Story by Nicholas Barreras
Staff Writer
The 2011-2012 school year has begun, and the Bishop Amat IB students have been feeling stress and the difficulty of the program.
But every student has his or her own way of dealing with it.
The International Baccalaureate program is a two-year course study in six different subject areas for students in grades 11 and 12. In addition to their courses, students must do 150 hours of community service and participate in school activities, and take an IB exam in May.
Finally, each full diploma candidate must write an original research essay of 4000 words on a topic of their choice.
Senior Danielle Malabuyoc is one of the full diploma candidates who is preparing for the original research essay of 4000 words.
“I joined IB because I wanted to be challenged. I wanted to take a course that would be unique, something that would set me apart from the rest of the students and give me not only facts and information, but knowledge that I can use after high school,” Danielle said.
New students, such as junior Kristen Oduca, are only taking the program partially.
“I wanted that slash they wear in graduation,” said Oduca. “However, I only had 2 HLs [higher level courses]. In order for me to do the full program, I needed 3 HL’s.”
Oduca ended up dropping out of the program, and only kept IB English HL.
Stress and several hardships are constantly encountered with the IB students.
Oduca, a design editor for yearbook, Vice President of Strings and Knotts, and ASB commissioner, finds it challenging to balance the IB program.
“I’m constantly staying after school to do either of those things,” said Oduca. “I just learned how to manage my time better from the time school started and became more organized, which actually helped a lot.”
Malabuyoc is comforted by her peers who are also taking the rigorous program.
Both Kristen Oduca and Danielle Malabuyoc would recommend the IB program to other Amat students.
“If a student can really commit to IB, then go for it. It’s not for everyone but if they want to be challenged, if they want to put in that extra effort, it’s going to be rewarding in the end. IB offers something that I can’t put into words. Honestly, knowing that I’m going to continue with IB until I graduate gives me a feeling of achievement,” said Danielle Malabuyoc.
