Abass Kamara

Company: Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania
Resides: Harrisburg, PA
Grew up: Highland Park
Elementary School: Pittsburgh Liberty
Middle School: Pittsburgh Frick

High School: Pittsburgh Schenley
College: Cornell University
IB Diploma Classes Taken: English 3, English 4, Theory of Knowledge, Biology II, World Cultures, Theatre Arts
Graduated PPS: 1995

What are you doing now?
I am the special assistant to Governor Edward G. Rendell. How has IB helped you in your career?
My exposure to multiple perspectives, the many communities in Pittsburgh and strong teachers who instilled exemplary writing and analytical skills set me up for success at Cornell-and in my work in government and politics across the state of Pennsylvania. I am deeply appreciative for all I learned in those classes.

Company: Branding Brand
Resides: Pittsburgh, PA
Grew up: Spring Hill on the North Side
Elementary School: Pittsburgh Northview
Middle School: Pittsburgh Frick

High School: Pittsburgh Schenley
College: Carnegie Mellon University
Graduate School: Carnegie Mellon Heinz School of
Public Policy and Management
IB Diploma Classes Taken:
English 3, English 4, Biology II, Visual Arts, World Cultures, Theory of Knowledge Graduated PPS: 1999

What are you doing now?
Out of college, I co-founded a publishing company called College Prowler (collegeprowler.com), where I served as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Public Relations. There, I helped publish over 200 books, which are available in bookstores across the country (and online). I secured over 100 articles in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Entrepreneur magazine and have appeared live on CNN. Our clients include local and national brands, and we're located in the heart of Oakland.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of putting their child into IB courses at the IB 6-12 school?
It’s an invaluable experience, and at the time I don't think I even realized how prestigious it was. Throughout college, I met many people who paid thousands of dollars to attend the best high schools in the country- friends who grew up in areas obsessed with education- and all of them have been absolutely amazed at the educational opportunity we have here.

Company: New York City Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn, NY
Resides: New York City
Grew up: Highland Park
Elementary School: Pittsburgh Liberty
Middle School: Pittsburgh Frick
High School: Pittsburgh Schenley

College: Cornell University
Graduate School: Johns Hopkins School of Public Health


IB Diploma Classes Taken: English 3, English 4, Theory of Knowledge, Biology II, World Cultures, Theatre Arts Graduated PPS: 1998
What are you doing now?
I am a City Research Scientist.

What did you find most valuable about the IB classes you took?
The IB program really forced me to develop a variety of communicative, analytical and creative skills. I certainly felt challenged, and I always felt that the IB teachers were there for additional support.

When you think about the ways in which IB prepared you for the world outside of high school, how did it help you succeed?
The IB program is a wonderful opportunity for students to get practical exposure to the kind of academic work they will find in a college setting and to build skills that will be very valuable in the workforce.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of putting their child into IB courses at the IB 6-12 school?
Having the ability to work well within a group, as well as independently, being flexible and adaptable in a changing workforce and knowledgeable about other cultures—these are all skills that are very important in the workplace. I felt that the IB classes really prepared me for a college workload in terms of learning how to organize my time and tasks and plan for deadlines. The diversity of the course load as well as an emphasis on fundamental skills continue to be extremely useful to me.

Company: Pietragallo, Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti.
Resides: Pittsburgh, PA
Grew up: North Side
Elementary School: Pittsburgh Liberty
Middle School: Pittsburgh Frick

High School: Pittsburgh Schenley
College: University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School: Duquesne University School of Law
IB Diploma Classes Taken:
English 3, English 4, Theory of Knowledge
Graduated PPS: 1997

What are you doing now?
I am an associate attorney at the Pittsburgh firm of Pietragallo, Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti.

What skills did you learn when you took IB classes that helped you when you got to college and beyond?
IB classes enabled me to sharpen my critical thinking skills which were most helpful in my future endeavors.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of putting their child into IB courses at the IB 6-12 school?
IB courses will enable your child to reach their potential by insisting on higher academic standards and accountability. IB courses provided an opportunity to be subjected to rigorous and difficult standards that prepare students for real life challenges.

Company: Pepper Hamilton LLP
Resides: Philadelphia, PA
Grew up: Homewood
Elementary School: Pittsburgh Linden
Middle School: Pittsburgh Frick

High School: Pittsburgh Schenley
College: Northwestern University, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School: University of Pittsburgh School of Law
IB Diploma Classes Taken: English 3, English 4, Biology II, Visual Arts, World Cultures, Theory of Knowledge, Elementary Functions
Graduated PPS: 1997

What are you doing now?
I am an associate at a law firm in Philadelphia.

What did you find most valuable about the IB classes you took?
The most valuable thing I got out of the IB program was belief in myself. The courses helped me learn to challenge myself, and the constant feedback and encouragement from my teachers gave me reason to believe that I could do anything that I put my mind to.

When you think about the ways in which IB prepared you for the world outside of high school, how did it help you succeed?
IB helped me learn to think critically and it gave me more of an appreciation for other cultures. I’ve made many friends from all over the world, and I believe that my IB education is part of the reason why. International students and coworkers I've met recognize and value an IB diploma.

What skills did you learn when you took IB classes that helped you when you got to college and beyond?
The writing skills I developed in IB classes were very helpful both in college and law school. The IB courses helped me learn how to write clearly and effectively and how to write for a variety of audiences.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of putting their child into IB courses at the IB 6-12 school?
I would definitely encourage it. I was only exposed to IB in grades 11 and 12, but I believe that starting with IB even earlier would give a child a great opportunity to get a wellrounded education with an international focus. I never felt overwhelmed with work. The IB program is challenging, but it's also interesting and relevant both academically and later in life.

Teach For America Corps Member,
Kindergarten teacher
Resides: Hartford, CT
Grew up: Point Breeze
Elementary School: Carlow Campus School
Middle School: Carlow Campus School
High School: Pittsburgh Schenley

College: College of the Holy Cross
IB Diploma Classes Taken:
English 3, English 4, Elementary Functions, Theatre Arts, World Cultures, Theory of Knowledge
Graduated PPS: 2003

What did you find most valuable about the IB classes you took?
I found that my IB courses prepared me for the rigorous course load in college.

When you think about the ways in which IB prepared you for the world outside of high school (academics aside), how did it help you succeed?
My English 4 course, specifically, exposed me to wonderful literature that few people outside of our school may have read such as Richard Wright & Zora Neal Hurston.

What skills did you learn when you took IB classes that helped you when you got to college and beyond?
When I got to college, I found that my writing skills were well crafted- largely due to my experience in all of my IB courses, not just English.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of putting their child into IB courses at the IB 6-12 school?
I would tell them that they would be exposing their children to a way of thinking that few high school students get to experience. I would also tell them that their child will be more than prepared when they get to college- specifically in critical thinking and the ability to balance a rigorous course load.