Hi guys! The “Advice Column” is a new addition to The High so let me introduce it a little bit. It will basically just be a column where anyone can ask questions about anything on their mind., and I promise to try to be helpful. I already had lots of questions asked by people who responded to the google form and many of the questions I received are related to the IB and managing stress and a heavy workload, so I think this should be this column’s theme. Everyone must be uber-stressed out right now with IAs and summative tests. Chill out, guys. I got you covered. That’s literally what I’m here for. Remember to send your questions below using the link, and look out for my answer next issue.
How do I make time for my studies and love/social life?
I’ve discovered that the IB takes up much of my time with homework and assignments, but that hasn’t stopped me from being active outside of school. I mainly handle that by starting homework the day it is given so I don’t have to worry about it all week. That is something I’d consider doing. I also think that there has to be a set amount of time for you to work on your studies. For example, throughout the week, I work to relax and be social on the weekends. It’s also imperative that, if you do have a significant other, you don’t spend all your free time interacting with them. Whether that be phone calls, texting, hangouts, or even Roblox dates, in my opinion, your relationship should be strong enough to withstand not talking to each other 24/7 so that both of you can focus on school. I also get how annoying that can be, but life is more than the current s/o.
What is CAS?
I can tell that neither year 12 nor 13 asked this question because we’ve had to sit through several tedious assemblies and lectures in HR, and we have set class times for it. Essentially, CAS is an acronym for “Creativity,” “Activity,” and “Service.” All IB students have to complete this as it’s one of the critical elements of the DP. People complain, but picking services and activities that suit your interests is fun. For example, my CAS project is writing a musical. I spend a lot of time singing, dancing, and acting, so, writing a musical was right up my alley. Services can make you feel satisfaction from helping others, like a sense of accomplishment. It’s necessary if you’re passionate about change in the current state of the world. If you haven’t signed up for any in-school services, here are some great ones that help people in need firsthand: Soupe Populaire (6 sessions over two years), RHS project (visits to retirement homes), and more. You can contact Ms. Moran with questions about CAS and services that fit your personality.
How can I cheat on my physics test?
Umm… See, usually, I would tell you exactly how to do that efficiently and without being caught. But given that this is a school paper and some of my teachers read it, I’d rather keep that to myself. Good luck though!
How can I make the transition from MYP to IB with no stress?
You can’t. The IB is known for being stressful, but obviously, there’s always something that can help. For example, the teachers, counselors, and heads of years are here for that reason. The important thing is to remember that you’re still a kid. Of course, the aim is to get good grades and get into a good uni, but you’re also still a growing person who will make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t take things too seriously. Stress can also be a good thing it means you care about the consequences of your actions. So, again, treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
How do I create a healthy relationship with teachers?
Honestly, just respect them. Realise that they are human and genuinely want the best for you. They have lives outside of school, so they aren’t going to be perfect all the time, so again, just respect that. They are also there to help so don’t be scared to go up to them for answers. They will appreciate your honesty and remember it for the future. Teachers are humans, not just scary adults, if anything some of them are hilarious. They can be super easy to get along with as long as you keep in mind that they aren’t just the people who give you a grade.
Link for questions:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF06WgujDMDbvnqu-6_m2yOMW1DVyZgH0wzhyWZB1oHwpHQA/viewform
