Overcoming Challenges and Rewards on Completing my Extended Essay

Overcoming Challenges and Rewards on Completing my Extended Essay

By: Keiko Wang Tanudjaja (Gr 12 St. Fidelis student)

Starting a research project is never easy, even when the deadline seems far away. The process can be mentally draining, especially when unexpected changes arise. However, it also enhances our ability to conduct in-depth research. In my experience, this challenge came in the form of my Extended Essay (EE).

Having recently completed my EE, I have gained several valuable benefits from the experience. I am especially grateful that Stella Maris School Gading Serpong implements the IB curriculum, which aims to develop students’ research skills and prepare them for higher education. This experience provided me with new learning opportunities, significantly improving my ability to analyze data and conduct lab experiments. Since the EE is not a short-term task, it also helped me develop essential skills such as summarizing information effectively while retaining key details and identifying reliable sources. In the long run, I can already see how these skills will benefit me, particularly in university.

Personally, completing my EE was an emotional and physical rollercoaster. At the beginning, I had to repeatedly change my research topic due to various challenges. It took me more than five attempts to settle on a research idea that was both suitable for a high school student and met the IB requirements. The continuous rejections made me feel behind schedule, adding to my stress. Eventually, I finalized my topic: “Finding the Permeability of a Cell Membrane Using a Colorimeter.”

Once I had my topic, I conducted numerous trials, which proved to be frustrating. Adjusting variables to obtain significant results was a challenge, but with the guidance of my Biology teacher, I was able to navigate these difficulties more effectively. Another major hurdle was the strict time limitation imposed by the curriculum. I had to manage my time wisely to ensure I collected sufficient data within the given timeframe.

Despite these challenges, I successfully finalized my EE and gained valuable lessons from the experience. The skills I developed during this process made it easier for me to tackle other research papers. I learned how to structure my writing efficiently, focusing on essential content while maintaining clarity. Additionally, my time-management skills improved as I had to juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.

Overall, my EE significantly contributed to my personal and academic growth. It enhanced my understanding of research materials, refined my writing abilities, and taught me the importance of patience when reading academic papers. Most importantly, it fueled my curiosity and encouraged me to explore topics that genuinely interest me. This experience has undoubtedly prepared me for future academic challenges and beyond.