Grades 11–12
Informational, NarrativeWriting
My name is Julianna Cruz & I am 16 years old. I was born to immigrant parents along with four siblings that inspire me to be my best self. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the medical field to teach others who look like me that hard work really does make the dream work. Whether you cried, went back down memory lane or just kept a straight face, I hope my pieces sparked some kind of emotion in you & reminded you that we’re walking out of time, so make the best of life & stay humble.
I am in a trance—sort of like a period of denial, where time is frozen and I can’t necessarily process what is going on in my surroundings. I see my teachers from a screen, spend a lot of my time staring into empty space, and I feel chained to my bed. I love being alone by choice, but I do not love being isolated by force. The Coronavirus has been impacting our lives in unimaginable ways. The physical norms that we were used to have now become the unthinkable. It’s only a matter of time until we all lose our sanity and drown in sorrow. Frankly, I try to keep busy—steer away from the loneliness that has been devouring my existence—but in the process, I’ve learned that some people—my people—are being forced into risking their lives. What society doesn’t want to know is that most of it has to do with the racial marginalization that this country has navigated through for centuries.
Yesterday, a news channel flashed onto my TV screen illustrating rows of colorless cages where detained immigrants were being kept. I don’t get surprised by it anymore just because it’s nothing new to us. For decades, this country has tried to pull us out like weeds in a dying garden, but in the middle of a pandemic? It’s an outrage to realize that while people are the most vulnerable, ICE officials feel the need to take advantage of that opportunity and essentially trick people into being detained and deported. Maybe with a door shielding you from their presence, ICE officials can’t get to you. I mean it’s the law, but it’s not necessarily our reality. With a knock on your door, disguised as health care workers, human morals disappear into thin air. “We are here to test you for COVID per government request to enact further safety precautions.” And with that, your shield becomes as thin as paper, handcuffs become your new designer brand jewelry, and cages? Your new home. The resources to keep the detained in healthy conditions during this pandemic are not pretty. So many people are panicked simply because they want to survive this time coma that only seems to steal innocent lives from us. Dehumanizing people who simply want to be with their families in a time of crisis has realized the true values that lie in a racially constructed country like America. It’s a death sentence—almost serving as a strategy to rid the population of minorities—and, of course, it makes my blood boil.
It’s no secret that most minorities who work “essential jobs” are being exposed to the virus and risking their health. Still, many have lost their jobs without being able to afford simple necessities. But it’s nothing new to us. Seemingly, we’ve adapted to these circumstances after learning how to dodge every piercing bullet of hatred and oppression as soon as we were birthed into this uninviting world. But it should have never reached that extent. It is only now at the expense of a life-stripping outbreak that privileged, ignorant Americans are having a taste of what it’s like to be the underdog.
It’s unfortunate that a lethal virus, naked to the human eye, has had to become the game maker of this inescapable maze. A virus doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t have feelings and it doesn’t care. It will rip you apart from everybody you love and leave you with nothing— not even life itself. Has it become a personality trait to be a virus? Maybe. It appears to me that minorities are the host and America the devious parasite that wants to take us out one by one on sight. During a pandemic, stepping out of your house is suicide, but like I said, that’s nothing new to us.
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by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19 is a collection of student writing that spans genre, space and time before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Supported by The 826 Dallas Project as part of their first-ever Young Authors Book Project, students from two Ethnic Studies courses at Trinidad Garza Early College High School in Dallas, Texas wrote honest and searing works that weigh the longstanding sins of American racism with the new realities of virtual learning and social distancing.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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