Even though you still see some of that Anna Claire today, I certainly feel like a different person. A better person. While I can't say for certain my shift is due to IB, I can confidently say it was a major contributing factor.
I joined the program to challenge myself; I didn't like that my freshman and sophomore years were a breeze. I also wanted to be better prepared for college, boost my GPA, have smaller class sizes, and be around people who wanted the same things. In retrospect, I have gotten so much more out of it than that, which has helped me grow as a person and become the Anna Claire/AC that I am proud of today.
Out of all the things I received from the program that I wasn't expecting, I am most grateful for the friendships I have formed with people who have become very important in my life. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not reliant on and thankful for Dawson's hugs, Amy's kindness and sincerity, Nick's sass, Chloe's and Hunter's creativity, Allie's positivity, Olivia's and Vanessa's generosity. Everyone else in IB has affected me as well, and I'm grateful for them all.
While making great friends helped me come out of my shell, so did my unexpected involvement in IB Theatre. I did not plan or desire to take that class (being on stage? a.k.a. an introvert's nightmare), but I did because of a scheduling conflict. Well, thank goodness for that conflict. I have developed amazing skills in that class that will serve me well in the future, with who I will be: confidence, public speaking, voice projection, creativity, problem solving, organization, risk, not being afraid to put yourself out there. I am confident that this class is a major factor in breaking away from who I was and becoming who I am.
The demands of the program have taught me what kind of student I am; my work ethic is something I'm very proud of, even though senioritis sometimes makes me doubt this. IB has helped me find who I am and who I want to be, both as a student and a human being. Therefore, I owe a lot to the program, because I can say without hesitation that it was a fantastic experience for me.
While I still see traces of who I was, I am content with who I am today. I think the term "extroverted introvert" fits well. However, I know that I haven't completely found Anna Claire/AC, and I'm looking forward to discovering everything I will be.
Hey Anna Claire!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your reflection about your time here at Millbrook, and how that influenced who you were to who you are today and will be. High school impacts each person differently, and I am glad that you are content with who you are today- that is all that really matters in life. I especially like how you categorized yourself as an "extroverted introvert." I think that is a unique description that accurately represents your fun personality I would have to agree that high school, especially the IB program, influenced who I am today. I was once a shy student (who still is sometimes) that pushed myself to help others, which led to my involvement in MEB and key club. Anyways, I could relate to this post in many ways, as it is very insightful and honest. I know you will go on to do extraordinary things in college!! (go Tar Heels!!!)
AC!
ReplyDeleteI love your reflection (almost as much as I've loved being in IB with you) and I wanted to let you know that you've an incredible impact on me too. So much of what I've learned about what hard work and determination looks like I've learned from you. In a more broad sense, I'm glad you took this post as an opportunity to reflect on what happens in the classroom that isn't 'class' because I feel like some of the biggest lessons IB has to teach aren't about Statistics, the Civil War, or Areas of Knowledge; it's gives us a community of driven students from different walks of life and with different ambitions and allows us to learn from each other. Wrapping up this heaping mess of sentimentality, I just wanted to let you know I'm incredibly excited to see what you go on do in college and with the rest of your life, and I wanted to let you know that your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
I love how you described your growth as a person because of IB. I definitely feel like it was a similar experience for me. The smaller class sizes gave me more courage to participate in class. I was also easily able to make friends with people who had multiple classes with me. It's so cool that you were able to participate in a new subject area because of IB Theater! I also believe that IB greatly improved my work ethic. Keep up the hard work in college; I know you will do amazing things at UNC!
ReplyDeleteAC!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am going to miss talking with you in Bio and English, struggling with all of our work, laughing about Coach D and shagging the seemingly endless amount of volleyballs (you were an AWESOME captain and libero by the way). I love this blog post because it is so accurate about you! When we started talking sophomore year, you (and I) were really shy and sweet and respectful. Now you're sweet and respectful and shy/savage/talkative :). And that's great! You are such an intelligent person, and now you can make that completely clear. IB has been so hard, but I definitely agree that the most transforming part was the people. You are one of the top on my list.
I will now grudgingly say go Heels! And that will never by typed by me again, but I just sacrificed that for you.
Great blog post! The pictures added so much imagery ;)
AW Anna Claire! I may have teared up reading this (shhh)... I feel the same way that you do. IB has taught me so much about myself and the lessons that I have learned are truly invaluable. I also totally agree about theatre - I actually wasn't supposed to take it in the first place either! But I have grown so much by being in that class and I think that we'll be able to apply what we've learned with Mr. K in so many other aspects of our lives. I loved what you said about how IB has allowed you to break out of your shell and I think that is definitely true in my case. In a way we were kind of forced to be outgoing because many times we had no other choice (presentations on presentations on presentations) but I think that was super beneficial and ended up being worth it :) Loved your post, AC!
ReplyDeleteThis post was beautiful Anna Claire! I'm glad to see that while reflecting on everything that happened during your high school career you saw yourself grow and I (as well as others) did too! You were an awesome VolleyBro's coach and you're gonna do big things in life AC! I can't wait to see you do big things at UNC! I love ya and great blog post!
ReplyDeleteThis post was beautiful Anna Claire! I'm glad to see that while reflecting on everything that happened during your high school career you saw yourself grow and I (as well as others) did too! You were an awesome VolleyBro's coach and you're gonna do big things in life AC! I can't wait to see you do big things at UNC! I love ya and great blog post!
ReplyDeleteOh lord, what can I even say, AC? I am so thankful that we've gotten so close these past two years. You are one of the best people I know in every aspect. You make me smile even when I'm not in the best mood. Thank you for letting me into your life!! I'm so glad that you've gained an appreciation for theatre, because I remember how much you didn't like it originally. I relate to you so much about the extroverted introvert thing. I'm the same way and I know the struggle. Being your friend has been an honor and a privilege and I can't wait to see everything that life has in store for you! Love you, AC!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post AC!! I agree that we all have grow and changed and a large part of that is because of IB and the friendships that we have made. I wholeheartedly value our friendship and I am thankful that we have become so close over the last two years!! You are going to go so far at UNC and beyond. Just know that I am always here for you. Love you AC <3
ReplyDeleteAC!! Aw I love you so much! I'm so happy that I impacted your life in such a away to help you come out of your shell I'm honored. Your and amazing actress and friend. I can't wait to spend the next 4 years with you at Chapel Thrill! I'm so happy you're in my life.
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