Final reflection

2021./2022.

At first, I found CAS very difficult. It was not natural for me to reflect on my activities and even harder to remember to document them. I oftentimes felt like CAS was a waste of time when compared to other, seemingly more important responsibilities like studying for exams, writing IA's, and such. I quickly realized CAS was just as important, as it forced me to leave behind my books and become a more proactive member of society. Over my 2 years of IB, I have expanded my horizons with my involvement in CAS, and have experienced many activities that I would not have otherwise without CAS. I used to spend a lot of time making art before high school but stopped as I felt I had no time for it. CAS provided me with an opportunity to not only enjoy making art again but experiment with new media end techniques which helped me develop my skills much further and be more versatile.

I can safely say that over these 2 years, the various activities I have done have helped me develop as a  person, as the lessons learned from these activities taught me everything from how to work better as a group member, as a team leader, and as an individual in my own time. I have met so many interesting people, and learned so many new skills,

1) Identify my own strengths and develop areas for personal growth

 I have definitely identified my strengths, especially when it comes to creativity. Due to CAS, I have not only found areas in which I excel, but challenged myself to work with some media in which I had no prior experience like photography and pen drawings. 

2) Demonstrate that I have undertaken challenges and developed new skills in the process

I have consistently challenged myself not only by trying new art media and techniques but also by starting to progressively train in the gym which I haven't been consistent at prior to CAS. I have been challenging myself with learning how to properly use new machines in order to diversify my workouts. Also, prior to CAS, I had no experience in active listening which I was introduced to through 7Cups which I began using as a part of CAS.

3) Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

I have often found myself planning a detailed routine for my workouts in the gym. Before the start of the week, I would first decide what I would be training on which day, what exercises and how many repetitions of each I would do, as well as which days I would be having a break. This definitely helped me stay more motivated and consistent in the gym. I have also often planned some of my paintings or outings where I wanted to do some photography.

4) Show commitment to and perseverance in my CAS experiences

At the beginning of CAS, I have gotten injured which greatly affected my training as a runner. The injury is still bothering me as I struggle to find a balance between working out enough for my leg to get stronger and overworking it which always results in the injury getting worst. Still, throughout my whole CAS experience, I have not quit and continue to run trying to slowly build up my stamina and allow my leg to completely heal. 

5) Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

I never enjoyed collaborative work much as I feel I don't have enough control over certain situations. Also, I find it hard to trust people to do a good job so I thought I would have trouble with the CAS project, but I found it unexpectedly enjoyable. My group and I split all the chores that needed to be done which we all did well, but it was also a lot easier and less stressful knowing that I wouldn't be having to deal with all of the organizing myself.

6) Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

I have been offering help to anyone with a problem by active listening on 7Cups. The experience was very unique, I have been learning how to actively listen to people's problems and get them to find a solution for them themselves. At first, it was really hard not to give the people advice on how to solve their problems, but instead motivate them to find a solution themselves, but over time I have learned just how to do so.  

7) Recognize and consider the ethics of my own choices and actions-

Talking to people on 7Cups made me realize just how much of an impact not only my actions, but my words can make. I met some pretty amazing people which have decided to reach out to me continuously which bade me feel I was really contributing to their life and the community overall.

I can definitely say CAS has provided me with opportunities to learn a bunch of new things and become a more active member of society.