With quite a bit of testing happening during the month of March, Fulbright ETA Neelam Vohra had a lot of time to spend with her students and teachers outside of school. One of the highlights for March was spending a few days each week with SMKN 3’s WORDs Competition winner, Willia.

Neelam really enjoyed working with her on her storybook, painting together, and practicing Willia’s storytelling. During the process, Neelam and Willia became much closer, and they began discussing Willia’s future plans. Similarly, Neelam was able to meet up with another student who hopes to pursue art school abroad. Over bowls of ramen, Neelam and this student Okta explored art schools around the world, including in Korea, Japan, and the US. Okta’s and Willia’s excitement for their futures were definitely highlights for this month!

Another highlight for March was spending each Saturday of the month exploring more of the beauty Bangka has to offer. Neelam and her site mate Kiki are lucky to have a friend who is excited to bring them to his favorite spots, including a treehouse at the top of a hill, a dock on the island of Ketawai Island where they watched the sunset, and a restaurant with the best nasi goreng around.

Neelam Vohra is currently teaching at SMKN 3 Pangkalpinang, Bangka-Belitung