IBChangemakers: ‘I wanted to explore how beauty can exist even in decay’

Student-led inquiry helps learners move beyond routine classroom work and explore ideas that matter to them. It builds research, creativity, observation, and reflection. Such experiences allow students to connect knowledge with personal meaning while presenting not only what they created but also how they grew through the process.

Meet Smera Sachdeva, an MYP-5 student at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park. In a candid interview, she shares how and why she chose the topics for her Personal Project (PP) and e-Portfolio for the academic year 2025-26.

Tell us about your PP.

For my Personal Project, I explored the theme of decay as beauty. I worked with sunflowers and studied them in detail through different mediums, including acrylics, water, pencil colours and 3D sculpture. I chose this theme because decay is closely connected with transformation. It is not only about something becoming dark or damaged. It can also show change, growth and renewal. Since I have had my own fears about change as I transition to DP, this theme felt very personal to me.

Why did you choose sunflowers for this project? How did Anselm Kiefer inspire your work?

I chose sunflowers because they symbolise happiness and hope. I wanted to use them to show that even when something goes through decay or change, it can still hold beauty and meaning.

I was inspired by Anselm Kiefer while creating my expressive artwork. Through that piece, I portrayed hope emerging from darkness. I wanted the artwork to show that transformation can feel difficult at first, but it can also lead to growth.

How does this project connect with you personally?

This project connects with me because I have been afraid of change, especially while moving towards DP. Through the theme of decay as beauty, I wanted to understand change differently. I wanted to show that transformation is not always negative. It can also lead to something brighter.

What did you explore for your e-Portfolio?

For my e-Portfolio, I deepened my long-standing interest in astronomy by studying Saturn. I observed Saturn through a telescope and learnt more about its distinctive ring system and the recently discovered additional moons. I chose this planet because it is a very unique planet. Its ring system makes it stand out in the solar system, and although many people like Saturn, they may not know much about it beyond its appearance.

How did you study Saturn?

I studied Saturn by observing it through a telescope. This helped me practically apply my interest in astronomy. It also gave me some understanding of how professional astronomers observe celestial objects. What interested me the most was that apart from its rings, I found its moons fascinating. Scientists have recently discovered additional moons around Saturn, making it the planet with the most moons in the solar system.

How did this work help you grow?

This work helped me take my interest in astronomy further. I was able to move beyond reading about Saturn and actually observe it. It gave me a deeper understanding of the planet and made my learning feel more personal and practical.