On Thursday, February 5, students at SMK Negeri 9 Padang gathered for their weekly assembly, not knowing that they were in for a treat: SMKN 9 Padang’s local WORDS competition! From 25 initial sign-ups, 11 finalists stuck it out through ETA Aurelia Tan’s five intensive workshops, preparing competitors to write and perform their own original story about their community. Their hard work went toward a chance to compete at the national WORDS competition in Jakarta.

Each of the 11 finalists bravely told their story in front of their peers and three esteemed judges: Dr. Difiani Apriyanti from Politeknik Negeri Padang, Muhammad Farhan from American Corner Padang, and ETA Navara Syed. Some had fully illustrated storybooks, others brought visual props, and all spoke with confidence. However, there could only be one winner!

The results of the judges’ deliberation were announced on Monday, February 9. Third place went to Muhammad Irsyad, an 11th-grade Hospitality student who wrote his story about a scholarship student who found his place in the fitness community. Second place went to Regita Filza Rivki, a 10th-grade Culinary student who wrote about the repairs to a small village’s bridge after flooding. First place went to Putri Permata Sari, an 11th-grade Hospitality student who performed a story about a girl with vitiligo who overcomes bullying and joins an esports community.

All participants received a certificate and a lunchbox, along with the satisfaction of successfully crafting and sharing their own narrative in English.

Aurelia Tan is currently teaching at SMKN 9 Padang, West Sumatra.