In the land of the sun, where culture runs deep,
With a heart so big and a smile that’s sweet,
I am a Dominican, proud of my people,
Strong and bright, like the sun’s warm ripple.
With music and dance, and love in my heart,
On tropical beaches, I set myself apart,
As a warrior of peace, and a defender of right,
With a free spirit, and faith burning bright.
I am a dreamer, with a future full of hope,
A curious mind, learning to cope,
With laughter and play, a playful soul,
A passion for life, and a heart that’s whole.
I am a human, full of love and gratitude,
Blessed with a life that’s rich and good,
With a future that’s bright, and shining too,
Here I stand, proud and true.
So, take my hand, and walk with me,
Through this land, as far as we can see,
Together we’ll explore, and make memories to keep,
For I am a Dominican, and my heart runs deep.
——
En la tierra del sol, donde la cultura es profunda,
Con un corazón tan grande y una sonrisa tan dulce,
Soy dominicano, orgulloso de mi pueblo,
Fuerte y brillante, como la ondulación cálida del sol.
Con música y danza, y amor en mi corazón,
En las playas tropicales, me distingo,
Como guerrero de la paz y defensor del derecho,
Con un espíritu libre y una fe ardiente.
Soy un soñador, con un futuro lleno de esperanza,
Una mente curiosa, aprendiendo a sobrellevar,
Con risas y juegos, y un alma jugueton,
Pasión por la vida, y un corazón completo.
Soy un humano, lleno de amor y gratitud,
Bendecido con una vida rica y buena,
Con un futuro brillante, y soy brillante también,
Aquí estoy, orgulloso y verdadero.
Así que, toma mi mano, y camina conmigo,
A través de esta tierra, hasta donde podemos ver,
Juntos exploraremos, y haremos
Porque soy dominicano, y mi corazón late profundo.
***
This piece can be found in 826 Boston’s original publication, I Find a Place.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?

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