Grades 10–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI’m 17 years old and a senior. Outside of school, I like to play tennis and watch Netflix. I like being on Rubix because it helps me become a better writer and there isa nice, supportive community.
I went to Vietnam when I was 6. All I could remember was eating strawberries in front of my aunt’s house, my cousins braiding my hair, drinking a mango smoothie, and some random memories that come and go in pieces. It was the best time of my life. Yet when I was on the plane, on my way back 8 years later, I wondered what would change and what would be the same. I wondered if I would like it as much as when I was younger or if I would love it even more. But when the plane landed and I was getting off, there was a smell that was so familiar, a smell I had remembered from when I stepped off the plane when I was 6. The air was warm, but the humidity was high, which were super common weather conditions in Vietnam as it’s a place where there’s lots of rainfall during the hot summer months.
Stepping out of the airport and getting my first breath of fresh air, I remembered the feeling. This rush of nostalgia came over me. The feeling of excitement and hurry, the feeling of wanting to enjoy adventure, the feeling of being a kid. It felt like I was 6 all over again. Now, I remember the feeling of home even when being halfway across the world. I realized that no matter how long it has been, my connection with Vietnam will never change. Talking to my family felt the same. Going to the morning markets and grabbing milk tea drinks made sense. It will always feel like home–even when I’m halfway across the world.
***
From 826 Boston’s original publication, Rubix Literary Magazine
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 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 Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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 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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 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 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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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