Jeenal Agrawal, IB Alumni, Global Indian International School (GIIS), Singapore who is going to study Medicine at Monash University of Australia.
Let go of control and build resilience
Before starting the IB, I believed that I could control every outcome with enough planning. But the IB quickly taught me that no matter how well you schedule your time, life will always throw something unexpected your way. That’s not a failure—it’s part of the journey. What matters most is having a strong foundation and support system to help you navigate the unpredictable.
One of the most intense periods was managing university applications alongside coursework, entrance exams, and mocks. It felt like every day brought a new deadline. What helped me through wasn’t just time management—it was the support system I built. Friends, peers, and late-night study sessions became lifelines. The emotional and academic bonds we formed shaped our outcomes more than anything else.
Curiosity over certainty: the TOK mindset
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) changed the way I think. It taught me that no question is too small and that the pursuit of knowledge is more important than the knowledge itself. As a science student, I often questioned the value of studying theories that would eventually be disproved. TOK helped me see that it’s the questioning, the curiosity, that drives progress. It’s not about being right—it’s about being willing to ask.
Growth happens outside your comfort zone
For my extended essay, I stepped out of my comfort zone and wrote in my second language about feminist themes in literature. It was humbling and empowering. I realised that growth often comes from exploring unfamiliar territory, and that success isn’t always about staying within your chosen field.
Volunteering with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities through my CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) project also opened my eyes to the power of empathy and action. Helping them design Christmas cards and run bake sales gave them a sense of purpose, and gave me a sense of agency. It was the first time I felt I had made a tangible impact on my community.
Decision-making and finding balance
The IB taught me how to make decisions. From choosing subjects to submitting assignments, I had to learn to trust myself. I’ve carried that skill into university and beyond, and it’s boosted my confidence immensely.
I also learned that strategies need to evolve with circumstances. Some tasks require deep focus, others need quick execution. I realised that my personal life didn’t need to mirror anyone else’s. What mattered was finding what worked for me—and being okay with that.
Stay present, stay grounded
Instead of stressing about exam difficulty or grade boundaries, I focused on what I could control—like how many past papers I completed or how many topics I reviewed. Staying present helped me stay sane and focused.
Now that I’ve completed the IB, I see its influence everywhere—in how I think, research, engage with my community, and define success. It didn’t change who I am, but it made me a stronger version of myself.
5 Key takeaways from my IB journey
- Planning isn’t everything – resilience and adaptability matter more.
- Support systems are essential – academic and emotional connections shape success.
- Curiosity drives progress – TOK taught me to value questions over answers.
- Growth happens outside your comfort zone – my EE and CAS experiences proved that.
- Focus on what you can control – staying present is the key to staying grounded.
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