trips can be good times to do work. Granted, buses can be noisy, but with them also come people who can help you if need arise. Finally, riding the bus or car‑pooling can be an opportunity to make new friends or spend time with people whom you don’t see often.

As far as things to avoid, many of the same things are true in other areas of life. In IB, especially the upper grades, it is easy to sink into poor sleeping habits, even sleep deprivation. I’m no physician and I certainly don’t want to beat anyone over the head with a lecture on getting enough sleep, just don’t forget that it’s important. Another thing to avoid is neglecting to exercise. Finding forms of exercise that I love has been really beneficial, because in addition to all the physical health benefits, exercise is great for ameliorating stress.

As far as a most important or deserving field of study, it really depends on what your plans for the future are. On a side note, don’t feel bad if everyone in the brother seems to have the rest of their lives planned, after all, we’re only in high school (most people change their minds anyway). You can be motivated to succeed without knowing exactly where you will do so. Anyway, if there is a single subject that helps across the board, it’s writing. Obviously, fluent communication is important in every subject. Mrs. Hardee and Mrs. Delk in particular teach writing skills very well. As far as which other subjects are concerned, the most important and deserving is that which you feel the most passionately about.

Maria Trogolo

 

Being in the IB program for three and a half years, one of the best advices I can give you is to make as much friends as possible. You will be spending the next four years with them so you might as well develop good relations with them to make your high school years enjoyable. Also, these people can become not only a source of help for schoolwork, but also friends who you can talk to or have fun with when you are stressed out. More than likely, however, there will be people who you just can’t get along with for whatever reason. Accept their flaws. There is no point in disliking someone for four years and making it harder than it already is. You need all the friends you can get to alleviate the stress that comes with IB and make it more fun.

Besides making friends, manage your time wisely. Your teachers and everyone else have probably already told you not to procrastinate. Listen to them. Putting things off does nothing except it piles up all the work you have to do. A teacher can then suddenly announce that you will have a test at the end of the week, so, in addition to all the work you have to do, you now have to study for that test. Staying up into the wee hours of the morning is not something that you want to experience. There may be some people who think that staying up until 3 o’clock in the morning to finish a paper is a great accomplishment and may even brag about it, but in the end, it’s just not worth it. Get all the sleep you can, even if it’s just 15 minutes.

Finally, relax, have fun. Don’t always worry about getting straight A’s or being number one in your class, it is already an achievement that you got accepted into the program so everyone knows that you’re smart. Don’t always concern yourself with school. Whenever you have free time, do something that you enjoy. Whether it’s going to the movies, shopping, playing basketball, or even just sleeping, do something that relaxes you. Life will be pretty boring if all you do is schoolwork. Besides, what’s the point of high school if you can’t enjoy it? And remember: a 90 is the same thing as a 100. An A is an A is an A.

Michael Lapnawan

 

Hey, welcome to IB. It’s good stuff. Kind of.

I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon enough, but the International Baccalaureate Organization’s goal is to become a world power. I’m serious. They probably have secret bases where and a huge armed military force just waiting. Meanwhile this army just keeps rewriting IB policies and creating better looking and different colored formats for their forms. You’ll find that out junior year when you have to take an actual IB test.

Anyway, the program itself isn’t bad. Enjoy your freshman and sophomore years, they’re the closest experience to actual high school you will ever get. Those are the years you’ll have this thing, I’ll try and remember what it’s called… I think it’s something like “free time.” Anyway, enjoy this “free time” because during your junior and senior years you will wish you had quite a bit more of it.

Sleep is another commodity that you’ll lack, maybe even during your freshman year. You’ll learn that sleep is overrated anyway. You can survive for two or three days with just a couple of hours of sleep. This has been tested repeatedly. However, as long as you don’t PROCRASTINATE you won’t have that problem. Everyone gives that advice, and no one ever listens. What a waste. Not that I care, I am of course going to advise you not to procrastinate anyway. When you don’t study for three tests in one night you actually remember the information when it comes time for exams. It seriously helps to plan ahead, especially during your junior and senior years.

Sure, you’ll wish that you had lives like normal high school students. After school they get to hang out and do nothing. Some of them probably even sleep. So here’s the most important advice I’m going to give you. Stay with the program. Don’t drop out or slack off just because it gets difficult. The IB program will prepare you for college and the rest of your life. After IB, college won’t seem that hard. You’ll have the attitude and the skills you need to claw your way to the top. Even if for some reason you have no intention of clawing you way to the top, IB is always an awesome source of jokes.

Yes, classes are actually important in IB. Here’s some advice just to get you started. Read the books in English. Some of them aren’t even that bad. It’ll help you with the World Lit Papers and the IB exams. In math, make sure you understand the concepts. Starting freshman year until senior year. Everything builds on itself and you never know when you’ll have to remember something you learned two years ago. Take notes in history, especially junior and senior years. Oh yeah, Take Physics. It’s the best science ever. Overall, IB isn’t a bad experience; it gives you whatever you put into it. So good luck with it.

Chip Widmer

 

The Cure of Encephalasthenia*

As incoming IB freshman, many challenges await you. IB is a place where decisions and problems that you would never dream of facing become stark reality. At times, you will want to quit — everyone does. One of the first things you realize is that everyone in your IB class, from the valedictorian to the class clown, will one day be overwhelmed by your workload. It will feel like you are drowning under a glass ceiling with a thousand musicians playing your own personal requiem. This is a very unglamorous truth, a truth that cannot truly be understood until you stand in the shoes of an IB student. Luckily, there is another truth, though, that people often forget — there are two ways of facing the world of IB. Most people would simply tell you to take a deep breath when you get in over your head, and keep paddling. I can tell you freely, from experience, this will only fill your lungs with more water, sinking you faster. Instead, keep tools at the ready, to break through the glass into the fresh air of freedom. In my opinion, there are three instruments necessary for survival in the deep waters: wit, wisdom and compassion.

In the words of Aristotle, “Wit is educated insolence.” This quote summarizes an IB student’s mentality. All of us know that feeling when we grew smarter than one (or more) of our teachers back in elementary and middle school. (No, you will not find many of those types of teachers at IB.) Every single person who actually cares to read this packet knows that some days, a quick wit and good sarcasm is the only thing that can get you through the day. Wit, however, is not just the ability to whip off funny snark at random moments; it is the ability to face down a problem with class and refinement. With wit, you can look a challenge in the face and say “HA! I spit at you!” (Okay, I just always wanted to say that in an essay, particularly because some days you feel like saying that to that blank piece of notebook in front of you.) Believe me when I say that your tribulations will pass with more ease if you keep a sense of humor. Sometimes the only sense you will be able to make out of life is a sense of wit.

Which brings me to my second tool for survival: wisdom. Wisdom is a slow process by which an intelligent child learns to use their intelligence in a mature manner. I am not talking about splitting babies in half, like some Solomon. I mean that in the end, intelligence will mean nothing, if you never use it. I return to my previous statement, in which I mentioned the drowning pool with the glass ceiling. Intelligence says “this is inevitable, there’s no way out, I must keep treading water,” at which point, you drown (quite rationally, I might add.) Wisdom, on the other hand, says “let’s find a tool to help me out of this.” Wisdom tells you to continue reading Madame Bovary, even though you left a drool stain in the middle of Flaubert’s “mot juste” because you know you may need it to pass the IB English test. Genius may be the ability to put into effect what is in your mind, but wisdom is the quality to put that genius to greater future use.

I believe that the last piece of advice I will give is the most important of all. Compassion can be summed up in a single quote, from the great novel Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: “Observing a phenomenon you mistakenly consider worth despising, you deny a human being consideration.” (What better book to sum up compassion than one about a murderer?) Every time I complain about the schoolwork, or the amount of stress, I forget that there’s someone else there that has to do the same thing sitting right next to me. Or, that there is a teacher standing in front of me who has given up a better paying position, or simply free time to teach something worthwhile. After all, they say we should always look for the kalokagathia* in everything. Therefore, continually place yourself in someone else’s eyes and you will understand true popularity. Give the people compassion and they will call you a wise saint, but give them callow egotism and they will call you an pompous charlatan.

I would like to end this essay with a single quote by Oscar Wilde, a man known for his combination of wit and wisdom: “Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.”

From her Imperial Highness,

The Illustrious, Sagely Wit,

Laney Spann,

Empress of IB

PS — A large vocabulary allows freedom of insolence without the understanding of the general populace.

* Encephalasthenia (n) – mental fatigue due to emotional stress (you will know it well)

* Kalokagathia (n) – the combination of the good and the beautiful in a person.
 

Dear future members of the IB Empire,

I bid you welcome and many blessings to this experience of IBness that you are about to embark. Yes, I know that the word “IBness” is not found in the normal dictionary, but who really cares for Webster anyhow. In the mean time of earning 15 points for a semester exam, I might as well share with you the wisdom that I have obtained and the mere idiosyncrasies that you’ll find in your future teachers. Do not worry, although you yourself may be quite strange and quirky… I will guarantee you that I have surpassed that in every way possible and that my judgment, although may not be sound, will be full of truth and experience.

Day 1, scared to crap that you might be stuck the rest of your life with a group of nerds and be forced to live in a pile of homework? Well, I hope by now you have looked over to your left and found at least one person cute or attractive to flirt with by the end of lunch (I feel sorry for those people who are on the farthest left row… seems you’ll be alone for today) and realized that if you keep this place centered on the people and growing as a family you’ll accomplish your goals and keep your sanity… preferably. While there are those who have found ways to out beat the past students and become the teacher pets and some golden child of IB, I tend to find most of us to be the same slackers as always and interested in finding some time to hang out and catch a movie. I found my way out of the place through music and church — sometimes both at the same time — but of course everyone is an individual so I won’t be surprised if you find it more entertaining to see if the spaghetti will stick to the ceiling. Just remember, you are in this for yourself — not your parents or anyone else, and that when it comes down to the end of your life you’ll ask for the people you’ve been with not the degrees you’ve earned.

Crap, I guess I can’t really talk about procrastination since I waited till the last night to write this essay. However, if you can overlook that — do your big projects ahead and wait to the last minute on the ToK (theory of knowledge) papers instead; that does not include the extended essay or formal ToK paper. Try to enjoy your studies or rather, try them in order to find if you’d enjoy doing that later in life. I came into this place thinking all I was going to do in life was start this big business and do many inventions and blah blah blah hankey pankey, but at the end of my junior year I turned hard left after studying psychology and now am being paid a nice chunk of change to attend USF in their psychology program doing something I love. There is more to life than the books — and that doesn’t mean baking cookies for your teachers in hope that they’ll like your oral presentation more. Here is the line up of teachers: Frisbie — really cool person but try to shut up if she asks you to, Goss — Pinko Communist Pig (You’ll understand when you get there, just call him that and you’ll see why), Shuff — coolest liberal I’ve ever met (and yes if you haven’t guessed I’m conservative), Keers — who can’t love the missing uncle who provides lots of chocolate and who can grade a million papers a day; almost as quick as he can chop down trees for paper, Mrs. New — Lucky punks, she’s much better at psychology than the teacher we had for half the year, unfortunate…, uhhh… I won’t know which Spanish teacher you’ll have so sorry. Does that sum it up? I think so.

Sincerely,

Austin Lazanowski

 

To the new callow freshman:

Welcome to the world of International Baccalaureate, affectionately known to those whom have attended for a time as the program which prohibits sleep, induces overexertion in schoolwork, impedes on your already non‑existent social life, arid the source of much strife and stress throughout your high school career. As a rather experienced — if not jaded — senior, I come to you with the honest, up‑front truth about the course work of IB and all the dedication to this program entails.

First off, please realize you will begin your inevitable descent into lethargy and procrastination through a few simple steps. Number one: You will find abbreviations for every class and insert them into everyday conversations. Case in point, absolutely no one refers to IB as the International Baccalaureate Program. Those three rather lengthy words contain too many syllables to pronounce after extensive cerebral use in such rigorous coursework and too little periods of sleep. American Government and Economics will become known as just “Patton’s class,” all history classes from here on out will be known as “Hist,” Chemistry becomes “Chem,” Biology becomes “Bio,” Trigonometry and Analytical Math becomes “Trig” (no matter the semester), Theory of Knowledge “ToK,” and so on and so forth. Realize that others outside of the immediate IB realm (a.k.a. your parents, friends at Bartow and other schools, relatives, and basically anyone whom you meet in public) will have no inkling as to what you are referring; so be prepared for strange, often weary looks you might receive for your weirdness — ahem, eccentricities.

Number two: You will learn those many practiced years you spent completing projects and essays weeks before due dates will slowly slip from you and into the pages of yesteryear. Cling to those old practices for as long as humanly possible‑it will save you many hours of sleep and improve your health by reducing stress. However, also realize that thinking about assignments more than a week in advance can cause stress as well (from the sheer gargantuan pile of dread it becomes), so do not be afraid to only think a little ahead. This type of “planning ahead” keeps you on track and maintains your sanity.

Number three: Do not be alarmed when your friends and classmates arrive at school in grunge clothes, abnormally messy hair, and bags under their eyes, just be kind and do NOT cause irritation by teasing them about their appearance. Chances are great that they have spent the past twelve hours cramming for a test or writing the majority (or entirety) of an internal assessment. You may be in that position some day — think of how you might feel.

Also, I have decided to provide you with a few tidbits that, if followed correctly, can save you a great deal of trouble and pain. Freshman and sophomore years should be spent becoming acquainted with your classmates, surroundings, and extracurricular activities. Choose wisely when selecting your science track. Unless you have plans to pursue the medical field or chemical engineering, do not select Chemistry. This subject is quite difficult (despite the relative easiness chemistry appears in tenth grade) and requires somewhat of a natural inclination towards the subject to do very well. I should know, I chose Chemistry as my science and I regret it each day. I have worked my butt off to maintain a decent grade and spent many hours feeling frustrated. Make sure you talk to the seniors before selecting your science. They have suffered through practically two years and can give you an adequate opinion of the class’s real demands and tests.

Do not allow the coursework requirements to overwhelm you. Just accept that it is tough. Complain about it amongst your friends and parents, maybe write lengthy essays online about the extent to which you believe the program’s requirements are unfair, and then move on. Dwelling only causes more depressing thoughts.

Good luck in your endeavor in IB!

Jessica Metzger

 

Dear freshman,

By now it is too late to realize the mistake that you have made. You are stuck here so might as well stick it out for the next four or so years. While the rewards for completing the IB program are great, there are times where you want to beat yourself with the 25 lb. books that you haul around… repeatedly, too. But have no fear, the seniors are here to tell you the do’s and don’ts of IB.

You will come to notice that first and second year are not difficult, causing you to think that IB is hyped up and a joke. DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!! This is merely a facade to lure you in, and then junior year you get hit, BAM!, KAPOW!, SMACK!! With the fury of a thousand suns you feel your social life deteriorate to what regular students call non‑existent. So to help you out I’ll start with the basics. First and foremost, if you don’t know how to type, you better learn quick or get out. There’s nothing better than being able to wait till 11 p.m. to start an essay and finish by 12 (Trust me, you WILL have many of these). Second come the infamous sciences choice. Should you be masochistic, chemistry is the science for you. Personally, I took biology because of my future aspirations to be some sort of six‑digit making machine. If you like seeing A’s on your report card and getting a 5.0, physics and Mr. Keers are the perfect combo for you. Third, English journals suck… a lot. While we all tell you don’t procrastinate (even though we do), this is one area where I wish I had actually not procrastinated, and this is coming from a person who wakes up at 3 a.m. to do 2 Latin American History Essays on the day they’re due. Next comes math, always pick Mrs. Frisbie, she is a walking Encarta/Britannica/Webster! Kazaa. She is easily the best teacher at this school. When it comes to CAS, creative is almost tough to come by, until you realize “Hey, I can play chess and get mondo hours.” Play chess!

Throughout your life there are times when you feel like it’s just impossible. The 10‑foot songs on Dance Dance Revolution will require you to have the ability to teleport your feet to the arrow, therefore making them impossible. Passing Mr. Shuff’s class without effort, impossible. Using a 1993 Honda Accord filled with 4 people racing against a Lexus IS 300 with 4 people and winning, NOT impossible (also on par with this feat are car‑slaying raccoons). Fortunately for you, IB does not require you to learn the art of teleportation (although you will wish you knew it), thus making it very possible. Senior year first semester will be the worst semester in your scholarly career. Within the first two months of school you will be saying to yourself, “By the BEARD of ZEUS! Why am I doing this to myself??!” You must keep in mind that colleges accept IB students faster than it takes Agent Smith to stick his hand in you and turn you into him. If you ever find yourself burnt out and out of gas, take a break, your life is not meant to be stressed over school so much that you cannot enjoy it. Go out once in a while, you do not want to be in college and realize that you have done nothing fun in high school. Get away from school for a little. After immersing yourself in the life of a regular student for a few hours, get back in that mindset of school for the last months of high school. IB WILL PAY OFF (scholarships, admissions, and people think you’re smart!). Remember you are in the Harvard of high schools and you should congratulate yourself for making it to senior year when you do… haha that’s a long ways from now, I’m glad I’m getting out of here! Peace!

Geovanni Cantizano

Class of 2005 (We keep it Live)

P.S. (If you have an automatic transmission, put your car in neutral, rev it up to 6000 rpms, and drop it in gear to squeal those tires, just in case anyone wanted to know.)

 

Dear Freshies,

Congratulations for making it into IB at BHS, Home of the Champions. As you look forward to the next four years of your high school career I would like to make a few brief comments the first of them being… If you are unmotivated, lazy, or you simply applied to IB because your parents bribed you with a large sum of money, drop now. I feel it’s my duty to give you some idea of what you’re getting yourself into. This is not going to be a program that you can do well in if you believe you’ll skim by with a minimal amount of work. With that being said, I’ll take on a less condescending tone and explain a few of the benefits of lB/BHS/high school in general.

It’s your freshman year, get involved at the school, make friends, and enjoy. You’ll find yourself having less time as you progress through IB, so now is the time to join whatever clubs are available… Art Club, Key Club, Anchor aka Prep Socialization Club, FBLA, Drama Club, whatever happens to float your boat. And if you can’t find a club to suit your tastes then create one. If someone can get away with creating a paintball club, I’d say just about anything flies. The sky’s the limit. I also recommend that you join some kind of sport. The benefits of sports are endless. Not only are they a wonderful way to meet people outside of the sheltered IB nerd ring, but the exercise and physical benefits can help you to attract guys, girls, or both. And oh yes, join cross country. Coach Hodges. Fartleks. Running through water sprinklers. Squirrel weddings. It’s not to be missed.*

To hone in on IB specifics I’ll say that motivation is key. This is a special note to all the perfectionists out there: when you receive your first B (which, trust me, you undoubtedly will in IB) don’t turn emo, write bad poetry on your internet journal about it, or try slitting your wrists with Evanescence playing in the background. Grow up and get over it. Perfection is not attainable. While this is true, it does not give an excuse to give up. Continue to put effort into everything that you do, and make an attempt to enjoy it at the same time. High school doesn’t last forever. In conclusion I’d like to remind you to find the joy in life because as Ferris Bueller said on his day off, ‘Life moves pretty fast and if you don’t stop and look around once and a while, you are going to miss it.” Take advantage of IB and make every second count.

From someone who’s been there,

Kayla Gill

*(Side note: clubs and sports = service hours. That definitely doesn’t suck.)

 

There is quite a bit of advice that I can give to anyone entering one of Ms. Frisbie’s math classes. These were classes like history, math, and Spanish. I had trouble turning in homework because it always seemed like there was such a huge workload. I never really realized that every possible moment not working on homework was a second wasted. I started to do homework on the bus the day it was assigned and immediately when I got home. When I did end my horrible procrastination habits, I could live up to my full potential.

Calculus turned out harder than I had made it. I did save my late passes, which really helped my grade for the semester. I highly recommend that everyone keep the late passes for the extra credit. It gives a little incentive to make sure that you do your work. First, when turning in late passes, you miss the opportunity to keep up with the class. I did this all the time in trigonometry class. Well, all of that stuff came back to haunt me in calculus. Secondly, it warrants you to procrastinate more. This way you can collect extra credit at the end of the nine weeks. Another thing that you can do is to do your homework assignments ahead of time — like the day they are assigned. Doing the homework assignment on the same day will enable you to remember most of what the teacher has taught you. Your notes will be fresh and you will probably be more motivated to do it than you will the day its due.

Please don’t procrastinate in the IB program. When you do this, you will miss out on everything. Physics was the worst with procrastination, but math gets even worse. The truth is that you can procrastinate — but your grade will suffer as a result. My grades certainly went down as a result. When I think back to all the times I turned in Physics worksheets late or math worksheets in late, I feel like I missed out on learning the material I supposed to know. Just do everything that you can so that you will have more time afterwards. The more time anyone has, the more time to enjoy life. Just do the homework to get it over and done with. That’s my advice to everyone.

Eric Layton

 

IB is a very tough program. The first two years will seem easy, but be ready to work throughout the last two. Try your best not to procrastinate. It may seem easier just to put it off and rush through it at the end, but there are two problems with this theory. First, the IB teachers have a knack for piling on the work and having it all due at the same time. Delaying one project can turn into delaying three and sometimes four. Then, you have to rush to get them done, sometimes not sleeping for a night. This leads to the second problem. Many of the large assignments in the eleventh and twelfth grade have an impact on getting your IB diploma. Shoddy work can mean going through all four years of IB and missing out on the diploma.

Also, do not drop out. Going through IB makes college a lot easier and dropping out looks bad. Even though it feels like too much work many times, do not give up. It will get easier. The worst part of the year is around Christmas  — many IB assessments and projects will be due around this time, but it does get easier.

Do not forget that you are in high school. Do not let your school work take over your life. Have fin. Participate in extracurricular activities — colleges like those and will be even more likely to admit you. Take time out from your work and have fun with your friends. Its good to just not work sometimes so you do not get burnt out. However, you should play, but not play all the time. Get your work done, but still have fun.

I have one last piece of advice for you. You will take a class called Theory of Knowledge (TOK) in the second half of your eleventh grade year and the first half of your senior year. It does have a big impact on IB with three different assessments being done in that class alone. However, it is a very easy class. The teacher, Mr. Keers, is very forgiving on late homework and class work — only taking 5 points off per day. You get so many points in that class that you can not turn in a few assignments and still have an A. Even though this seems like an easy class, do not blow it off. Doing the work is not hard and it will make doing the TOK presentation and TOK Essay easier. Also, it just feels good to see a 100% as your grade in that class compared to sometimes much lower grades in the tougher classes. Do not forget, have fun and enjoy the journey.

Zack Olson

 

Advice for young’uns

There is no better advice than my own. Had I known then what I know today I would be the valedictorian, NASA would want me, I would be receiving scholarships right and left. But I am not. I do not mind not being or not having those things either. And even if you do heed my advice do not expect to go to far from it — after all it would only have benefited me — advice is NEVER a one size fits all thing.

As I am writing this advice for my calculus class my mind wanders to my calculus final tomorrow — which of course makes me think of… numbers! Being a more right brained student I am not particularly fond of numbers; in fact, they typically stress me out. However, I have conquered this “fear” and have learned to fight back, that is, to relax. An SAT/ACT score is just a number. A chemistry test is just a number. A weight is just a number. A GPA is just a number. Being 5’1” I have had to learn that a height is just (cringe) a number. Now, realizing that numbers will surround you for the next four years the most important thing to do is forget them until necessary (like before a calculus exam). Two people in my class have gotten 1600 (I was not one of them). One person had gotten a 36 ACT (not me either). Only three people in my class have a 4.0 GPA unweighted (so close, but that darn chemistry…). However, as a senior I am having the most fun I ever have in high school, I have already gotten in to my first choice university (GO Wm and Mary Tribe!), and am feeling pretty confident about those IB tests upcoming.

Now what did all that mean? I was not always so relaxed, people may still even think of me as “up tight” or “anal”. In fact it has taken me this long, until January 10, 2005, (it may spring from the fact I got a 98 on my Chemistry test today) that I realize how important it is to just relax. But how do numbers factor in? That is probably the first thing you start thinking about in IB. Do not come into school knowing you are on top. You’re not. In fact, you are only on a plateau with everyone else. Sorry to burst your bubble but everyone else who got in got in with the same merit. But back to GPA. How do you improve it? What will boost it? Stop! Take the classes you want. If you like TV productions take it. Even though it’s not AP Euro with a 5.0 credit, you will be MUCH happier if that is what you enjoy. Do not take nine classes a semester to boost your GPA — Even if you think your classes are easy freshman year, you never realize at what point IB will get much harder. At the end of the year, when I walk down the field to graduate, no one is going to look down on me because I am not valedictorian leading the pack. They are going to look down on me seeing my wide grin just realizing how happy I am to be there. Take that attitude.

SAT. Can you really judge knowledge off of two subjects? Nah I didn’t think so either. I feel like I did really well on my SAT’s (I got a 1420) but when I heard other people who were topping 1500 my pride shrunk a little. Until I realized that hardly anyone tops 1300. For most people it is hard to get 1200! Ask your George Jenkins, Lake Region, Lakeland, Mulberry, friends what they think their school average SAT is. I bet it is way below yours.

So let’s review. Take classes of what you are interested in. Do not stress over one bad grade — you can bring it up. Do not think of yourself as number one, two or twenty‑three in the class. Ever. It DOES NOT matter. IB is stressful so form a network of friends you have to lean on. Go to at least one football game. Go to your junior and senior prom. Eat lunch outside. Breeeeaaaaaathe. Do not procrastinate. At the end of it all, believe it or not, you will miss it. Enjoy.

Elizabeth Saari

 

First of all, congratulations in being accepted to the most rigorous academic program our county has to offer. I commend your choice. No matter what anyone tells you, remember that the key to success in life, especially in the United States, is a great education. Although many consider IB to be a competitive and difficult program, do not fall into the temptation of playing the system. Sure, taking classes at PCC may seem like an easy way to boost your GPA, but sometimes choosing to do so may compromise your High School experience and/or affect your performance in classes at school. Also, if there is a class you really want to take but is unweighted go ahead and take the class you want. Many times people will not take engineering or chorus because it will bring their GPA down. When all is said and done your future boss or employer will not care whether you were first or twentieth in your class, they will care about your work ethic, what you know and how you have used it.

About work ethic, well, yes IB students are well known for the ability to perfect the art of procrastination; do not fall into that trap. Time management is key. You can do as much as you want while being in IB, but you have to manage time well. Let’s say you do decide to take that PCC class or that extra IB science class as an elective, work your schedule so that you have ample time to do your other work as well. There is always down time perfect for completing assignments or color marking that English book. When you are on the bus and have nothing to do crack open that book. When you are done with your assignment in another class whip out that physics worksheet. Do not get stuck putting assignments off and then overwhelming yourself with too much later. Your teachers will work with you so you have enough time to do your work, but do not make your situation worse by procrastinating. Prioritize, it is an important skill that will help you not only in school but in life.

Think ahead! What do you want to do after High School? Maybe you always new you would be a psychologist or maybe you are not sure and like drama and marine biology. Whatever you think you want to do is important for deciding what science or math route to take. Keep you eye on the prize! That IB diploma is important. For many, college credit is the gift that the IB curriculum gives. To others Bright Futures is the goal at hand. Do not give up after four years of difficult work by sleeping through an IB exam or something dumb like that; if you want to achieve, persevere and you will make it. I know this sounds cheesy but it is the truth. No one ever looked down on a person who went the extra mile. Feel proud of what you are doing and do not let anyone make you feel bad or regretful about the sacrifices or choices you are making to be in this program. I promise, if you work hard it will be worth it.

Have fun and good luck,

Gretchen Suárez

c/o 2005

 

Dear Fellow IB Freshmen,

Congratulations on your acceptance into one of the most prestigious high schools academically in the state of Florida. That in itself is a great accomplishment. As a soon to be graduating Senior, I want to give you a little insight on what to expect over the next four years. Firstly, you need to be prepared at the amount of work your teachers will expect from you. So when it comes time for your mini‑extended to be due, don’t freak, instead prioritize your time. In managing your time wisely, you will be preparing for the ride of your life.

I feel that the best word of advice to you upcoming freshmen is just to try and enjoy yourself. Your high school years are supposed to be the best years of your life so make them so. Don’t get too strapped down by work that you have no time for friends. Because sometimes it is your friends that will help you through the rough time. Friends can also be there when you need help with your schoolwork. If you have a big mythology test in English on Friday gather a group of your friends and have everyone meet at your house for a study party. Not only will you enjoy spending quality time with your friends, but you will also nail that mythology test. When it comes to receiving the IB Diploma, Friends are your lifelines. In the end, your perseverance and dedication to the IB program will pay off You will be amazed at the number of opportunities given to you because of your participation in the IB program. However, I feel that the best things to come out of the IB program are the friends you meet and the self‑respect you gain.

Ok, so what are you to expect from your teachers? In the four years you will spend in the IB program, you will experience a variety of teaching styles, but this variety will help you diversify your knowledge. First is Mr. Goss, your Junior American History teacher. In general, he is a really cool guy. However many students find his conservative views to be a little too expressive; he incorporates these views into his lessons. It is simple to pass his class all you need to do is be sure to study his notes and read all the texts. Next is Mrs. Bond. She is the Chemistry teacher for IB. Although she is truly well learned when it comes to Chemistry many students find it rather difficult to understand her teaching style. Therefore, the key to passing her class is to pay attention to the board problems, although tedious, they often end up being the identical questions seen on the tests. Mr. Keers has a teaching style unique to all the IB teachers. He is both the IB Physics teacher and the TOK instructor. He is responsible for the TOK essay and the Extended Essay. In his TOK class, you are required to read and answer TONS of excerpts concerning knowledge. Quickly, these readings and worksheets become a bore, so don’t really bother reading them it’s just s lot simpler to skim the passage for the answer to the questions. Also don’t try to kill yourself answering his journal questions he really doesn’t read them and if he does its more of a completion grade. Mr. Shuff is the senior History of the Americas instructor. His style of teaching is also unique. He gives you 20 pages of typed notes per test and then assigns about 30 pages of text to read for the test. Then he assigns a few essays that incorporate the reading material. Together your entire grade consists of those essays and your tests, so be SURE TO STUDY!!! There are several other teachers you will have the pleasure of learning from during your stay at IB, but I feel it is only fair that you experience them for yourself and formulate your own opinions on each of them.

Overall, IB is a great preparation for college. In your four years of high school you will meet and grow to be great friends with many of your classmates. Together each one of you will help each other through the stresses of IB. If you ever find yourself contemplating dropping out, stop and think about what a great opportunity you will have lost. I know I have considered fleeing the work and expectations many times, but I stayed eager to learn and boy has that paid off. When I compare myself to others my age at neighboring high schools, I realize just how lucky I am to have teachers who care whether I succeed in life. It really makes me excited about the future. Therefore, I conclude this letter with a sincere wish to all of you the best years to come! Go class of 2009, may the next four years be filled with knowledge and exciting memories!

Your Friend,

Jessica Newton

 

Dear incoming freshmen,

As a most experienced senior and a former IB student I encourage you to seriously consider whether or not you want to be in the IB program. Although it does provide you with a very good education it is not for everyone. You have to be willing to sacrifice your weekends of fun for weekends with your books. Be sure to take difficult classes even if you don’t enter into the IB program. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of not getting behind and completing assignments on time so you don’t have to play catch up. I am the queen of procrastination and nothing good has come of it. Be careful of senioritis, do whatever it takes to force yourself to come to school. Be on time to school (sorry Miss Frisbie) because Smuckers uncrustables get really old after awhile.

While you are in high school make sure you become involved in as many activities as possible. This includes clubs, sports, and leadership positions. Towards the middle of your senior year you will be applying to college and the more activities on your application the better it looks. Don’t miss out on all the fun things that high school has to offer. Go to the dances and attend the football games. They are really exciting and you get to be with a lot of your friends. Make the most out of these next four years because they fly by and before you know it they are gone.

Out of all the classes I have taken over these past four years, the most important areas of study in my opinion are the math and science classes. Taking them now will eliminate less classes you have to take in college. They are also the most difficult subjects and require the most study time. Regardless of what the class is you should still work hard in it and try to do your best. My biggest mistake is not asking for help when I needed it. If you are struggling in a class ask the teacher or find a tutor. I wish you great luck in all your future endeavors and I encourage you to reach all the goals you have set for yourself.

Sincerely,

Kelli Hall

 

Dear IB Freshman,

When I started IB as a freshman, I had little idea of what to expect or what I had gotten myself into. All I was equipped with was my trusty, worn out copy of Edith Hamilton’s mythology (which, at this point, I wanted to take an acetylene torch to) and a crash course on what to do, what to not do, which areas of school smell the worst, etc… that I had received that morning from the upperclassmen still proudly riding the big yellow limousine to school. Admittedly, the first day was extremely tiring, perhaps because I had to wake up 6 hours earlier than my summer vacation body was accustomed to. However, as I got acquainted with how my classes were run and began to gradually realize that upperclassmen were masters of the delicate art of exaggeration, school became a lot easier to manage. Judge the difficulty of the program for yourself; don’t let preconceived ideas concerning its difficulty throw you off before you’ve even begun. Also, you might consider investing in a pair of good‑quality headphones and some rechargeable batteries for the many a lonely bus ride in your future.

And now, to completely contradict the preceding paragraph, I’m going to attempt to dole out some helpful advice. In my opinion, there is no one class that is so work‑intensive or difficult that it has become everyone’s bane; a class’s level of difficulty is completely dependent upon what kind of person you are and what academic strengths you possess. Therefore, its obvious that not every class is worth your all time. I feel that if you are more than proficient in a subject by nature, it is not necessary to become an overachiever. You will have more time to dedicate to subject areas that need work, and also, more time for yourself, which is equally important. It is also a good idea to be engaged in some form of extracurricular activity, whether it be a job, instrument, or sport. Doing something outside of school prevents you from wasting your time (because you have less of it to waste) and allows you to take a break from academics without becoming unproductive and lazy.

In the past 3 years, I have noticed myself and my peers encountering many of the same pitfalls. However, the most common and destructive we have encountered is to completely lose your work ethic for a span of time. Generally, this may occur anywhere from a week to whenever grades come out, whereupon many students resort to shouting expletives and scheming on how to hide this newly divulged information from their parents. It’s a very easy trap to fall into, and comparable to getting out of a quicksand pit if you want to bring your grade back up. It’s very tempting to disregard an assignment when you realize that the date on scrawled on the top of your paper 30 minutes ago is no longer correct. It’s also very tempting to allow yourself to slip into a catatonic state in your classes the following day. However, I must implore you to restrain yourself from becoming a slave to this vicious cycle of accomplishing nothing and allowing your only ambition to be having ambition.

If you can avoid this, IB will be much less stressful, and you will be extremely grateful to yourself for not falling prey to his syndrome. In addition, if you can restrain yourself from developing a negative mind set about IB. you will be much less intimidated when you first enter those first orange doors. All in all, I wish you good luck.

Sincerely,

Victoria Gauthier