Silicon Valley International School Blog

Congratulations to our 2021 Graduating Class!

Written by Bernard Donohue | Jul 13, 2021 7:00:00 AM
In a few months, we will be seeing fresh new faces joining our Primary Years Program (PYP) as a bright batch of kindergarten and pre-school students begin their journey of language immersion education. Soon enough, they'll be graduating from high school, ready to move on to the next stage of their lives. We have had the tremendous privilege of watching them grow over the years and look forward to witnessing the outstanding achievements they will accomplish. With great pride, we present to you the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) graduating class of 2021.
 
Christopher - Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  Chemistry, biology, history.
Extended Essay Topic:  To what extent did the United States Biological Weapons Program change between 1943 and 1991? 
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  A higher degree of education than a normal high school provides.
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  Study a lot, do practice questions, do not let up towards the end of Senior Year, finish strong, and most importantly, seriously consider your HL topics, and consider what will be easiest for you as well as what you might need in your chosen career path.
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Humorous, caring, intelligent.
Name three of your favorite things:  Color: Red, Food: Pizza, Vacation Spot: Oahu, Hawaii.
Plans for life post-INTL:  Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
 
Anjum - Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  English LL, chemistry, design technology.
Extended Essay Topic:  Is the lack of advertising and awareness the reason why people, ages 16 and up in middle and higher socioeconomic classes, do not purchase sustainable clothing?
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  The biggest benefits of the IB Diploma are the project-based, wholesome nature of the program and the fact that it makes international education available.
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  Do your best, but remember, school is not everything. 
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Brave, creative, considerate.
Name three of your favorite things:  Being creative, soccer, and the book Fahrenheit 451.
Plans for life post-INTL:  Gap year.
 
David – Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  Biology, history, design.
Extended Essay Topic:  The effects of visible light on the growth rate of Escherichia Coli.
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  The IB diploma is a rigorous curriculum, and I know that I got an excellent all-around education. I know this will help me further down the line in life.
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  Remember: Take your best and favorite classes at higher level – they will be tough, but you will learn a lot. But make sure it's something you're confident in, or you will struggle a lot.
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Knowledgeable, thinker, easygoing.
Name three of your favorite things: Sushi, Germany, roleplaying games.
Plans for life post-INTL:  Undecided.
 
Sofia - Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  English LL, biology, chemistry. 
Extended Essay Topic:  How do the use of language and visual images in advertisements for feminine hygiene products normalize menstruation? 
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  It is similar to the European school system, which will help when applying to universities in Europe.
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  All the hard work is worth it in the end. You got this!
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Outgoing, caring, enthusiastic.
Name three of your favorite things: Hanging out with friends, Grey’s Anatomy, and baking/cooking 
Plans for life post-INTL:  Gap semester then university in Switzerland.
 
Niklas - Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  Physics, history, design.
Extended Essay Topic:  To what extent was Hitler’s charisma and oratory the main reason for his political success in the Reichstag and Presidential elections in the years 1930-32?
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  The focus on hands on work, critical thinking and problem-solving, and the well-rounded education one receives. The IB Diploma teaches us what to learn, and HOW to learn, which is vital. 
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  The amount of effort you put in directly translates to the results you receive. The Diploma Programme is a measure of your work ethic, and how well you are able to put your head down while still leading a balanced life.
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Ambitious, outgoing, humorous.
Name three of your favorite things:  Hawaii, Technology and Apple, the stock market and the path to a successful business career.
Plans for life post-INTL:  WHU (Wissenschaftliche Hochschule für Unternehmensführung) - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar, Germany.
 
Vidhika - Class of 2021
IB Diploma High Level Courses:  Math AA, biology, chemistry.
Extended Essay Topic:  The Effects of Probiotics in Dairy and Nondairy Products in Breaking Down Lactose.
For you personally, what are the biggest benefits of the IB Diploma?:  I think one of the biggest benefits is the critical thinking aspect that is emphasized in IB courses, which makes us question and analyze the knowledge we are taught in class. Also, the global awareness aspect is very beneficial to me, as we can realize the relevance of the knowledge we learn in the context of the world. 
What is your advice for future IB Diploma students at INTL?:  Learn to manage your time well, pursue the classes in which you are interested, stay driven even when it's hard (remind yourself of your end goal, whatever it may be), stay focused, don't allow yourself to get discouraged easily
How would your friends describe you in three words?:  Passionate, caring, dedicated.
Name three of your favorite things:  Horses, sunrise walks, making food for people.
Plans for life post-INTL:  Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering in Evanston, IL.