Well, it is hard to believe, but we have closed yet another year at Odyssey. We send hugs and tearful farewells to the Class of 2026 as first and second-year DP Language and Literature scholars gear up for another year (or our first year together!) The Class of 2026 will be moving on to bigger and broader endeavors and adventures in learning as they pursue university, college, military service, missions, or careers, wherever their plans and dreams take them.
Class of 2026, you are standing at a precipice, and at this momentous time in your lives, great reflection is in order; a reflection that can help our next generation of upperclassmen - juniors and seniors - as they navigate through unfamiliar and uncertain waters and build upon their knowledge as IB scholars. Please know I am ALWAYS and FOREVER in your corner, cheering you on through all of life’s wonderful challenges and celebrations! Lots of love, gratitude, prayer, and applause FOR and TO you from me!
Buckle up, here we go!
For DP Language and Literature, it is important to watch the IB English Guys videos in class and take notes. These videos are essential for understanding how to dissect each paper and perform to the best of your ability. The guys shared such useful information on how to start each section of the papers, the IO, and the HL essay. It's really important to take notes because, as the year progresses, you won't focus on each paper as heavily, but preparing ahead of time will allow you to look back on the notes and reflect with the knowledge you have at the end of year 2 on how you can perform well for the exam. Watching these videos made me feel prepared for the exam, as their wisdom was key to outlining a well-written essay. ~Miley
As I close the chapter of my high school career, one piece of advice I'd give to future DP English scholars is to not stress over things that won't matter in the long run. Focus on what truly counts, keep your future in mind, and make this your best year yet. Stay on top of your work, don't procrastinate on your lit tracking or the IO, as being ahead will save you a lot of stress. At the same time, don't be afraid to speak up, share your ideas, and take risks in your writing. But most importantly, enjoy the journey. Make memories, trust yourself, and remember that this experience is shaping not just your academic success, but the person you're becoming. ~Ashley
.jpg)
The best advice I can give to incoming DP Lang & Lit is that the amount of energy you put into the course will determine your level of success. That sounds incredibly obvious, but it's true. It's easy to put off your lit tracker until right before the due date and then struggle to get the bare minimum amount of work done in time for submission, but that will only leave you searching for quotes and flipping back through your text when it's time to pull your HL essay together. It's understandable to be nervous about sharing your insights during group discussions, but by remaining silent, you are depriving both yourself of the conversations that could follow your response and others of hearing new insights and perspectives on the work. When you give your best effort in the course every day, you will be rewarded with your growth in both your skills as a reader and writer, as well as success in the class. One cannot expect to receive the rewards of the effort they never showed. ~Ansley
The best piece of advice I can give is to do your lit tracker! While during my junior year I did manage to complete them and get perfect scores, I concluded that having more or "too much" is always better. I can't even explain how many times I went back into my Lit Tracker for numerous assignments and Paper 2 preparation and felt at ease that all of the work I needed was already right in front of me. It may seem like a lot to fill out at times, but I promise you will look back at it when you need to! I would also add that if you have any questions or concerns, NEVER hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Caraway. Her guidance and words of wisdom will always put you on the right path with whatever it is you may have questions about, and trust me: you will have questions. She is very open about wanting to answer your questions because, in the end, it benefits you more than anyone. So even if it feels like a stupid question, chances are others have the same concerns. Lastly, always keep an eye on the website! The amount of work that goes into displaying the schedule for us day by day is a choice not every teacher makes for their students. Every important due date will be there, so you can better prepare. Good luck! ~Kailey
One piece of advice that I would like to leave behind for future seniors would be to pay more attention to information placed in the Lit trackers, as in the long run, this will help formulate and plan your Paper 2 response, as it makes it easier to get all the important quotes while completing this activity. Another piece of advice would be to follow Mrs. Caraway's deadlines and use her website, as it helps plan your calendar in advance. ~Ishanth
My best advice for the upcoming class is to just show up. I know from experience that some days, you want to take a "mental" day, or you honestly just don't feel like going to school (that was me). However, it is SO HARD to stay on track with the class schedule, regardless of the amazing website; you NEED to be in class at all times. TRUST ME. I also want to say, please give yourself grace. You are in this class for a reason! Try everything, talk in class, and have fun. If you ever need advice or help with work, Mrs. Caraway is ALWAYS available. She is a wonderful and helpful teacher. If you ever feel behind, allow yourself to review, catch up, and calm down instead of stressing yourself out. You can get through this!!! (I am evidence you can) ~Araceli
My advice is to let go of the idea that there is a single "correct" interpretation. A lot of people get stuck at the beginning because they feel like they're supposed to uncover some one hidden meaning, but the course is really about how well you can observe what is actually happening in the text and explain its effect. What makes a difference more than anything is specificity. Instead of making general statements like something is "important" or "effective," it's much stronger to focus on the exact language, structure, or stylistic choices being used and clearly explain how these choices shape meaning. That level of detail is what actually builds strong analysis. I'd also emphasize avoiding summary. When you're unsure, it's easy to fall back on retelling what happens, but that doesn't show analysis. Even a simple idea can become strong if it is consistently tied back to the writer's methods and supported with precise evidence. For continuing students, I think the key is maintaining that level of close attention even when the course becomes more familiar. The highest-level responses are always the ones that stay closely grounded in the text and develop a clear, sustained line of argument. Overall, the biggest shift for me was realizing I didn't need to "sound like IB" or force a perfect interpretation. Once I focused on thinking carefully about what the writer was doing and communicating that clearly, everything became more manageable. ~Lucy
My biggest piece of advice would be to not be afraid to say yes to things. These years are your last opportunity to make the most of your high school experience. While you may feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders with decisions to be made and judgment from others, do not let the fear of embarrassment inhibit you from taking risks and relishing your experience. ~Matthew
Congrats on making it into DP English! My biggest piece of advice for you is to be present and participate. The class can seem daunting, but the discussions we have in class truly help you learn the material and ultimately prepare you for the tests and college. It seems obvious to say do your homework, but oh my goodness, please do your homework! It can be really easy to fall behind with other classwork and after-school clubs. Procrastination will only make it harder to succeed. If you actually read and do your work, class will be easier and more enjoyable. Another huge piece of advice is to learn good organizational skills. Especially for seniors, your year will be extremely busy with college applications, homework, and IAs/IOs. It is so important to learn to balance your work so you can still enjoy life and be successful. The last piece of advice is to just enjoy your time. Don't wait forever to do something new because one day, you'll lose the opportunity and you will regret it. As an upperclassman, there is no such thing as embarrassment, and the sooner you learn not to care about others' opinions and do what makes you happy, the sooner you will enjoy life! ~Sydney
Some of my best pieces of advice are to get your homework done as soon as possible. Finish the blog early, and do not develop bad habits when it comes to the lit trackers. For any homework you get for this class, try to complete it quickly, as it will leave you with time to work on your other classwork. Finishing the blog early is something you will want to do for sure, because the longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will forget to do it completely. The blogs are easy and take no more than 10 minutes, so just complete them early. As far as lit trackers, try to be consistent with taking your lit tracker notes throughout the book so you don't have to search for quotes after finishing the novel. Waiting until the last minute creates more stress, especially at the end of the year. My last piece of advice is to make the most of your last two years of high school. Don't let school take over your life; leave time for things you enjoy because before you know it, you will be graduating. ~Meagan
YOU GOT THIS!
My biggest piece of advice to incoming juniors and seniors in DP Lang and Lit is to be an active participant in class discussions. I promise the conversations are what make the books come alive (that, and the impending DP exams!) Class is so much better when everyone contributes their thoughts instead of sitting in silence, which can make things feel awkward and dull. Collaboration really is one of the most important strategies for success, trust me; take it from a chronic yapper! Don't be afraid to speak up, even if you're not 100% sure your idea is "right," because half the time, it's those messy, half-formed thoughts that lead to the best insights. Engaging with others also helps you see the text in completely new ways, making reading feel way less like a task and more like a conversation you're part of. Also, don't be afraid to be obsessed with Mr. Darcy. I am, too, and he is truly iconic for a reason! I believe in all of you, and you guys all have such incredible minds and will succeed! In true Pride and Prejudice fashion, remember: "Think only of the past as its remembrance brings you pleasure." Let the stories stay with you, but more importantly, let them be something that brings you joy, connection, and curiosity as you move forward. ~Jaida
Advice I would give to the upcoming class and students continuing DP L and L is to not procrastinate and stay true to yourself. Don't let the work build up, and don't allow stress to be the reason you can't enjoy yourself in school, because teachers and others are all willing to help you as well. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember who you are and who you want to be. With that mindset, you won't fall behind or procrastinate. Strive to be the best version of you that you can be, and just remember to enjoy it all. ~Di Stefana
These two years in IB English have allowed me to develop and advance my writing skills, which I will carry into the future, far from high school. This was made possible by the guidance of Mrs. Caraway, whose combination of discussions, lessons, and assignments proved fruitful from beginning to end. I am beyond grateful for receiving the opportunity to attend Mrs. Caraway's class, and would love to advise upcoming and returning scholars to never procrastinate, as your commitment and hard work will determine your success. Give yourself breaks as well, because I find periods of reflection produce the best work for any written assignment. Additionally, your collaboration with peers provides the best insight into the numerous texts, as varied perspectives make IB English so enriching. This extends to the Lit Trackers, which should always be done to one's best ability, because they are incredibly valuable when writing essays. Do not shy away from talking with your peers, either; they will become familiar faces for the next two years with a multitude of memories waiting to be made. Finally, remember that everyone's voice is valuable, including yours, and deserves to be heard equally. Good luck! ~Brooklyn
My biggest piece of advice for the DP Language and Literature students is to find your voice. For me, I found my voice through dance, which helped me express myself when words weren't an option. Having a voice allows you to shape your identity and have the courage to share your beliefs and values. Finding your voice is important because it allows you not only to express yourself, but also to find the courage to voice your opinions and fight for what is right. Upon reading Persepolis, Purple Hibiscus, and A Thousand Splendid Suns, I realized that there are women around the world who aren't given the same opportunities to voice their opinions and express themselves. These novels allowed me to realize how incredibly lucky I am to have the opportunity to voice my thoughts. Without the ability to have a voice, I would not be the same person I am today, and I would not know who I am. As you continue your journey through high school, I recommend that you find your voice, as it will help you build your confidence, voice your opinions, and, most importantly, have the courage to use it without hesitation or limitations. ~Kyla
If I had to give advice to the DP L & L Scholars, I would tell them to have confidence in themselves. It makes you a better writer and a better scholar. Confidence is key; it can get you through almost anything. I would then like to tell them not to slack off. There are shortcuts you can take, but they won't necessarily help. In the end, you do need to know the books; it is better to do it with the class than play catch-up. Then, I would say to enjoy your years in DP L&L. The class might be a lot of work at times, but it is fun. Discussing the books with your friends during class, getting to know one another, it's not something I thought I would miss, but as it is coming to a close, I would certainly like to stay. And my final piece of advice is to trust Mrs. Caraway. She wants what is best for you, even if at times it feels like a lot, she IS helping you. Appreciate it. ~Landon
My advice for incoming/current DP students would be to get or use either a physical planner or an app to keep track of all assignments and deadlines. It's super helpful to have everything in one place so you can see it all, instead of just writing assignments and due dates on random pieces of paper and forgetting about them. Additionally, if you struggle to focus or to sit down to do an assignment or even read, spread it out over an appropriate period of time (2 days, a week, etc.). Looking back, a lot of L&L assignments had sections to complete within them, so split it up the best you can if needed. This can help with time management. Lastly, and most importantly, stay engaged! It's not hard to stay engaged in this class. We have really interesting discussions and assignments that have ultimately shaped my worldview and the way I look at media and literature. You will come out of this class with so much more if you actually pay attention and stay engaged (you're already putting in a lot of time and energy into this class, might as well make it the most beneficial for you). Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and be open to enjoying the class! ~Anna
The easiest piece of advice I could offer is simply not to procrastinate on assignments. But to avoid repeating what I'm sure has already been said many times, I'll instead offer the advice to actually annotate your books! For the most part, in previous years of English, I would read each chapter of each book without annotating, and it would be just fine. However, once you have to start pulling the strongest quotes for an HL essay, or your IO, or a lit tracker, annotations make these processes infinitely easier. Even if it's just highlighting literary devices that stand out, any annotation is better than none and saves you time and stress on later, important assignments by simply opening a highlighter. I also noticed that it has deepened my understanding of the texts because I had to comprehend what I was reading to know what was notable. ~Astin
To the upcoming juniors and seniors entering DP Language and Literature, the best advice I can give is to stay on top of all the readings and assignments! Whether you forgot to read one night or you don't do an assignment because Mrs. Caraway said it wasn't graded, do it. Catch up on the reading, analyze it, and complete the assignment she gave you. This gives you the practice and understanding you'll need for the graded assignments. Staying on top of everything helps you focus on the class and your future self so much! I wish you all the best of luck in this class, and never be afraid to ask questions! ~Nicole
Pay attention in class, complete assigned readings, and annotate your novels because these things will all help you to be successful in the class. ~Ysaura
Hello DP Language and Literature scholars! Don't procrastinate! That includes the blogs! The month goes by fast, and you miss it in the blink of an eye. Make sure to work on it accordingly, as well as the work given by Mrs. Caraway. It is okay to be stressed. I was, too. As long as you ask questions and take notes, you should be fine. We also go over examples of the IO, Paper 1, and Paper 2, which helps relieve the fear of failing. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Mrs. Caraway is excellent at explaining and making it easier to understand. It's also important to have fun, especially in your senior year. It is your last year to participate in everything, so do it wisely. ~Marisol
The main thought that pops into my head is that I wish I hadn't worried as much as I did. Coming from AP classes to IB, I was uncertain. The grading between the two differs; there are different expectations and new books to read. The essays were always the number one worry, though. Preparing for an HL essay or Paper 1/2 practice can be nerve-racking. For me, it was a new state, a new school, and I was unsure how I would perform. Now that I am inching towards the end of senior year, however, I worry less and less, even though the tests are closer. Sometimes we place very heavy expectations on ourselves, expecting perfection or dreading failure incessantly. The IO looms over our heads like a flying saucer. But I have learned that nothing you create will ever really be perfect; no one is, and no one is expecting a perfect HL Essay submission or perfectly recited IO. Not even the examiners. No matter how big the challenge feels, you can face it. Simply bring your best, and that's enough. Humans were blessed with persistence; do not let fear and anxiety bring you failure. Things are never hopeless, and sometimes you simply need to walk forward one foot at a time--or rather, write one word at a time. ~Damien
My best advice is to first focus on getting your work done on time, the sooner the better. It is easy to slack off, especially in your senior year, but the sooner you complete your assignments, the easier your life gets. Don't forget to read before coming to class! A big mistake I made in my junior year was slacking on reading chapters on time, which led me to miss out on important details I would have understood had I read sooner. Don't be afraid to speak up during discussions. I regret not speaking up until we read Purple Hibiscus. If you feel afraid to speak up, remember that you are in the room for a reason, and your voice matters on paper and out loud. Lastly, don't let all the stress catch up with you; enjoy your year. The stress catches up quickly if you slack off, but the sooner you complete your tasks, the more it melts away. With this, you have more time to hang out and enjoy time with your friends. Remember to be open-minded because you never know who you'll end up becoming friends with, even in the last months of your senior year. Study hard for all your exams and remind yourself you are in the room for a reason! ~Isabella
I would recommend that everyone make sure to not procrastinate on their Lit Tracker. I would also recommend reviewing the IB questions at the very beginning of senior year and keeping an eye out for quotes that align with the general themes. Lastly, color-coding themes with highlighters really helps! ~Dixie
My main piece of advice is always to do your work on time, because the second you fall behind, it will be like climbing a mountain to catch up. Along with that, be present to win. Lastly, do your lit trackers! ~Max
Throughout the next two years, there are multiple times when you'll likely feel as if you're being pushed to your academic and mental limits, which is why I feel it's essential to ensure that you not only carve out time for your work but also for yourself. I'm not saying to procrastinate or leave homework until Sunday night because it's what's easiest at the moment (trust me, it only leads to more stress!), but rather, to remain conscious of your mental state and allow yourself some time to decompress if needed. You'll only be in high school once, so be sure to enjoy the friends you've made and the opportunities available to the fullest! ~Vance
My biggest piece of advice would be to not procrastinate, especially with the lit tracker. It can seem overwhelming at first, but filling out a little every day makes it very manageable. Engage in group discussions; hearing advice from your peers and how they interpret messages from the novels can be very insightful. Lock in and have fun! ~Natalie F.
You have reached a point in your life where everything you do matters for the future you hope to see. Now that you are IB juniors and seniors, you might have the urge to procrastinate on something, but DO NOT! Every time you procrastinate, it becomes harder to come back. So have the mindset of a finisher, not a procrastinator. As a senior, you have all things going on at once, so plan your schedule well and manage it effectively so it works for YOU. Even if you are taking partial or full IB classes, plan ahead and stick to a schedule. Aside from this, I just want to say: You're stepping into your senior year with this chance to set the tone and be the foundation for those who look up to you. Be strong, lead with purpose, leave your mark. And ROCK your WAY through SENIOR YEAR! I can't wait for what the future holds for you! ~Ishitha
My advice for DP Language and Literature is to stay on top of the work. At times, it feels overwhelming given the amount, but it all works in your favor to prepare you for the future. Especially as a senior, senioritis can become quite severe, but procrastination only makes the pile-up more frustrating. This goes especially for the lit trackers. The due dates come up way sooner than you think, so do them! Plus, the notes really do help you to understand the books better, which helps with essays and such. That being said, don't forget to take breaks here and there. You're at your most productive when you are happy and rested. HAVE FUN! ~Natalie A.
My advice to whoever is reading this is to stay engaged as much as you can. Learn from your teachers, because they all offer bits of wisdom in different ways. In English, it's important to, of course, stay on top of things, but also to be present in the moment, ask questions, and make connections. Everything you do in the course of English will help you build up to where you need to be for exams. For those who are new to IB English, be aware. I was once in your position, reading through this series of advice columns. It all goes by very fast. It's important not to let the next year or two slip by. Stay focused, but also make memories and cherish the time you have left in high school. Don't stress about exams--as easy as they are to stress about--because your teachers will give you everything you need to succeed. You're going to do great, just take everything one day at a time. ~Jolin
For starters, I am highly confident that the majority of the individuals who are reading this are motivated, high achievers, so you understand the consequences of poor decisions, but I learned that the moments that I felt the most fulfilled were with my friends and applying myself in ways I never thought I could. For the incoming seniors, for the next couple of months, it is going to be easy to feel the ache of reminiscence. However, I want you all to understand that nostalgia is a privilege; it means that you were lucky enough to have moments worth missing. I will forever stress the importance of trying new things before you no longer have the chance to; do not let those opportunities slip through your fingers. Going forward, I also want you to start considering life outside of high school. Personally, I was incredibly involved in the Odyssey community for 14 years, as I started here in preschool, so I knew college was going to be a big step for me. That said, as soon as I committed to ASU, I immediately started considering the potential communities that I wanted to join and how I could best set myself up for happiness. At first, I was intimidated by the prospect of college, but I found that outside of our high school of less than 800 students, many people had similar interests and goals as I did. Considering this, before even graduating, I have phenomenal roommates, I have a friend group of the most amazing girls from across the country, and I am a part of the Leadership Scholarship Program that I would not have even considered without the encouragement of my closest friend, Cam Kenison. Lastly, allow yourself to be human. It is essential to your success next year that you fully comprehend that your "best" will vary from day to day, so you should have compassion for yourself. Growing up, we are constantly taught the mindfulness of others and their conditions, but it is equally important that we are mindful of ourselves and how we choose to approach life. By being accepting of your circumstances and understanding what works best for you, you will start to view failures as a possibility for growth rather than defining flaws. I also know that senior year will test your relationships, so treating oneself with patience makes it easier to extend that same kindness to others. ~Meriah
Advice I have for incoming seniors and juniors in DP Language and Literature is to always keep track of deadlines. I have not perfected it, but when you have a lot on your plate, it is easier to manage things and plan ahead when you are aware of deadlines. Furthermore, it's always better to set deadlines sooner than they actually are because it helps you break the habit we all have: procrastination. Try to keep up with assignments, but most of all, participate in the discussions. It's hard not to feel shy or afraid of saying the wrong thing, but book discussions come alive when we hear other perspectives, and treat it as a genuine, casual conversation rather than a participation point. Aside from all else, make sure to have fun. Class doesn't have to be strict, just insightful and meaningful! ~Ziomarah
Okay! Now, it's time for YOU to reflect. What words of advice or wisdom really resonated with you? Respond below. Be sure to sign off with your name in your response, as well as whether you are a year 1 or year 2 DP scholar.
Cheers to a brilliant 2026/2027 school year! ~Mrs. Caraway
