If I had to describe my experience at Rangitoto College in one word, it would be transformative. As a Year 12 student completing the IB Diploma Programme, I’ve come to see Rangitoto College as much more than a place of academic achievement – it’s where I’ve been challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow in every aspect of who I am, both inside and outside the classroom.
I chose the IB pathway because I wanted to engage deeply – not just with content, but with ideas, perspectives, and values. My subjects (HL Chemistry, Biology, and English, SL Psychology, Maths AA, and Chinese) reflect my interest in both the sciences and the human experience. What I’ve valued most about the IB is how it teaches you to think – to ask questions, to reflect, and to keep pushing beyond surface-level understanding. TOK and the Extended Essay have taught me to explore complexity with independence and curiosity.
Outside of class, I’ve been fortunate to take part in scholarship courses for English, Health and Physical Education, Psychology, as well as Olympiad classes for Chemistry and Biology. These classes have helped me explore subjects I’m passionate about in more depth and have connected me with teachers and peers who are just as driven and excited to learn. It’s made a big difference to be in an environment where people believe in your potential – sometimes even before you believe in it yourself.
Beyond academics, some of my most meaningful experiences have come through service and leadership. I currently lead multiple service-based clubs, including Red Cross, Hospice, and Mental Wellbeing Wave – each one focused on a cause I care deeply about. Through these roles, I’ve organised events, led initiatives, and worked with amazing students who care about making a difference. I’ve learned how to lead with empathy, how to collaborate, and how to serve in a way that feels real and impactful. One of the things I’m proudest of this year is actually founding Rangitoto College’s first Ethics Olympiad Club. I saw a gap for students who wanted to explore moral reasoning and real-world issues through discussion and debate, so I decided to create a space for that. Since then, the club has grown into a community of curious, open-minded thinkers. As someone who has competed nationally in the Ethics Olympiad, and fortunate enough to receive the prestigious Gold Award, it’s been incredibly rewarding to pass on the knowledge and help others find their voice through critical thought.
These experiences have also shaped my IB CAS journey, which has become less of a requirement and more of a genuine reflection of my life. Whether I’m coaching swimming, composing music, or leading community projects, I’ve learned to find growth in unexpected places. Coaching has taught me patience and responsibility, while music has become a way to express myself and process the world around me. CAS has shown me that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Instead, it’s something you live and breathe through real experiences. In the same way, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay aren’t just academic components of IB – they’re opportunities to explore personal interests, think critically, and write in a way that mirrors university-level work. The challenge of crafting a 4,000-word essay around a passion is both demanding and deeply rewarding.
What I’ve come to appreciate most about Rangitoto is the way it makes room for all kinds of growth. Whether it’s through leadership, scholarship, or simply being surrounded by people who want to do well and do good, I’ve felt encouraged to keep stretching, learning, and becoming more of who I want to be. I’m still figuring a lot of things out – but I know that being here has given me a strong foundation to keep building from.