SMAN 5 Padangsidimpuan has joined forces with a local university to help further the conversation skills of the more advanced students at both institutions through the newly formed Conversation Club. ETA Emma Barnes was asked to start and lead the club in order to give said students more hands on experience in day to day English conversation and to overall further their conversation skills. The meetings will be held on Tuesday afternoons each week and include five SMAN 5 students, as well as around 20 university students. The first meeting focused on a review of introductions and a discussion of expectations for future meetings and for the direction of the club. After the meeting, the university students departed, and Emma, Ibu Emmy, and the SMAN 5 students stayed at school so the students could prepare auditions for an upcoming school talent show. The attached photo shows students Wahyu and Alfa showing off their singing and beat boxing skills respectively, while Ibu Rhea, Claudia, Nanda, and photographer Emma spectate.

Emma Barnes is currently teaching at SMAN 5 Padangsidimpuan, North Sumatra