Exclusive interview with ThatIBShow Podcast creator, Sophia Arellano!

by Sara Thingalaya

artwork by ThatIBShow team

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The brains behind the humorous yet informative podcast!

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This months issue features Sophia Arellano, the creator of the podcast ThatIBShow. Join along as we hear more about the brains behind this clever podcast.

Sara: What is ThatIBShow?

Sophia: ThatIBShow is a podcast with fellow IB students and bundle students talking about IB, giving our perspectives on it and sharing advice that will help prospective students. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance of balancing fun with learning.

Sara: Why did you start ThatIBshow? Where did the idea come from? What is the purpose of this podcast?

Sophia: I like having creative projects and I felt that with a pandemic, I haven't had the opportunity to be as creative as I liked to be. The idea popped in my head because we were already online and able to talk to each other through Zoom.

Sara: What animal would you use to describe your journey in the IB programme up till now?

Sophia: A rabbit- I feel like the program goes by fast hoping between one thing to the next, stressful, experience bursts of productivity, hyperactivity, hectic and required a lot of energy, and a lot of jumping around.

Sara: Why did you choose the IB program?

Sophia: There were actually quite a few reasons- what brought me to this school was the IB program, I thought the welcome presentation was interesting and it helped that I lived close to the school. I stayed because I had already completed grade 9 and 10 so I felt it would be manageable. I wanted to challenge myself in grade 11 and 12, as well as feel a sense of accomplishment once completing the program.

Sara: What is your favourite part of the program? What is your favourite part of the podcast?

Sophia: I like the community that IB brought. I feel like this type of community is not possible in the academic stream, which is actually what led to the podcast. It feels like a family and I wouldn't trade it for Academic even if that does mean less stress. It helps having a concrete support group of people going through it with you. As for the podcast, my favourite part would definitely be the comradery with people in the podcast. The dinner episode was one of my favourites to film, and I was dying of laughter when listening to it! I love being able to build relationships within this community, and I can always count on them for a good laugh.

Sara: What is your #1 piece of advice for either someone currently in the IB program, or a prospective IB student?

Sophia: I think it's important that you know your limits. You know when you are able to push yourself and go out of your comfort zone but also know when to stop. Knowing when you need the mental break is especially necessary during this pandemic and forcing yourself to take care of your health will do you wonders in the long run!

Sara: What are your passions outside of school? How does this motivate you with school?

Sophia: Right now, I’ve been especially into anime. It is a good thing to look forward to at the end of the week, and it’s a bit of story telling where I don’t have to do anything but sit back and relax. I am also in a band, and I play electric guitar which definitely brings me joy. Sometimes when I can’t concentrate during online classes I’ll play my guitar while listening to the lecture. It clears my mind and I am always looking for new songs to play. I love music and it’s a great way to explore the music that I like.

Sara: What song would you use to describe the ThatIBShow crew? Why?

Sophia: “We’re all in this together”- High School Musical

This podcast is 100% a group effort- it is something we’ve been working towards, and I feel like it lines up with the purpose of the song. We are in highschool, and balancing our workload with creative outlets which is depicted through that song!

Sara: And lastly, what platform is the podcast on? Where can we listen:)

Sophia:

Spotify: ThatIBShow

Instagram: @thatibshow

Tik Tok: @thatibshow