To set the scene for upcoming Ramadan celebrations, ETA Hannah Semmes and her English Club students celebrated Thanksgiving at her house, where they prepared food together, learned new vocabulary related to the holiday, and discussed traditions (the theme of the upcoming national AMINEF WORDS competition). Students noticed similarities between Thanksgiving and Ramadan when people join neighbors and extended family to break their fast and give gratitude.

In classic Indonesian fashion, the sister-in-law of a schoolteacher and other friends of friends banded together to lend different supplies– from an oven to rare pie tins. Pumpkin pie was a favorite among students and teachers. Together, they made garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and Indonesian turkey (chicken)– with a few yummy Indonesian additions like sambal and rice.

Students passed an inflatable globe Hannah brought from home to use in the classroom, and each shared three things they were grateful for (in English, of course!) It was heart-warming to hear a common theme: the friendships and memories they had made together this year in English Club. They also drew comparisons between Native American and Indigenous Indonesian history.

After dessert, they played “We Listen, and We Don’t Judge,” a TikTok trend that allowed students to practice their English, build friendships, and amuse Hannah. Hannah is grateful for an incredible group of students, teachers, and neighbors who love to learn!

Hannah Semmes is currently teaching at SMAN 10 Bengkulu, Bengkulu.