IBChangemakers: ‘The projects helped me apply classroom knowledge to real life’

For this MYP-5 student of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, learning extended far beyond the classroom through his Personal Project and e-Portfolio. From creating a healthy cookbook for teenagers to coaching a football client, both experiences helped him build confidence, independence, research skills, and a deeper understanding of purposeful learning. Meet Ryan Khetrapal. In a candid interview, he talks about how the Personal Project and e-Portfolio influenced his career goals because now he wants to pursue Business Management and create a positive impact on society.

What was your Personal Project about?

My Personal Project was titled Art on a Plate. I created a cookbook for teenagers with over 10 healthy, nutritionally balanced, tasty, and easy-to-prepare recipes from around the world. I chose this topic because unhealthy snacking has become a very common problem among teenagers. Many teenagers tend to eat unhealthy snacks whenever they feel hungry or want to munch on something. I felt the topic was a major issue because it affects the health of teenagers around the world.

What was the main purpose of your cookbook?

The main purpose of my cookbook was to give teenagers healthier food options that are simple, tasty, and easy to cook. I wanted the recipes to be practical for teenagers and also nutritionally balanced. I included recipes from different parts of the world to bring in cultural diversity. Some of the recipes included pasta, hummus, pizzas, and Indian dishes.

What inspired your interest in cooking?

My interest in cooking started when I was in Grade 5. I used to watch my brother cook, and that inspired me. Slowly, food became my passion. I learnt that cooking can be very beneficial when done properly. I also realised that creating recipes is not as easy as it may seem, especially when one has to balance taste, calories, protein, and nutritional value.

What research finding stood out to you?

One fact that stood out during my research was that many children prefer unhealthy food over healthy food. I found that 51 per cent of children eat unhealthy food instead of choosing healthier options.

What skills did you develop through the Personal Project?

Through the Personal Project, I developed research skills, time management, planning skills, and organisational skills. I also learnt the importance of staying focused and taking responsibility for my work.

Which subject did you choose for your e-Portfolio?

I chose PHE as my e-Portfolio subject. It was based on football, and I worked as a coach for my client. My client was my friend. I interviewed him to understand how he plays, and he likes to play.

What was the first step in your e-Portfolio process?

The first step was understanding the client. I did this by conducting an interview and learning about his playing style, preferences, and injury history. I analysed my client’s performance. We did an initial performance analysis based on his strength, agility, and other areas.

After analysing the performance, we designed tests and training plans. Later, we reflected on how the client’s performance had developed.

What skills did the e-Portfolio help you develop?

The e-Portfolio helped me develop research skills, time management, interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to analyse performance. Since I am a goalkeeper and play football, the PHE e-Portfolio allowed me to work on something connected to my interests. It helped me understand the sport from a coaching and performance-analysis perspective.

What was your biggest learning from both projects?

The biggest learning from both projects was understanding how important such experiences are. They helped me develop confidence, independence, time management, research skills, interpersonal skills, and a stronger sense of responsibility. It also helped me understand the value of working with others and learning from different perspectives.