It's been one hell of a ride but after two of the most challenging and demanding years of my life, I have finally finished the IB diploma. It was so surreal finishing my Chemistry exam this morning, and somewhat anticlimatic; however what is amazing is that I made it. After many late nights, lots of cramming and floods of tears, I've finally made it in one piece. When I started this final year, my goal was perhaps to get 40+ and that is definitely achievable. However as the year went on, that perhaps become less of an attainable goal and it was hard to accept that. What became my new goal, which I believe is so much more important than any number at the end, was simply to make it with my mental health in tact. It wavered several times throughout the year, I've had periods of mental health "recessions" and I've thought some terrible negative thoughts that frightened me. But what was so important and so crucial to making me feel better and become healthier, was to acknowledge this state of mind that I was in and be able to open up and talk to. It's hard to accept sometimes that the score isn't everything even when people tell you that you are worth so much more than that one number, which is so true. You put pressure on yourself because 12 or however many years of schooling all led up to this. I can't tell you that you shouldn't be thinking about the score you're going to get because otherwise I'll be a hypocrite, but what I urge everyone is to take care of yourself. Don't overwork yourself and understand how you're feeling. Seek help or talk to a family member, friend or someone you trust if you feel unlike yourself. Know how you're feeling and don't be scared to ask for help. People do care and people love you and you need to love and take care of yourself as well. All the best to everyone in any future exams and their careers. Good luck to those who are thinking about doing IB or have started it, it's going to be the most challenging thing you've done but the experience will be so worth it. But for me, I'm done and couldn't be happier.
