Is it normal to think that ib ruined my life?

72% Normal
7 Comments

Well, for those who don't know what IB stands for, it stands for the International Baccalaureate program, which is offered at my school. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but what was described to me in my sophomore year was NOTHING like what actually happened when I entered my junior year. I found out that over the summer, the program has changed, and our current graduating class are the test subjects of this. I also found out our previous coordinator, who has retired, was just putting random people into the program, knowing they would struggle since there was not enough people in the program.

So, what makes matters worse is that we are apart of one of the poorest school districts, with a budget of $0.00 literally, and we were already one of the most underfunded schools. With all of that going around, and the stress of dealing with the requirements of IB, I'm also enrolled in a college course. There's just so much going on, and I must admit, my mental and physical health has taken a toll, since I'm constantly getting sick, and I've had multiple emotional breakdowns from all the stress. It has finally taken a toll on my grades, because as the marking period cones to a close, within this time frame, I've had my mother almost die around my birthday, an unruly disrespectful and pregnant sister, and had to talk many of my friends out of suicide. The workload keeps pilling up, and there's not enough time in a day, since I'm up and out from 6 o'clock in the morning until 7, almost 8 o'clock at night, with almost 6 hours worth of homework every night at the least.

I must say, my mother isn't helping much either, even though she was about to die, and I spent most of my time after school for a while trying to take care of her after she got out of the hospital, she says that I'm lying about my stress, and I'm not doing enough. I admit that the school has sent a letter, telling me I'm failing every single class except like two, but upon review my teachers are saying that my grades have went down since my attitude has changed. She thinks it's because of my friends. She said I'm not allowed to have friends, because friends aren't really friends. They just use you, and they do nothing for you, and they don't really care for you.(she feels the same way about men) But, I've been friends with them since we were freshmen, and they have never affected my grades, they've actually helped me. Some of them even dropped what they were doing and came to the hospital with me, and made sure that she was ok. They've talked me through my breakdowns, and out of my suicide attempts, while she egged them on. I mean, she has told me that I'm fat, going to die alone, ugly, and now, a failure whore like my sister.

I know this is too much, but I just wanted to get all off my chest. I can't really talk to many people about this. If you read this far, thank you.

Voting Results
72% Normal
Based on 46 votes (33 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Captain108
    12 years ago

    Well. I've read it and what I can say is you are doing an amazing job. The fact that you have so much going against you and you are doing your best is to be commended. Try and pull through and do your best. I know a couple friends in IB and its hard because you can't really choose your courses. But don't forget that it is very important you do well. Try and keep a good attitude and demeanor in class and try and sit in the front. I always sit in the front during class even when i have friends who sit in the back because I had a Chem class in gr. 11 I sat in the back with a friend and we always talked. The teacher ended up disliking me and I didn't do well in that class. Try and pull through this difficult time and know that we are all rooting for you! :)

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  • RaNdOmPoPcOrN
    12 years ago

    I think you mean JB

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  • Frosties
    12 years ago

    I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through. If I can offer you a silver lining in this cloud, the IB is a massively well-respected qualification. Colleges and universities are clamouring for students who have it. It's like a magic key which opens many doors and gives you opportunities you might not get if you have the standard further education your country offers.

    If you wanted to study abroad, it offers even more of an advantage. I know it's a tough one but I suspect you've been chosen because you are more capable, rather than that you've been picked on.

    I know you're getting pressure from all sides and it probably doesn't look like there's an outlet right now. It won't always be that way. I promise.

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  • butternutty
    12 years ago

    ..... Do you go to isb?

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  • tbiM20
    12 years ago

    Your mother might have severe depression. And you are very overworked. A lot of teens experience a LOT of what you described, but not usually all at once. You can consider leaving the IB program and being a regular student. Talk to your counsellor about your stress. Tell them you're struggling, explain the problems both with school and at home. It is their job to help you, and they wouldn't be there if they didn't care.

    For the at-home problems, is there a relative you can talk to? Tell them. Or if not, call your local family or child protective services. No they won't haul you away to foster care. Normally they provide services like family counselling or assistance where needed. But there is always someone you can talk to there, who will listen to you and help you any way they can.

    Remember, that IB program is not your priority. You're priority is your mental and physical health. Then your education, which you can't succeed in if you're not healthy. If it overwhelms you, its time to re-evaluate if its that important.

    Also, I know it all feels overwhelming now, but it WILL get better. And if you EVER consider suicide, it is really really important you talk to someone, anyone who can talk to you and remind you that its not worth it. Suicidal thoughts are a SYMPTOM of a temporary situation that, given time or action, will improve.

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    • thingsthatrhymewithorange
      12 years ago

      I can't leave the program. It was changed so once you're in, you're in. And my counsellor knows of this. We've talked on multiple occasions. But she doesn't really do anything.

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      • tbiM20
        12 years ago

        IBO.org/faq

        You can take individual courses instead of the full IB curriculum, hence you can opt out. Take it to your county school board if they refuse, because your counsellor MUST respect your decision for the classes you take (you have to take core classes, but there are always options, for example IB math vs precalc.) It's the law.

        BTW I'm not pushing you to quit. Based on what you described, if its too overwhelming then its your decision to opt out. YOUR decision (look on the IB website for information, rules, etc.) Get confirmation of what someone tells you. I was refused advanced classes by the administration when I canes to high school, and I had to push to get them. They'll tell you no do this, but if you decide something for your education, they have to respect that (within reason, of course. Don't expect to be allowed to take 3rd grade math lol.)

        Yes IB grads are loved by colleges, but its not the only way in. Get above a 3.0 graduating average, and throw in some music/art/theater classes or an after school activity or two (church trips or karate count!) in your application and tons of colleges will accept you. Heck, people who graduated with less than 3.0 are going to college (but its harder to get funding that way.) Msg me if you want some more info on the whole college thing (just graduated so I can give you some info into the whole deal.)

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