When Isabelle stepped onto the stage at the Top CEO Gala 2025 hosted by Forbes, she represented more than just herself. She represented the kind of student PBIS strives to develop curious, responsible, and willing to turn opportunities into real impact.
Now in the final months of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), Isabelle looks back at the experiences that shaped her journey from a motivated student into a confident young scientist preparing for the next stage of her life.
Isabelle describes herself as someone who is naturally driven, both academically and personally. But for her, motivation does not come from competition alone it comes from a sense of responsibility. She recognizes how fortunate she has been: a supportive family, strong friendships, and access to an education that opens doors around the world.
For Isabelle, that privilege comes with an obligation.
She believes that when opportunities appear, the right response is to make the most of them and work as hard as possible. During her years at PBIS, that mindset allowed her to grow not only academically but also personally becoming more independent, disciplined, and confident. She is also quick to acknowledge the role teachers have played along the way. Their encouragement and guidance helped transform curiosity into .
Discovering Science Beyond the Classroom
One of the most formative experiences of Isabelle’s time at PBIS came through a year-long internship at an institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, made possible through the Open Science programme. For Isabelle, stepping into a real research laboratory was transformative. Watching scientists conduct experiments, analyze results, and explore unanswered questions gave her a firsthand look at how science operates beyond textbooks. It confirmed something she had already begun to feel in the classroom: that scientific research was not only fascinating, but also something she wanted to pursue at university. Just as important were the people she met along the way researchers whose passion for discovery left a lasting impression. Looking back, Isabelle believes that her preparation at PBIS played a crucial role in making that opportunity possible. The school’s emphasis on inquiry and critical thinking had already sparked her interest in scientific research long before the internship began.
A TEDx Talk That Built Confidence
Another defining moment came through an experience that initially pushed her far outside her comfort zone: delivering a TEDx talk hosted by PBIS. Public speaking had never been something Isabelle enjoyed. Standing in front of a large audience was intimidating, and the idea of presenting personal ideas publicly seemed daunting. Yet she accepted the challenge. In front of an audience of around one hundred people, Isabelle spoke for ten minutes about a topic she cared deeply about. The experience changed her perspective. She realized that even the things that seem uncomfortable at first can become powerful opportunities for growth. Preparing the talk, structuring her message, and delivering it on stage strengthened her confidence in ways she had not expected.
A Team Victory on the International Stage
Another milestone came through the Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge, a competition organized by Junior Achievement in partnership with ExxonMobil. Isabelle joined the competition almost by chance, after classmates encouraged her to participate. Working together as a team, they developed their project and competed at the national level. Their work paid off. The team won the national round, earning the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at the international finals in Brussels. Beyond the competition itself, the experience introduced Isabelle to students from across Europe and gave her the opportunity to collaborate with people she might never otherwise have met. Many of those connections remain part of her network today.
A Community That Encourages Growth
Looking back, Isabelle sees her journey as a combination of to and support. The academic structure of the IB Diploma Programme challenged her intellectually. At the same time, PBIS encouraged students to explore experiences beyond the classroom whether through internships, competitions, research, or public speaking. Each of these experiences contributed to her development not only as a student, but as a person.
Looking Ahead
As graduation approaches, Isabelle feels confident about the future. The experiences she has gained working in research environments, speaking on stage, collaborating with international teams have given her both direction and confidence. She plans to continue pursuing science at university level, building on the curiosity that first developed in the classroom and grew through the many opportunities PBIS provided. For Isabelle, the journey is only beginning. But the foundation has already been built.
At PBIS, success is not defined by a single achievement. It grows through curiosity, responsibility, and the courage to take on new challenges.
Isabelle’s story shows how those qualities can turn opportunities into a path forward.
What stood out to me the most was how she describes stepping into things that didn’t come naturally to her, like public speaking. Those are the moments that shape a person the most when you choose to do something uncomfortable. I could really relate to that.