International Baccalaureate (IB) mentoring that was a program started by sophomore Brettney Gallas, head of the mentoring committee, designed to enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as an IB student.
Students can get involved in IB mentoring by emailing Gallas at [email protected] or by joining the IB mentoring Google Classroom with the code et2605i. “Getting involved in IB mentoring is very easy. All you have to do is join the Google Classroom code and fill out the Google form indicating whether you would like to be a mentor or a mentee,” said senior mentor Sophia Vianest.
This program allows students to meet or message their mentors at any time, providing unlimited support and reassurance. The advantages of IB mentoring include “gaining service hours and receiving advice from upperclassmen who have more experience in the IB program,” stated Gallas.
Sophomore mentee Anjelica Murillo expressed, “The benefits of IB mentoring include having a guiding hand throughout the entire IB experience and someone to answer your questions about the years ahead.”
In addition to running the committee, Gallas also serves as a mentor, assisting her peers. Sophomore mentee Lovina Harbinsky remarked, “My mentor is Brettney Gallas, and she has helped me a lot during my sophomore year.”
IB mentoring is part of the IB ambassador club, though this innovative idea was introduced by Gallas this year, making it a fresh addition to Cape Coral High School’s IB Ambassador program. The program currently has around 30 participants but aims to expand. “Next year, we plan to advertise the program earlier in the year to increase the club’s membership and ultimately assist more students in the pre-IB program,” stated Gallas.
Students already participating in the IB mentoring program, such as Murillo and Harbinsky, conveyed, “I am personally enjoying it and have learned a lot from my IB mentor and want to continue with this program,” and “IB mentoring has helped me become more motivated to complete my work and has guided me through pre-IB, preparing me for the real IB program.”
Mentors who have joined the IB mentorship program also develop valuable skills. “I have learned better communication skills through my peers and have been able to explore more opportunities for new friendships,” noted mentor Vianest.
Gallas added, “Being a mentor has helped me learn from other students, even though I am a mentor, it is a great feeling knowing that I am helping someone become a better version of themselves.”
IB mentoring is an opportunity every IB student should consider, whether as a mentee or a mentor. This program is highly beneficial for students seeking assistance during their IB journey and deserves consideration by all IB students.
