In February, ETA Alyssa Guiang and the English Club students at SMAN 1 Tomohon took part in a creative mural project that showcased their club’s vision and celebrated its first year of regular operation. The mural, designed and painted by English Club members, was placed on a prominent wall in the school’s 10th-grade section.

The planning process was enjoyable, as students were encouraged to share their ideas during brainstorming sessions at weekly English Club meetings. The final design incorporated the club’s slogan, “Learn today, lead tomorrow, don’t be afraid to make dreams come true,” along with the club logo, club member handprints, and other student-generated ideas such as grass, clouds, butterflies, trees, and birds.

The project began with a prayer, followed by the school principal and other teachers initiating the first few paint strokes on the wall. Teachers and students alike remarked on how enjoyable the painting process was and communicated in English throughout the mural’s completion. The English Club worked hard on the designs until sunset that day to accomplish their goal. As the group cleaned up, they were happy and impressed by their work.

This initiative added color to the school and allowed students to practice English in an artistic and collaborative setting. The mural is now a lasting symbol of the English Club’s presence and impact at SMAN 1 Tomohon, and it will serve as a backdrop for future English Club events and activities.

Fellow teachers and staff affirmed that the mural was one of a kind. This project is certainly one of the most memorable endeavors ETA Alyssa has experienced with her school community!

Alyssa Guiang is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Tomohon, North Sulawesi.