Everything ends with a "Sampai Jumpa Lagi" not with a "Selamat Tinggal" :)

Day 29 (Monday, February 04, 2019)

Suppressing tears for a nice picture

       Our flight was at 11:52 in the morning, some of the Indonesian buddies assisted us to Minangkabau Airport at 10:00 in the morning. We were crying out hard that time. The feeling of separation swelled in our hearts. After we bid out "sampai jumpas", we proceeded to the check-in baggage counter. I didn't look back, afraid of just staying in Padang. It's hard to look back at them with their sad faces so I just continued walking and cried silently. Indonesia did good to us most especially our new found 'family'. Thank you SEAMEO for this opportunity, I was able to meet these amazing people who touched my heart and gave me the chance to grow into a woman I never knew I will be for a month. Thank you for the wonderful experiences, Indonesia! 

Counting hours in Padang, Indonesia

Day 28 (Sunday, February 03, 2019)

 Looking back at the wonderful memories...

 Live and Love!

Enjoying the breathtaking view with these amazing people

I will never forget worth treasuring memories I have garnered with all the people that I have met in this program. All the days and nights that I have spent with you guys do not equal any Indonesian Rupiah or Philippine Peso. Thank you for the well-spent one month that gave color to my 20 years of existence. Your names will be forever carved in my heart. I love you all!

-From the craziest 💕

Last minute adventures of SEA-Teachers

Day 27 (February 02, 2019)

Selamat Datang to HARAU DREAM PARK, where your loneliness will be blown away by the cold breeze.

       For our last field trip, we went to Harau Dream Park and passed by Bukittingi. We had long travel to reached our destination. So while we were inside the bus, we sang and danced to the played songs to at least lighten up the mood of everyone. They were lonely knowing the fact that we only have few days in Padang and so were we.  

'Looking back' pose

I passed by my lovely students :)

 Friendship knows no race

 Mother Sysi, you are always in my heart.

Wondrous Jam Gadang!

Cultural Night ✨

Day 26 (Friday, February 01, 2019)

Ma. Adelyn Doroin (one of the Filipino SEA-Teachers) expresses her gratitude to UNP community on behalf of the Filipino SEA-Tachers.

       This was our most awaited night to show other people how rich the Philippine culture is. We planned on having a separate dance presentation for each archipelago and there will be united performance for our final performance. We have been practicing so that when we present it'll be flawless. 

       We arrived at the hall at exactly 7:00 in the evening. They opened the ceremony and proceeded to dinner  time. Inside the hall were our mentors, cooperating teachers, teachers, and students from UNP. There were performances made by Indonesian students from UNP. It was an amazing performance because it shows the cultural dance for wedding in Indonesia.

     It was then our turn to present so we all gave our best during our performance. Our Indonesian buddies were cheering for us while we were performing. It warmed my heart to see them applauding our performance. One of the Vice Rectors awarded us certificate of completion and plaque for being an exchange student teachers in Universitas Negeri Padang. 

With the Head of International Office of UNP, Pak Ananda

Sampai jumpa siswa saya!

Day 25 (Thursday, January 31, 2019)

 "MABUHAY, MINAMAHAL KONG MAGAARAL!"

     This morning I am determined to attend the school even though I have a headache. This day was my last day of teaching in SMAN 10 so I really need to attend my morning class. Also, today my mentor Dr. Zulyusri evaluated me during my teaching. I came early to school and waited for Bu Nini and my mentor to come to class. 

      I prepared the needed multimedia tools, worksheets, and instructional materials. I started the class discussion with a prayer then greetings. I called their names to check the student's absence record. Then we continued last Thursday's discussion about Seed Plants. We finished the explaining on how reproduction of Spermatophyta happens. I gave them the learning worksheets and allocated them 45 minutes to answer it. After they finished answering it, I let each group present their work. Most of the group got the correct answers so I rewarded them 'excellent' ribbons. I expressed my 'good byes' and 'thank yous' to them. I almost cried in front of them but they keep on smiling at me so I just reciprocated them my sincerest smile.

     I waited for my mentor and cooperating teacher to finish evaluating me. After a couple of minutes, they discussed with me how they evaluated me. I have no complains about their rating because they gave me reasonable grade that I am very grateful for.

With my hardworking, kind and supportive mentors in Padang!

Roaming around FMIPA at UNP

Day 24 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)

Inside the Laboratorium Biologi

     This day I spent the day in roaming around the FMIPA and visited some the academic laboratories inside. I have arranged a meeting with my mentor at the library's ground floor. As I wait for our meeting time, I spent my vacant time to explore the facilities of each laboratory in FMIPA. Together with Pute (one of the Indonesian buddies) and two Biology students namely Dayat and Afif, we went to various rooms where they conduct their practical examinations, experiment and research. Inside the laboratories were complete set of instruments which are necessary for conducting an experiment or scientific study. 

Tuesday had never been this..

Day 23 (Tuesday, January 29, 2019)

Lunch with SMAN 10 Faculty Teachers and Teaching Interns from UNP

         I went to SMAN 10 an hour before my class starts. I want to seize my last days in the school that has  warmly welcomed me. As I waited for my class time, I stayed in the Piket area of my co-interns and had small talks with them. Pak Nas passed by the area and invited us to join the faculty teachers for lunch. He said that it's his treat so we cordially accepted his free lunch. Although I already ate at the school canteen, I don't want to miss the moments with SMAN 10 people so together with my co-interns we went inside. We indulged ourselves with delicious Indonesian cuisine served in front. We were shy at first because we're facing professional teachers but I reminded myself that I should be used to it. After the delightful meal from Pak Nas, I proceeded to the classroom to meet my students. 

With my studious and adorable students 💕

        Just like yesterday, I felt so sad with the fact that this will be the last time that I have to teach them. I did my best to suppress the loneliness that I am feeling that time. They continued answering the worksheets that I have gave them last session. They finished their task within half an hour so we proceeded to the presentation. After all the group presented their work, I showed them the right answers to the tabular data that they have answered. Before I went out the classroom, I let them answer the Student's Feedback Monitoring Tool. I bid my 'sampai jumpa' to them and they were all doing sad faces. I expressed my gratitude to them for being participative and excellent students. I will definitely treasure all the moments I had with them.

Last Teaching Monday😢

Day 22 (Monday, January 28, 2019)

Picture with my Grade X-MIPA 8 students

(A picture is truly worth thousand words)

        I felt heavy when I woke up this morning realizing that this would be my last Monday that I have to teach. I gathered myself and tried to be happier so when I face my students they won't feel the burden I am carrying. We had a meaningful class discussion with the thinking that this would be the last. Their cooperation from the first day that I taught them was still evident until now. As I look at them while reciting, I knew that I will miss them. During the presentation of their worksheet, I couldn't help myself to laugh because they were being funny again. Then I said to myself, "I will really miss them".

Blessed Sunday

Day 21 (Sunday, January 27, 2019)

Time for Him

          Our Sunday is allotted for religious activity. We went to church and took our time to give our deepest gratitude to God for showering us lots of blessing. Just like before, we didn't understand what the priest was preaching, so we just prayed silently with all our heart. After attending the mass, we ate at KFC restaurant near the church. Finally, we went home to prepare for tomorrow's classes. 

A day at Miss Nola's House

Day 20 (Saturday, January 26, 2019)

 SEA-Teachers and SEA-TVET Participants at Miss Nola's Humble Abode

       Today was supposed to be our field trip activity but it was postponed because there was no available bus. With that, Miss Nola invited us to her house to have afternoon snack. We prepared ourselves and drove to Miss Nola's place for 30 minutes. When we got there, Miss Nola and her family warmly welcomed us in their house. We sat happily around the food served in front of us. The food was so delicious that I forgot the name of it (hahahah). After having a nice meal, we agreed to go to Charly's Family Karaoke Bar. In there, we rented a karaoke lounge and spend two hours singing ad having fun.  

NASI GORENG: A Taste of Heaven

Day 19 (Friday, January 25, 2019)

 Heavenly Place

       Today, we were gathered in the International Office to have a meeting update for the past few days we've been in Padang. Miss Ari reminded us about the evaluation form that we should prepare. They also noted us about completing the blog so it'll not be a hassle in publishing it. Lastly, Pak Ananda informed us to prepare for the cultural night where we need to present a cultural performance that highlights Philippines rich cultural background.

Filipinos tasting another delicious Indonesian food

        We finished the meeting at 7:30 pm so we went to Jati to look for place to have dinner. Finally, we resorted to eat at Nasi Goreng Jawa which serves the most delicious Nasi Goreng dish in town. As we wait for our order, we had short chit-chats and small talks with other buddies. At last our Nasi Goreng was then served and we dug in to it and it's true when I said "this tastes heaveeen". Nasi Goreng is made of fried spicy rice and mixed with fried eggs with fresh vegetables as garnish. It truly satisfied my expectations and filled up my empty stomach. After the dinner, we went home to have rest after the long day.

Yey, New Topic!

Day 18 (Thursday, January 24, 2019)

Worksheet Time!

           Today, I am excited to meet my students because we'll be tackling new topic about Seed Plants. For my instructional material I used a real seed plants and flowers so students will easily grasp the concept. First,we discussed about the characteristics. I let them hold it in front and describe it based on what they see. Then we proceeded to the classification of Spermatophyta which are Gymnosperm and Angiosperm. When we tackled the reproduction of both classification, I played first the video clips of the process of reproduction. After playing it twice, I gave them a visual diagram of the reproduction and tasked each group to pick a representative to explain the process. My student then explained it well and there were also representatives who explained the process in Bahasa.

Visiting Pantai Padang Taplau

Day 17 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)

      It's my free day so I grabbed this opportunity to translate Bu Nini's new lesson plan about Spermatophyta. In the morning we stayed in the International Office to have an  access to fast WiFi connection. Pak Engki gave us our WiFi account that's why we had a productive stay in the IO. I was able to finish translating the lesson plan and decided to make Daily Lesson Log as separate lesson plan. I also think of instructional material that I should use for my instruction. 

Martabak Mie

Karupok Kuah

        In the afternoon, one of the Indonesian buddies named Cinto invited us to go with her in Pantai Padang Taplau to see the sunset. We already finished our task that's why we didn't waste time and directly went there. From a far we can see the long bay and busy people enjoying the relaxing place. We agreed to stay in the seats with umbrella and ordered our food. While we were waiting for our food, we talked about lot of things and Cinto asked us about our stay in Padang for days. They served Martabak Mie which surprised me because I thought it would taste sweet just like the usual Martabak. It tastes like a noodle or Mie because it is the main ingredient and they just added some eggs and seasonings. Another dish was Karupok Kuah which tasted beyond delicious especially when partnered with Coconut Juice. 

Treat thyself for a JOB WELL DONE 👏

Day 16 (Tuesday, January 22, 2019)

Comfort food

      I woke up late in the morning with a reminder that I have classes at 1:30 until 3:00 in the afternoon. I prepared myself and all the needed materials for teaching. Today, we we're still in the topic about Pteridophyta (Fern Plant). I went to school by riding a Go-ride and I can proudly say that I am a strong independent woman. My buddy Sysi has already classes so she can't assist me in going to my assigned school. Before her classes proceed, she taught me how to book for a a ride that's why I was able to go to SMAN 10 by myself. I have arrived in the school an hour before my class starts. For the meantime, I stayed in the Piket Area and mingled with my co-interns. Sometimes the teachers who passed by the area talked to me and asked things about my beloved country. The bell rang and I wen to the third floor of C building to meet my students. Bu Nini came after I arrived in the classroom. As usual, I did my routinary activity which were checking the absence record and reviewing the previous lesson. We had fun discussion because the students were very energetic and jolly to deal with. Just like the other section, I gave them the learning worksheets and proceeded with the presentation of their work.

        After the class, I went home straight to have my rest. When I arrived in the dormitory, my friends namely Mica and Christine invited me to go with them in walking around the street. I decided to be a good friend and joined their plan even I was so tired that afternoon. We changed our clothes and walked around the street to look for beef. We asked vendors and stores but most of them cannot understand us. There this one person who informed us that we can't find beef in the afternoon because it is only sold early in the morning. We tried to go back to our dormitory but we lost our way and even laughed with our stupidity. So, we booked for a Go Car and decided to go to Plaza Andalas because we haven't been there. As we arrived in the shopping mall, we straightly went to JCO Cafe to treat ourselves for the past restless days. I ordered a large iced coffee frappe and alcapone donut. 

Monday: School Day

Day 15 (Monday, January 21, 2019)

My diligent students working hard to finish their task.

        For this day, I woke up early because I need to print my student's worksheet. The topic was still about Pteridophyta (Fern Plant) and I added some visual aids for students to picture out more the process of fern plant reproduction. It was because on the previous section some of them did not get at once so with that dilemma I tried to add more visual presentation of the process. Although, the first section that I have taught were really fast-learners. They easily picked up the information that they have learned during our discussion. Most of them were eagerly raising their hands to answer. And there was this time when one student cannot answer my question, one student raised her hand and volunteered to help her classmate. I was so glad to know that they want to help their classmates who are in need. It really shows their good attitude and how they value friendship. With that scenario, I was even more motivated to impart my knowledge and help each one of them to love learning.

Experiencing the Alahan Panjang Climate and Tea Plantation 💕

Day 14 (Sunday, January 20, 2019)

 Indonesian buddies and Filipina SEA-Teachers with Miss Nola at Alahan Panjang Tea Farm

       Today was filled with wonderful experiences and memorable moments. We woke up early today because we have a field trip to Alahan Panjang and Tea Plantation in Solok. Our buddies advised us to bring jackets and extra clothes if we want to go on swimming.  I packed my bags with food snacks so during the travel we have something to eat. Our meeting time was at 7:00 am, we went there 15 minutes before the meeting time. Inside the bus were other exchange students from Malaysia and Singapore. 

Posing for a nice photo!

A picture with hardworking tea harvester

       Our first destination was Alahan Panjang Tea Farm in Solok. In going there, it took us 2 hours by riding the bus and we do stop-overs to pee or to pray. When we get there, we excitedly went out of the bus and instantly felt the cold breeze. It was like we were in Bagiuo that time. Bagiuo City is a popular tourist spot in the Philippines and it is called as 'summer capital of the Philippines'. We took a lot of pictures with the green tea background. With the picturesque view, I inhaled the cold breeze and seized every moment in that place. There were people harvesting the tea leaves and we even tried harvesting using the large scissor-like tool that they utilize. After having fun in the Tea Farm, we proceeded to a restaurant to have our lunch. For lunch we ate various food and enjoyed the light ambiance of the restaurant. 

Distant view of Alahan Panjang 

 Bridge to the Lake

       We traveled for an hour to our last destination which was Alahan Panjang Resort. The way to this place was steep and mountainous. There were many rock formations and big trees. I also saw monkeys and forest animals on the way to our destination. As we approach to our destination, some were asleep and covered with their jackets because it was really cold inside the bus. After a couple of minutes, we finally arrived in Alahan Panjang Resort. The view was beyond aesthetic and it felt surreal. The weather was gloomy and the breeze were super cold. Some of my co-participants decided to swim in the lake. It was so cold that's why we just stayed in the picnic ground and enjoyed the view sipping our cup of coffee. We rode in a boat and roamed around the lake vicinity. At first I was really nervous because I am not used to riding a boat but then as we went on I enjoyed the ride and the enchanting lake. The place was a good destination for us to explore more the beauty of Indonesia. 

Worth travelling destination ❤

Saturday, REST DAY

Day 13 (Saturday, January 19, 2019)

Go Food Festival in Transmart

       We don’t have any plans today and so I spent this it to rest and relax. In the morning, I did my laundry and in the afternoon I checked my student’s output from the previous session. I scanned through their works and I appreciated their effort because they seriously wrote their answers in English. When I started checking, I have noticed that most of the students understood the previous topic. In their worksheet I can see their collaborative effort and detailed answers. After checking all the worksheets, I opened my laptop to review the PowerPoint slide presentation that I have made. It is because on Monday I have classes so I need to prepare myself by reviewing first the concept. For dinner, we went out to eat in Richeese Factory because we don’t have food stocks in our dormiroty anymore.. We rode the roller coaster at the 3^rd floor of Transmart. The shopping mall was so alive because of the busy people spending their leisure time inside. Together with our kind Indonesian buddies we roamed around the Transmart and bought some groceries and supplies.

I am determined teacher!

Day 12 (Friday, January 18, 2019)

Hallway: Looking for the Grade XII classroom

       Friday is my free day but I am determined to go to school and do some class observations. Bu Nini told me yesterday that I can take a rest and just attend the school on Monday. I still pursued to go to school so I can learn some things from observing the class and the school environment. I went to school early and found my co-interns in the Piket area. Bu Nini has classes in Grade XII students and luckily she allowed me to go in to do my observation. Just like Bu Nini’s normal routine, she started the class with a prayer then greetings. They didn’t review the previous lesson because the new lesson is not the continuing topic of the previous one. When Bu Nini introduced the topic, she didn’t do some motivational activities that would pique the student’s interests. Grade XII students were very silent and they were passively seated in their seats throughout the discussion. My cooperating teacher used the lecture type of teaching method where most of the time she was the one who’s discussing the concepts. At the end of the class, she told me that she dominated the class discussion because they are rushing to finish the chapter’s lesson.

First Teaching in Grade X-MIPA 7

Day 11 (Thursday, January 17, 2019)

Video clip about reproduction of Fern plant

       Today, I had my first teaching demonstration in Grade X-MIPA 7 class. Last night, I prepared my PowerPoint slide presentation about the class Pteridophyta. In the slide presentation that I have prepared I included the characteristics, classifications, and reproduction of class Pteridophyta. Based on what I have observed during Bu Nini’s discussion, the students had a hard time understanding some of the difficult concepts like a natural life cycle. And so, I added some video clips of the reproduction of Ferns so they will easily get the process. For the discussion of the characteristics of ferns, I let them examine a fern plant and tasked them to describe it. I believe that students will quickly get the ideas if they can relate to the topic and the instructional material is realistic. In Biology, it is highly recommended to use live objects which students have schema of and encountered it in their everyday living. That’s why I tried to use a real fern plant that served as my instructional material. For the reinforcement of knowledge, I created a pointing system where each group will gain points in every correct answer they have recited. Students were actively participating during the class discussion. I used Whole Brain Teaching approach to facilitate learning and to manage the classroom effectively. After the discussing the concept, I gave each group a learning worksheet and let them answer it for 45 minutes. Right after they finished their task, we proceeded to the presentation of each group. Most of the group got the correct answer to each item. To further assess their learning, I asked some critical questions but still related to the topic. They were able to answer it correctly and so with that we ended the class discussion with our good byes.

Preparation for my first teaching in SMAN 10 😊

Day 10 (Wednesday, January 16, 2019)

Productive stay in International Office

          Free day! Based on my schedule I don’t have classes during Thursdays and Fridays. So today, my buddy and I went to traditional market to buy long skirts and blouses that would be appropriate for teaching. It felt nice whenever I go to traditional market because it reminded me of my home country. It was a busy day for all the vendors and market buyers. As I have observed, the price of the food products here are cheap and affordable. After picking nice clothes, we went directly to International Office in UNP by riding a Trans Padang. It is a public transportation that looks just like an air-conditioned bus but with different seating arrangement. When we were in the International Office, we asked Bang Rhyzki for help in translating the teaching plan which Bu Nini gave me. She told me to execute the teaching that she made. In order for me to fully understand the whole teaching plan, I really need to translate it until the very last page of it. Fortunately, Bang Rhyzki was not busy and helped us in translating it to English. It was indeed tiring to translate a teaching plan written in different language but I think this is part of the teaching internship. After translating the teaching plan, I thought of making PowerPoint presentation so students will see the science concepts and watch learning video clips. With that plan, I downloaded a learning video clip about the reproduction of Tumbuhan Paku. We went home after I settled the things that I might be needing for tomorrow.