Class of 2022 Alumni Spotlight: Robbie Bauer

This week, our Alumni Spotlight explores Robbie Bauer’s journey with AISG. Robbie started his journey at AISG as a preschooler in 2007. It has been 15 years of Robbie and AISG growing up together. Robbie appreciates his beloved and connected community, especially how it provided him unforgettable support for his IB exams.

AISG 2022 Graduate Receiving his Diplomas

Now that your senior year has ended, was there any moment or event this past year that made a defining impact or lasting impression? 

There were many moments this year that I feel were very significant, from my Extended Essay completion to the assembly on my last day of classes where the whole school wished the seniors well for our IB exams to the graduation ceremony rehearsal, but I feel that the most significant one was during the IB exams. During that period where I, and all the rest of my grade, had large amounts of stress as we studied and took the exams, our teachers, administrators, and PTA were immensely helpful. From providing gift bags for us to providing snacks, and even setting aside extra time to help us go over difficult concepts and topics, I could really tell at that time that everyone at the school had the goal of helping us succeed on our exams. This was really eye opening for me and it is something that I won’t ever forget.

AISG 2022 Graduates

How did the IB curriculum affect your perspective towards education? 

The one thing that the IB curriculum has taught me the most is that you need to put effort into your education. In previous years I was able to go from class to class and be mostly prepared for everything, but in these past two years I realized that if I was to not put in a lot more effort on my part, then I wouldn’t be able to succeed. The most eye-opening event for me to this was the Extended Essay, where I procrastinated and didn’t take initiative, which resulted in me being behind in the process, and needing to put in hours after school day after day to catch up.

AISG Students Learning Robots

In regards to the outbreak of COVID-19, what was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it? 

The biggest challenge I faced due to COVID-19 was that virtual/online learning had much less accountability than in-person learning. Especially during 10th and the beginning of 11th grade there were periods where I would get distracted during class time or turn in assignments late because I had relatively little accountability. The reason which I overcame it was simply due to the difficulty of the IB curriculum and the assorted assignments which I needed to complete. Sure, I could have continued on as I had, and not taken responsibility for my learning, but with something as difficult as the IBDP curriculum, it was simply impossible for me to do those things without falling behind. I suppose it may be more due to circumstance, and my ability to adapt over time to do what was required. 

AISG Class of 2022 Outdoor Activities

Where will you be going to college and what are you looking forward to the most? 

I will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year. The main thing I am looking forward to is living in the US, as though I am a US citizen since I have only ever lived in China. I expect there to be all sorts of interesting events due to this. The other main thing that I am looking forward to is living near family; as I have family living in that area who I don’t often get to visit.

AISG Class of 2022 Family

This year we celebrated AISG’s 40th Anniversary. What thoughts or emotions come to mind and what does this mean to you? 

I remember back when I was part of some promotional material for AISG’s 30th Anniversary, so it really puts into perspective how long I have been at the school. As well as how long AISG has been impacting my life.

AISG Class of 2022 Yearbook

What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at AISG? 

I’d say to take advantage of everything that AISG has to offer. The teachers’ goal is to help students learn, and I personally feel that AISG has many exceptional teachers who have helped me at times simply because I asked a question. As well as the extracurriculars that AISG offers. One thing that I regret is not being part of more clubs or groups, because though I was involved with three, looking back I know that I had far more spare time than I thought I did, and I know that I missed out on many opportunities that I know I would have enjoyed.

AISG Class of 2022 Robot Group Photo

What accomplishments do you dream to achieve in the next five years and how will your education at AISG help you achieve these?

I’d like to say that my goal would be to cure cancer, or develop groundbreaking technology, but realistically, it will be to continue learning. The whole reason that I want to pursue higher education is that I feel that there is still much for me to learn; so my overall goal will be to continue learning, which I hope will be shown in the earning of a degree. I think that AISG has given me an extra boost in preparing for university, as not only does the school offer the IBDP, it provides resources to make the transition to university easier, most notably through our college counselor: Dr.Walker. Overall, I have to say that AISG has given me opportunities which I may not have gotten elsewhere.

AISG Scouts

Robbie's extracurriculars/activities/awards/etc. at AISG: 

  • Scouts BSA (2015-2022)
  • Eagle Scout Rank (2022)
  • Induction into the Order of the Arrow (2020)
  • Drone Club (2017-2022)
  • VEX Robotics (2021-2022)
  • Think Award for Robot Design and Programing (2021-2022)
  • Honor and Highest Honor roll

Robbie and all graduates from Class of 2022, best wishes on your future endeavors! Go Rams!