In February, ETA Jasmine Coley held her local WORDS competition at SMKN 3 Kendari. The competition included two passionate competitors, both with unique stories surrounding art communities. The stories still varied widely, from a complex story about the impacts of AI within the art community to friends within the art community boosting the self-esteem of their companion as he struggles to regain confidence to draw again.

In the end, there was clarity in simplicity, and the story of the unconfident cat succeeded. The first-place winner’s performance props included a “magic pencil” and a magnificent drawing that surely won over the judges. Dressed as his main character and conveying colorful emotions, it surely felt as if his storybook came to life before all their eyes.

Jasmine and her first-place winner, Muh. Akbar Al-Manshurin, we are looking forward to the national WORDS competition in April. Semoga sukses!

Jasmine Coley is currently teaching at SMKN 3 Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.