From April 8 to April 10th, 2026, ETA Brianna Adu-Kyei accompanied her 10th grader Shafiyyah Ashimah Az-Zahra to the nation’s capital, Jakarta. The reason? Fiya, as SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman’s finalist, was on the way to compete with 16 other students from around the country in the National WORDS Storytelling competition. Starting from it being her first time on a plane, the trip was full of new experiences: attending a talk at UNESCO; taking pictures by Monas; and exploring the Museum Nasional.

Together, Brianna and Fiya rehearsed tirelessly, knowing her script inside and out and able to start from any line. Fiya’s mom also pitched in, styling her adorable hijab pigtails and applying her stage makeup. On the day of the competition, despite her bundle of nerves, Shafiyyah went out and did her best. Her story focused on finding your own community and keeping your chin up, even if others try to get you down. After she got off-stage, she made sure to cheer on her friends who were just as nervous, and compliment their performances. Her sincere congratulations to her new friends on their prizes was a great model of team spirit.

SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman is very proud of Shafiyyah’s hard work over these last few months; her bravery in trying her best at something so new so far from home; and her open and warm heart for her fellow competitors. Well done!

Brianna Adu-Kyei is currently teaching at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman, Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur.