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This study explored how a teacher’s writing habit functions as emotional expression within a demanding teaching routine. Specifically, it examined four aspects like writing as emotional release, writing as reflective practice, writing within a demanding teaching routine, and writing as an emotional coping strategy. A qualitative single-case study design was employed. The participant was one female teacher at SD Negeri 060 Pekkabata, Polewali Mandar, Sulawesi Barat, who had a very hectic schedule including full-time teaching, administrative duties, and private tutoring. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom and WhatsApp chat, as well as document analysis of the teacher’s syllabus, lesson plans, blog, Instagram posts, journal book, and mobile phone notes. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that writing served as a powerful emotional release, helping the teacher process anxiety and accept difficult situations. Reflective writing occurred primarily during professional training periods and motivated her to improve classroom practice. Despite her demanding routine, the teacher maintained a writing habit by using multiple platforms, writing during natural breaks, and prioritizing short, happiness-focused notes. She considered writing equally effective as talking to others for emotional expression and strongly recommended writing to fellow teachers. The study concludes that a flexible writing habit focused on emotional release and small positive moments can be a sustainable, low-cost coping strategy for teachers facing overwhelming professional demands. These findings have implications for teacher well-being program and teacher education.

Shyness is one of the affective factors that often hinders students’ ability to speak English in the classroom, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. This study aims to investigate students’ experiences of shyness in speaking English, identify the factors contributing to their shyness, and examine its impact on their speaking learning process. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants were junior high school students who were involved in English learning activities during a community service program (KKN). Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to students’ attitudes, feelings, experiences, and coping strategies in speaking English. The findings reveal that most students experience nervousness, fear of making mistakes, and fear of being laughed at by peers when speaking English. Peer reactions, low self-confidence, limited vocabulary, and pronunciation difficulties were identified as the main factors causing shyness. Furthermore, shyness negatively affects students’ participation and willingness to practice speaking English in class. However, supportive teachers, group-based activities, and a relaxed learning atmosphere were found to help reduce students’ shyness. This study suggests that teachers should create a supportive and non-threatening classroom environment to enhance students’ confidence in speaking English.