This past semester, ETA Payton Storey had the privilege of partnering with Reach the World, an American exchange program, to share his journey of living and learning in Indonesia with a kindergarten class in the US. Over the last few months, Payton wrote a series of blogs for his kindergartners about various aspects of his experiences, including food, weather, traditions, and how people help one another in his community. Both he and Allison Toerpe, the kindergartners’ teacher, enjoyed helping their students learn about an environment and culture so different from their own, which the students delighted in. They had their final video call together in December.

Payton was also privileged to join Ibu Yanti Linehan, the head of the Tourism and Culture Department of Jambi City, Indonesia, at a variety of artistic and cultural events, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Recently, he also had the opportunity to serve Ibu Yanti and her staff by hosting an English conversation workshop for them, aimed at building their confidence in speaking English. They practiced greetings, introductions, and discussing their interests, and came away feeling excited about using their English skills and motivated to make English a part of their regular activities. The group plans to gather again in the future, with a focus on basic formal English for use in office conversations and for using English in their roles as cultural stewards in Jambi.

Payton Storey is currently teaching at SMAN 3 Kota Jambi, Jambi.