How Do I Occupy My Time After IBDP?
For many students, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program can feel like an all-encompassing challenge, with academic and extracurricular demands that leave little room for anything else. As someone who has been through the IB grind, I know how it can seem impossible to imagine a life without constant deadlines, new topics to learn, and a seemingly infinite backlog of things to do. But for those who are about to finish their exams and move on to university, a new chapter is about to begin - one that offers a rare opportunity and unfettered freedom. Freedom like you’ve never known it.
Coming out of the exam hall, I was struck with the realisation that this would be the longest break I would ever have in my life; all the way until I retire. It was both liberating and daunting to think about all the things I could do with that time. I dreamed of simply lying in bed with no thought, obligation, or stress in my mind. I dreamed of reconnecting with hobbies and friends I had neglected. But at the same time, I felt a nagging pressure to spend my time "optimally" and make the most of the break. It was a new kind of stress that I had not anticipated.
As I reflect on my post IB break, I see that it was a time of immense personal growth and discovery. I learned so much about myself, my values, and my aspirations - things that I had not had the chance to explore during the IB. But I also faced challenges, such as feeling directionless and dealing with uncertainty. Through it all, I gained new perspectives and skills that have served me well in university and beyond. If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to embrace the journey and not worry too much about the destination. The break after IB was a rare gift of time and freedom, and it taught me more than any classroom ever could.
If you are feeling directionless like I have, here are some things you might consider doing.
1) Travel:
Traveling can expose you to new cultures and experiences, which can help you discover what you're passionate about. Consider visiting places that interest you. Beyond simply visiting a place as a tourist, it can be much more meaningful to engage on a more intimate level by volunteering with a local cause or experiencing a cultural exchange with a local family. It is absolutely daunting to embark on such a journey, but resources and websites such as WWOOF and Workaway helped me find hosts and local organizations, as well as hear the experiences of others who have made that journey. Those can be a fantastic resource for you to start researching and planning your overseas experience. Plus, there is hardly any other time in your life where you’d be so free of commitment to go on such a journey!
2) Pursue a personal project:
(My Personal Project :D )
Use your extended break to pursue a personal project that you've always wanted to tackle. Whether it's writing a book, starting a business, or creating a website, the time before university can give you the space to work on something that's important to you. Learning something independently can be especially fun. It’ll teach you to be resourceful as you piece together information from different sources and the sense of accomplishment would be especially strong. Best of all, you’re in charge of your project, its deadlines and scope, so dream as big as you want!
3) Take courses or attend workshops:
Alternatively, if you prefer a more structured approach to learning or have hit a brick wall in a project, or simply are just curious, taking courses or attending workshops is a fantastic idea. Picking a course related to your interests can help you gain knowledge and skills in those areas. Look out for courses or workshops online or at local colleges or community centers. There is a surprising number of resources available, sometimes even for free.
4) Volunteer:
Volunteering is a great way to explore your interests and values while making a positive impact on the world. Look for opportunities to volunteer with organizations that align with your passions. If you’re uncertain of your passions, volunteering can be a great way to discover them too. There are a wide variety of causes in Singapore ranging from aiding migrant workers, working with animals, cooking in soup kitchens to engaging with ex convicts. You could find short term volunteering opportunities that help you probe your beliefs and values before discovering something meaningful for the longer term.
5) Intern or shadow professionals:
Interning or shadowing professionals in fields that interest you can give you a better idea of what it's like to work in those fields. Reach out to companies or individuals in industries that interest you and see if they're open to having you intern or shadow them. Beyond carrying out perfunctory work, it would be much more beneficial to probe at the extremities of the job. You could spend time with people in other departments or branches to discover how large organizations function. Or perhaps, you could request to sit in on meetings to uncover how decisions are made. More than anything, internships are perfect for learning and understanding.
6) Or just relax: You’ve deserved it :)
planning and setting goals for the break ahead will be important. It’ll help you get a bearing on what you wish to accomplish and how you could approach it. The process of planning and researching could also land you on new interests and ideas which would have never occurred to you otherwise. Personally, I found that drawing up a rough timeline of my projects helped me get a grasp of its requirements and approach. It has helped me achieve things in a timely and efficient manner. However, there’s no need to iron out a rigid plan; new opportunities can arise out of unexpected places. Being flexible and open to changes often produces the most memorable experiences.
At the heart of it, embrace the journey and don’t worry too much about the destination.
