Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Vaishvika, International Baccalaureate (IB)

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs' core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how International Baccalaureate (IB) senior Vaishvika used LPS Focus Programs to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

Name: Vaishvika

Grade: 12

Home High School:  Lincoln High

Focus Program: International Baccalaureate 

 

Why did you choose the International Baccalaureate Program?

When I first heard about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in seventh grade, I liked the idea of taking higher-level classes that would help me prepare for college and connect with students who had similar interests and goals. I went to IB Academy Day that year and decided to do the program immediately after!

How did the International Baccalaureate Program change your high school experience?

IB has definitely had an influence on the friends I've made and the subjects I've developed a greater interest in throughout the years. Beyond that, I think my participation in IB has also helped me get other opportunities such as internships and leadership roles.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the International Baccalaureate Program? Why?

The biggest lesson I've learned from the rigor of IB is to focus on improving by taking on new challenges rather than fixating on perfection.  When we spend all of our time trying to be perfect, we can't grow nearly as much as we do when we allow ourselves to make mistakes. 

How did the International Baccalaureate Program help you reach your graduation goals?

The IB program helped me stand out as a student during the college application process. The challenging nature of the program also kept me motivated throughout high school, pushing me to continue putting effort into all my classes and extracurricular activities.  

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am majoring in biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania.

How did the International Baccalaureate Program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

A large part of IB is learning how to study efficiently, work on independent research projects, write extensive essays and prepare for important exams. By getting used to these tasks in high school, I feel much more prepared to be a college student in the near future.

How did the International Baccalaureate Program help prepare you for the future?

IB has helped me develop a more comprehensive skill set – especially in terms of communication skills and study skills - that I know will come in handy in the future, no matter what I decide to do.

What would your advice be to younger students considering joining your focus program? Why?

My advice would be to focus on building connections with other students, setting reasonable goals and continuing to find ways to have fun even when the workload gets heavy.

What are you most thankful about this experience? Why?

I'm thankful for the friends I've made in IB and the work ethic I've developed during my time in the program. I've definitely improved as a student, but I've also met great people and had meaningful experiences that have made me a better person as well.

Congratulations, Vaishvika! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Program at Lincoln High by visiting its website at https://home.lps.org/ib/ or stop by our website home.lps.org/focus to get more information about all our focus programs.

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