Identity Crisis – Does it Really Exist?
We as IB students of Manchester take pride in our premium education that aligns with international standards. The IB journey can be thrilling, but it also pushes us to think deeply about who we are. With so many subjects, activities, and opportunities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and start questioning: Am I doing enough? Am I truly being myself? In this blog, I want to explore the idea of identity crisis and whether it’s something we really experience as students or just a phase we go through.
What is an Identity Crisis, and Why Does it Happen?
With all the demands of CAS, EE, TOK, and our subject choices in the IB Diploma Programme, it often feels like we’re being pulled in a million directions. Our classrooms are full of students from different backgrounds, which adds another layer to this struggle—should we stick to one identity or embrace multiple ones? This inner conflict about who we are and who we’re becoming can be pretty confusing, especially when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out.
How IB Helps Us Manage Identity Challenges
The IB framework is pretty great at helping us navigate these ups and downs. In Theory of Knowledge (TOK), we learn that truth and identity aren’t set in stone—they change as we gain new experiences. Through our CAS activities, we try out various roles—becoming volunteers, athletes, or artists—and often discover hidden talents we didn’t even know we had.
Pro Tip: Identity isn't about having all the answers; it's about exploring, reflecting, and evolving throughout our IB journey.
Cultural Identity vs. Academic Identity
Being in IB classrooms means we get to meet students from all over the world, and this sometimes causes a clash between our cultural identities and academic expectations. But at Manchester International School, we celebrate this diversity and help each other find comfort in our differences. We don’t have to define ourselves by just one identity—we can embrace many aspects of who we are.
It’s Okay to Not Have it All Figured Out
One of the biggest myths is that you need to have your identity all sorted out by the time you finish high school. The truth is, that identity is a journey, not a destination. Even adults keep evolving and redefining themselves. What the IB teaches us is that it’s perfectly okay to be in a constant state of discovery. We believe that every student’s identity is a beautiful work in progress. Whether you see yourself as a musician, scientist, or changemaker, it all adds to the journey. The IB framework gives us the tools to explore, reflect, and grow—because identity isn’t a crisis; it’s actually an opportunity to become the best version of ourselves
