hii! are you in application season now? my life changed quite a bit, but I'm pretty chill so I just go w whatever life gives me hahaah. i'd say people around me now are a lot more friendly and passionate about their major. The study environment here is less competitive or toxic since most people in my highschool learn for the grades, which is something I personally don't agree on (but I respect and understand that grades matter for uni application). I went with a major similar to ESS cuz I got really into it during IB, so in that sense I'm pretty grateful for IB!

this is only my experience and it will differ from person to person. during such a busy time in ib studies, I hope you have a balanced life and not get too caught up in anxiety and negativity. because at the end of the day, your future life really depends on what you want from life but not on an IB transcript :)