The kind of relationships that we have developed since August is something special that would have never happened anywhere else.
With each passing day the connections we create between students and teacher are less school like and more like friends. This by no means should be interpreted as if we don’t respect Bill or he has no authority, but the complete opposite. It shows how close we have come as a group since the first day that we have the courage to joke around and be friendly instead of scared of each other.
In addition, it is not only about how our culture allows us to work hard and with no fears, but also about how it enables us to feel part of a closely-knit group and not just part of another grade. For this reason, we are always behind each others back keeping everyone on task and pushing each and everyone to be better than the day before. There is no hard feelings against each other, but the complete opposite; with each passing day our culture grows bigger and bigger.
This has taken us to the point of wanting to go for lunch and organize trips and BBQ’s as a group. Something that wouldn’t happen in any class.
In other words, the IA is much more than just another program at school. It’s a way of learning how to be a community and work as a group while creating a culture than benefits everyone’s learning both in the short and in the long run.