Q: How do you keep up with your academics and social life?

A: Being an IB diploma candidate academics becomes part of  your social life. You find out as you start the program that they become interwoven, and for me most of my friends are doing the IB Diploma or are in most of the same IB classes as me so it works out in a way.

Q: What are your studying habits?

A: One thing which can get stressful is having many quizzes or tests on the same day so if I have a test or a quiz coming up for certain classes I try to study 3-4 days ahead and then briefly review my notes the few nights before the test or quiz. It also helps to study in groups for certain classes because your friends can help you on subjects.

Q: What is your favorite IB subject?

A: In school, IB Theory of Knowledge is my favorite IB Subject because it is unlike any other classes. The course allows you to share your beliefs and opinions on topics you would not regularly talk about in any of your other classes. It also helps you see other people’s perspectives on certain topics and forces you to think of different approaches to solve problems.

Q:  What are your plans after high school?

A: After high school, I plan on hopefully going to Virginia Tech or George Mason University to major in Advertising or Marketing or Public Communication.

Q: What are you going to do to prepare for IB exams?

A: For IB exams, I am going to review my notes and material from junior year and this year and with the help of my teachers, hopefully will get decent scores on my exams.

Q: What is your extended essay topic?

A: My extended essay topic is, “to what extent has the Brown vs. Board of education supreme court case affected northern Virginia compared to the rest of the state”.

Q: is your only focus academics?

A: No, believe it or not, I am actually planning to become a comedian after college, but for right now I post weekly jokes to my instagram page (@know_what_i_elamin).

Q: Who or what has helped you on your IB journey?

A: Honestly, without the support of friends and family, I would not have survived the IB program this long, But most importantly it is the IB community, teachers, counselors, and supervisors who want to see you succeed and want you to go and graduate with that IB diploma.

Q: Who is your favorite IB teacher?

A:  There are a good number of teachers who I like who I have had, but in my IB journey so far, Mr. Jepson is one of my favorite teachers I have had for IB HOA.

Q: What advice would you give future IB diploma candidates?

A:  You will probably hear this a lot, but don’t procrastinate. Its one of the worst things that you can do to yourself. The IB diploma is not as hard as it is rumored to be, do not get me wrong there are times where you will want to quit. But just remember that it is only two years that you will have to put in the work and dedication.

Q: What skills do you think the IB program has taught you that can help you later in life?

A:  Doing the IB diploma, I have become a better public speaker and I have significantly improved my essay-writing skills. Hopefully all the work I have put in will pay off in college.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In ten years, I have hopefully graduated college with a bachelors in communication, going to graduate school and I see myself working to becoming a famous or uprising comedian. (Psst… You should remember my name.)