Cameron Tepper received her IB diploma from the International School of Los Angeles, California, US, in 2014. She is now studying Media Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, she is heavily involved with the on-campus sexual assault prevention and education movement, facilitating workshops and community discussions with her fellow students.
Why did you originally decide to pursue an IB diploma?
The IB prepared me to think large, and to consider the interconnected nature of our world. I wanted to come to college prepared for the level of critical analysis and writing expected of me, and I did. The IB provided me with the skills needed to succeed in college academically. Beyond academics, the IB introduced me to a wide range of ideas and points of view, beyond what I would have learned in a traditional high school programme. As students, we were encouraged to learn from each other and to share our unique experiences and perspectives in relation to the curriculum. We were also taught to question and critique the content of what we were learning, a practice that is invaluable beyond an academic setting.
"As students, we were encouraged to learn from each other and to share our unique experiences and perspectives in relation to the curriculum."
Which of your IB teachers inspired you most?
The teacher that inspired me the most during my IB experience was Madame Acker, my math teacher. Having struggled with math throughout my years at school, I went into the IB uninspired about the math portion of the diploma, hoping only to get through it. Madame Acker taught the program in a way that revealed the practicality of math to our class. It no longer felt like a task to attend math class, but an enjoyable hour of learning every day. Her patience and style of teaching completely changed my disposition toward the subject and helped me achieve high marks.
How did you reach where you are today?
I have reached where I am today by keeping an open mind to the people and ideas I have encountered both during my time pursuing an IB diploma and beyond. I have discovered my passions and motivations by choosing to be in this type of headspace.
