Students who had completed the IB Diploma began visiting or sending messages after receiving university decisions. Some also brought small gifts. I appreciated every gesture, but the most meaningful gift was hearing that they had reached a goal and moved forward with confidence.
University results matter, but they do not define a person's future. Academic achievement is one strength among many, and students who take an unexpected route can still build remarkable careers and lives.
One student who earned a 7 in IB Chemistry and was preparing to attend the University of Hong Kong visited with a bottle of wine. I kept it as a reminder of the student's effort rather than the value of the gift itself.
At the same time, a new group was beginning IB Chemistry. The schedule filled quickly, and regular exercise became important for maintaining the energy needed for another demanding teaching cycle.
