There are many of us IB students who have the mentality: graduate from high school, get our IB diploma, and get out!

But for Melissa Jimenez, things did not end there. A former graduate of the IB program here at Coral Reef, Melissa graduated third in her class in 2000 and went on to study at UM. Now, at the age of 21, she has come back to her roots and memories as one of the flying geese. The reason: to guide and inspire those students now currently in the program.

While some students may have been overwhelmed by IB, Melissa admits to having loved it and tells of the fun times their class had. "It was awesome. After tests were finally over, we would have the best paintball fights. We had a lot of fun."

She's majoring in psychology and religious studies with a minor in chemistry. A junior in pre-med, she can now be seen Mondays through Thursdays in the IB office helping students.

"When Mrs. Rodriguez left, Mrs. Patterson asked me to come in and help out with some things she used to do," says Melissa.

So what exactly does that include? She's a counselor for the students, concentrating especially on the incoming seniors. Right now, she is focusing on trying to get to know these juniors and to see if any of them need any aid academically or otherwise.

Melissa recalls that "Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Rodriguez were great, but sometimes they couldn't relate to us as much as we'd like." Being a recent graduate of the program gives her insight on what we are faced with and the potential stress that can build up.

Melissa claims that the amount of work put into the program is definitely worth it as the first couple of years of college came pretty easy to her.

"In the beginning my classmates would groan over a three-page essay. I would have no problem."

Melissa also had an incredible opportunity to study a semester abroad in Australia where she worked on genetics, North American literature, social and personal psychology, and interpretation of the Old Testament.

For six months she got to experience a completely clear night sky filled with bright stars, an unforgettable experience swimming with her sister among the Great White Sharks at the Barrier Reef, and enjoy the offerings of culture not her own. Her number one piece of advice for after high school is: "Study abroad if you can. It was the best thing I ever did."

Her outlook on everything is positive and she seems to take herself lightly, always a relief in IB. When asked if she has some advice for IB students specifically she replies with a laugh and says, "I'm bad at advice."

But she thinks for a second and shares her words of wisdom. We've all heard this before but still cannot break free from our habits�don't procrastinate. Get things done. "Things go so much better when you do things with time. But of course, no IB student can fulfill those conditions all the time."

For anyone who wants some help or just a friendly ear, Melissa is a caring and intelligent person who will not turn you away. So stop by the IB office sometime and say hi.

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