The Vanguard IB Family and our IB Office has been c r a z y busy since ringing in the new year. We spent much of what seemed like the longest month marketing and recruiting for our incoming IB Class of 2023 and now that we are halfway through February, the pace of things seems to have increased. Time stops for no one. Progress reports for quarter three(!) are being run, IA season is coming to a close, and we're already preparing for spring break and exams. Combining the January and February eFlyers wasn't something we had originally planned on, but it seems to make sense now that we are here because the two traits we are highlighting this month fit together nicely.
I have seen a pretty simple explanation of open-mindedness as being described as being open to experience while maintaining intellectual humility. Right? Simple. Or maybe not, which is why it's something the IB sets out to continually develop in our life long learners. Students who are open minded "understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience." And we recognize that we have a pretty diverse range of personal histories and perspectives here in the Vanguard IB Family.
In the same vein, IB students who are striving to be communicators "understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others." We have to work together if what we are doing here is going to make a lasting impact in and on the world around us.
The clock keeps ticking, and we know that as we look forward to welcoming our IB Class of 2023, it means we will soon be releasing our IB Class of 2019 into what we hope is a better and more peaceful world because of the time spent focusing on intercultural understanding and respect. The challenge, then, is to be aware of the present - and what we can learn from it - while looking to the future - and how we can make the most of it. We hear it all the time: think before you speak; there's truth there. Communicate with an open-mind. The ears and the heart and every other part will follow.
College Connection to Open-Minded: IB students have a deep understanding of various cultures and views, bringing an appreciation of new views to both their academic study and their involvement in local and wider communities. Their international mindedness complements the missions of the best tertiary institutions.
College Connection to Communicators: IB students regularly deliver stimulating presentations and drive excellence in group assignments.
www.ibo.org
