Partners head outdoors to complete CAS project

Niwot students in the IB program are expected to spend 18 months on their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) projects. That may seem daunting to future students, but according to senior Hannah Ferrero, "Some of the most challenging experiences can lead to the most satisfying feeling." She and her partner, fellow senior Eleanor Born, teamed up to work on CAS together and were very excited about the finished project.

"When brainstorming for my CAS project, NOLS came to mind right away," said Born. NOLS is the National Outdoor Leadership School. The summer before her junior year of high school, Born participated in a 30-day backpacking course and she called it incredible. "I also love the outdoors and recognize what a privilege it is to be able to enjoy it, and NOLS helps get people outside,... which pointed me in the direction of the NOLS Fund, as a way to help fund NOLS courses."

Since Born and Ferrero both enjoy artwork, the duo decided to paint and sell artwork, with the proceeds to be donated to the NOLS fund. "We thought that NOLS would be a great organization that connects to us," explained Ferrero. "We raised way more than our initial plan, about [four times] as much."

According to Born, the IB program is unique, because of the relationship between structure of classes and requirements, but also the relative freedom in completing them. "I had so many [ideas] that coincided with my interests... It was really exciting to do something I am passionate about and have it count toward my IB requirements."

She also said the process helped her develop her time management skills. This was a sentiment echoed by Ferrero, who dedicated time every week to add to her reflections. These reflections are a critical aspect of CAS, because they allow students to really figure out the impact the projects have on them and on others.

Ferrero said that CAS has shown her "how to manage my life for my future college career and jobs. I have learned the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced life while working or in school."

Unlike some other CAS projects, Born's and Ferrero's extended project was doable in light of COVID. Born said, "We were lucky with our project. We were able to still sell and drop off paintings during the pandemic. [Ferrero] is also one of my really close friends, we talk all the time, so not meeting in-person with each other was not a problem in our communication."

While some other aspects of their personal CAS journeys such as joining new clubs at school may have been disrupted, their paintings were a success.

Like many other students featured, Ferrero and Born appreciate that CAS provides the opportunity for students to "jump out of their comfort zone," while also giving students the chance to explore their passions. They encourage future students to not be intimidated by CAS, or IB more broadly, because the programs help develop skills inside and outside of the classroom.