ETA Sophia Lockwood has spent these last few months writing stories, and not just any story! These students have been working hard to create storybooks for the 2020 WORDS Storytelling and Storybook Competition. Pencils have been flying, and imagination has been endless at MAN 2 Klaten.

The theme, “Heroes,” resonated with her students, and they were able to identify their hero early. For most of them, there was no question that they were going to write a storybook about their parents. Sophia has always known that her students were close to their families, but this process has opened her eyes to the overall importance of families in Indonesia. Her students talk about their families with lights in their eyes and from there it was only about helping them craft the best story.

This past weekend the students gathered around to present their story to see who would advance to the next round. Even though it was raining ferociously outside, the students were unbothered and still gave it all their best. There were tears and brave hearts at MAN 2 on Saturday, and they all led to a winner.

Sophia’s student, Nurul Laili Fadillah, won the competition, and everyone could not be happier for this deserved win.

Sophia Lockwood is currently teaching at MAN 2 Klaten, Central Java.