The 2025 National WORDS Storytelling and Storybook Competition brought together ten high school students from every corner of Indonesia and their dedicated Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) in Jakarta from February 17–20, 2025. ETA Annie Cowen was joined by her student, Eugenia Sharon, the winner of the local competition held at SMA Xaverius Bandar Lampung in January. Over the past month, Annie and Eugenia worked closely together, having fun while practicing, crafting props, and perfecting Eugenia’s story.

Inspired by Lampungese culture, Eugenia’s story centered on Oyen, an orange cat, highlighting the importance of preserving tradition. By blending her artistic abilities with her literary talents, she created a captivating narrative celebrating cultural pride, identity, and the journey of coming of age. Her commitment, creativity, and passion ultimately led her to win first place in the competition—a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication.

This event has been a standout highlight of Annie’s grant, showcasing the power of mentorship and cultural exchange. The competition brought together students and ETAs from Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, and Sumatra, fostering an environment rich in growth, meaningful connections, and cultural sharing.

The students built new friendships throughout the multi-day event and shared unforgettable experiences. Highlights included visits to the Grand Indonesia Mall and a tour of Monas, making this an unforgettable week for all. A special thank you to Eugenia for sharing her beautiful story, reminding us of the profound role tradition plays in our identity and its power to guide and protect us.

Annie Cowen is currently teaching at SMA Xaverius Bandar Lampung, Lampung.