Immediately following my observation at SMPN 37, I had the opportunity to teach my first class the very next day. My first-ever students from a public school were the IX-9 class. To be honest, we encountered some struggles in communication due to the language barrier. However, the students were incredibly enthusiastic, energetic, and curious about me as a foreigner visiting their school.
Ibu Alfin had advised me to introduce myself and share information about my home country on the first day, so that’s exactly what I did. The discussion was heartwarming, as the students were very participative, despite not fully understanding or speaking English. Fortunately, I had my buddy Sisilia with me, who was a huge help in translating everything back and forth.
On a personal note, I also experienced a brief culture shock. Since all of my students were Muslims, I had to be particularly mindful of my words and actions, ensuring that I respected their cultural norms and practices. This experience was eye-opening and made me more aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity in the classroom.
Despite the initial challenges, the day marked an exciting start to my teaching journey at SMPN 37. I felt truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in this new environment.
On my second teaching experience, I taught another section, and it felt more comfortable because a few of the students could speak English. This made the discussion lighter compared to my first session, but the language barrier was still a challenge. I taught the same topic, Westernization, and I could genuinely see the curiosity in their eyes and their willingness to learn despite the struggle to fully understand me. What struck me most was their effort to engage—they paid close attention, tried their best to participate, and even asked questions. Their excitement reminded me why I love teaching. To help them grasp the topic better, I used visuals and simplified my explanations as much as I could. This class’s energy and eagerness touched my heart. Even with the challenges, their openness and enthusiasm made me feel more confident as a teacher. It wasn’t just a lesson for them—it was also a meaningful experience for me, one that deepened my respect for their determination to learn.
On this photo, I am with my buddy Sesel who acts as my translator for easier communication with my students.