An English Literature student from the English Literature Study Program has achieved a proud achievement. Haikal Alex Reza, an active student of the Study Program, secured the runner-up position in the National Category Poetry Competition, held as part of English Week XXX. This event is organized by the Association of English Literature Students and the English Language Education Association, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya.

Haikal's achievement highlights the talents of English Literature students, proving that their excellence extends beyond academia into the realm of creative and socially conscious literary expression. The competition centered on the theme "Empowering Digital Skills for a Brighter Tomorrow", challenging participants to explore the role of digital literacy in contemporary society.

Haikal’s interest in poetry as a means of personal reflection initially led him to write for himself, without any plans to publish or compete. However, a desire to test the resonance of his work with a wider audience inspired him to participate in the national contest. “It was a personal challenge—a way to grow,” he shared.

His winning piece, titled "The Pixel Bridge," is a free verse poem that uses the metaphor of a bridge to connect two contrasting realities: a tech-saturated modern world and the lives of those isolated by the digital divide. While the poem begins by portraying the alienation experienced in communities left behind by technological gaps, it moves toward a hopeful vision of digital skills as a tool for empowerment, opportunity, and social inclusion.

Haikal drew inspiration from the stark contrast in digital access between urban and remote regions. He conducted informal research and consulted peers from tech backgrounds to ensure his use of digital terminology was both accurate and poetically effective.

The victory has reinforced Haikal’s confidence to publish and participate in future literary competitions. “Literature students shouldn't just analyze texts—we should also create them,” he remarked. He hopes his success will encourage fellow students to write, share their work, and engage with social issues through the power of poetry.