Before my time as a student at Belmont University, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the International Academy of Macomb, in Clinton Township, Michigan. Ranked second in the state of Michigan, and 12th in the national rankings for best high schools in the country. This school provided so much more than just a place to call home for four years. I was able to pursue an International Baccalaureate Diploma, experiencing one of the most academically rigorous programs I have ever encountered. It was stressful, tiresome, and sometimes downright debilitating but I don't regret a second of it.

I would be lying if I said all my experiences were positive. A rigorous education program comes with its stressors and aggravations — but I would like to believe that these experiences have been a benefit. Somewhere along the way, while learning a second language, studying the world wars so in depth that I dreamt in black and white film reals, and being able to read and comprehend works from the likes of Shakespeare and Plath, I gained so many beneficial skills that I have been able to carry over into my college career, and just life in general.

I learned how to problem solve. This doesn't necessarily include being able to solve trig problems in math, but that was definitely part of it. I learned how to take whatever task I was assigned, plan a course of action, and follow it through. This also meant dealing with other factors, like time constraints, working with other students, and being able to maneuver around any unforeseen circumstances (let me tell you, you have never experienced true fear until you receive a History Paper 2 prompt, and then realize you didn't study the rise and rule of single-party states quite enough).

I learned how to think for myself. As frustrating as it could be in the moment, teachers weren't just going to give things to you. There were a lot of times when students were left to handle big projects on their own, in and out of class. Whether we had to create and design an experiment in chemistry, or plan and execute large events like powderpuff football games (with tailgate, concessions, and all!), students were constantly challenged to think outside of the box and make things happen for themselves. Of course there were always teachers and faculty to help, but they were certainly never going to hold our hands throughout the process.

I learned how to manage myself and my time. It's already hard enough to be a teenager in high school, let alone while trying to juggle eight classes, on top of extra curricular activities like robotics, drama club, and sports. I learned how to prioritize activities, which homework to do sooner rather than later, and just how to devote my time most effectively. Most importantly, I learned my limits. I was able to learn how my mind worked, and just what I could and couldn't handle.

I learned how to put my all into everything that I do. I was very fortunate enough to be a part of an organization that helped welcome incoming students into this rigorous institution, and through this I learned values I still hold very close to my heart. I learned how to go big, and put 150 percent of my energy into everything that I cared about. I learned how to be around other people, and that it's okay to not be the same as everyone else. I learned how to love and be loved by others, regardless of whatever age, gender, or background, because we were all there together under the same circumstances: to learn, to be passionate, and to have fun.

Through this reflection, I have realized how truly lucky I have been to be exposed to the amazing people and environment that the International Academy of Macomb has to offer. Four years seems both a forever and a moment; regardless, I am happy that I chose to spend them here.

All of this and more has definitely prepared me for the world that I am slowly coming to learn more and more about. Not only did I acquire the academic skills that made my college transition a breeze, but I also learned how to be a good person and how to make the world a better place. I learned so much from my time at the "nerd school", and I wouldn't have had it any other way, regardless of the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get through it (and yes, there was definitely some blood. You haven't seen an aggressive game of tug-of-war until you watch a match between IB students who just had midterms).