Meet the 3IB's: Adrian

Adrian is considering majoring in either history or something biology-related, he hasn’t quite settled on one just yet, but he’s excited to explore both. He's also planning to take a gap year, which will actually turn into about a year and a half, as he'll be studying in the southern hemisphere where academic calendars start later in the year. He hopes to use this time not only to travel and gain new perspectives, but also to work on personal projects that fuel his creativity.

Adrian has a deep interest in writing and sees himself possibly becoming a historian one day. He’s currently working on a personal passion project, a book that explores his family’s legacy in polar and Arctic exploration. This blend of historical research and biological context perfectly captures the intersection of his two academic interests. He hopes to publish the book around the time he finishes his undergraduate, or possibly even master’s—degree.

His IB subject choices reflect this thoughtful balance between passion and practicality. Rather than loading up on the most difficult courses, Adrian chose subjects that play to his strengths and allow him to genuinely enjoy his time in the IB. History HL and Visual Arts HL show his creative and analytical sides, while Biology SL ties in with his curiosity about life sciences and the natural world. His Extended Essay, also centered on his family's Arctic expeditions—further demonstrates his commitment to weaving personal history into academic inquiry.