The first two weeks of October are widely dreaded by SMAS Nurul Ilmi Padang Sidimpuan students as the period of mid-year exams. Understandably, many students were feeling nervous about the upcoming English test. Taking place on the night of September 30, 2023, ETA Luke Losié organized a last-minute English study session at many students’ request. While Luke does not endorse cramming right before a test, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

In attendance were many 12th-grade students whose English exam would occur first. The topics the students would be tested on were making requests, writing letters, conditional tenses, and the difference between the passive and active voice. Luke was greatly impressed by the energy and attitude of the students, who all asked insightful questions and were ready to participate. Ultimately, Luke hopes this study session will reflect on the students’ test scores. Luke also hopes to facilitate more preparatory sessions of this kind for other upcoming exams as needed.

Luke Losie is currently teaching at SMAS Nurul Ilmi Padang Sidimpuan, North Sumatra.