Taking advanced courses—especially the International Baccalaureate (IB) program—has shaped me into someone who is both hardworking and deeply curious. IB didn’t just challenge me academically; it pushed me to grow as a person. Every class demanded discipline, effort, and constant reflection, especially when I jumped from Spanish 1 all the way to IB Spanish. That transition was one of the hardest academic challenges I’ve ever faced. I went from learning basic vocabulary and sentence structure to analyzing complex literature and having fast-paced discussions entirely in Spanish. I had to push myself every single day, and over time, I built both confidence and fluency. That struggle taught me resilience and showed me that success doesn’t just come from talent—it comes from consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to stretch beyond what’s comfortable. IB courses have helped me thrive by teaching me how to think, not just what to think. One of the most impactful classes I took was Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which constantly challenged me to question what I believed and where my knowledge came from. TOK taught me that truth is often more complex than it seems, and that understanding something fully means looking at it from multiple perspectives. That mindset carried over into my other classes, especially IB U.S. History. As we analyzed historical events and policies, I found myself questioning not just what happened, but why it happened, who it benefited, and whose voices were left out. I began to see history not just as a list of facts, but as a constructed narrative shaped by context, power, and intention. Critical thinking became a central part of how I approached school—and life. I learned to recognize bias, examine assumptions, and dig deeper into every issue I encountered. Whether I was interpreting data in biology, writing a commentary in Spanish, or comparing texts in literature, I was constantly encouraged to think independently and support my ideas with evidence. IB taught me that there’s rarely one “right” answer, and that asking the right questions is often more important than memorizing facts. This kind of thinking has made me more open-minded, curious, and intellectually confident. Another major lesson IB gave me was empathy. The program’s international focus exposed me to different worldviews, cultures, and belief systems. Reading literature from other countries, exploring global case studies, and engaging in discussions with classmates from diverse backgrounds helped me see beyond my own experiences. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of people whose lives are very different from mine, and it’s made me more compassionate. I no longer just see differences—I see stories, struggles, and shared humanity. As the child of two teachers, education has always been a central part of my life. My parents taught me the value of hard work, curiosity, and lifelong learning. They supported me through every challenge, celebrated my progress, and reminded me that growth matters more than perfection. Their belief in education and their example as educators helped me stay grounded, even when IB felt overwhelming. Throughout my journey, I’ve also been fortunate to have some truly exceptional teachers. They believed in me, challenged me to think more deeply, and brought passion and care into every lesson. Their encouragement made a huge difference. With them, IB wasn’t just rigorous—it was inspiring and transformative. As a result of these experiences, I’ve become someone who values truth, embraces challenge, and thinks critically about the world around me. IB didn’t just prepare me for college—it helped shape the person I want to be: curious, resilient, and always striving to understand more.