Over last weekend in August, ETA Alexander Lopez-Perez joined the students of MAN 2 as they competed in the 8th annual Green Festival and Competition (GRAFIC) held this year at SMAN 5, Bukittinggi.

In groups of three, students from across West Sumatra gathered in SMAN 5 to compete in the regional English Debate Competition, which included topics of discussion ranging from culture, politics, and school rules. Alexander and his co-teacher accompanied and coached three students chosen to represent MAN 2. Although it was their first time competing, the students (who come from the 11th and 12th grade classes) competed valiantly and were excited to share their experience to peers back home. “I’m motivated by the challenge” commented one of the students.

In addition to the joy of giving pep-talks and last minute tips to the students, Alexander had the chance to enjoy traditional Minang food with the team at a local Rumah Makan. For this ETA, the idea of applying one’s knowledge of a foreign language in a detailed activity such as Debate “certainly demonstrates the motivation and grit the students in this region have.”

“Just you wait til next year,” expressed one of the students.

Alexander Lopez-Perez is currently teaching at MAN 2 Bukittinggi, West Sumatra

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All articles from August 2018 edition
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