ETA Alexandra Gwynn spent the month of November with many wonderful activities with her students and co-teachers.

On November 10 and November 23, animation students and Ibu Itha asked her to come along on two off-campus film shoots that served as school projects. The first shoot took place on the camping grounds and along the stream of Bedengan where students shot some scenes about humanity’s relationship with water. The next shoot took place in Ranu Pani; students viewed the Tengger Tribe during the Unan-Unan ceremony that takes place every five years. The ceremony gives thanks to the land, celebrates inter-religious harmony, and safeguards the village from disaster. Both shoots allowed students to capture the connection between nature and humanity.

On another occasion, on November 11, she got to see students interviewing SMKN 9 community members to collect an array of narratives told in English. Each narrative focused on overcoming challenges in life, particularly socioeconomic challenges. Students shared these narratives with the community in both Indonesian and English.

On November 21, Alexandra hosted a Thanksgiving cooking session with English Club teachers. They prepared Thanksgiving staples such as classic deviled eggs, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken/turkey, asparagus, mushrooms, and a variety of ice cream for dessert. The community responded with, “Can we do that again tomorrow?” It was a success.

On November 22, Alexandra joined students and faculty in the local mosque to celebrate Maulid, the prophet Muhammad’s birthday, followed by a communal exchange of traditional snacks.

Alexandra Gwynn is currently teaching at SMKN 9 Malang, East Java