Grades 11–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingStudies show that the most common age to experience your first heartbreak is around the age of eighteen. I experienced my first heartbreak at the age of four. Your first heartbreak makes you want to build up walls with the world. It makes you lose trust in all those around you because you live in the constant fear of being hurt again. You can hide your pain from others, but you can’t hide it from yourself. And I know that you may be thinking that I might just be talking about a preschool romance, but the first person to break my heart just so happened to be my father.
When I think of my dad, I think of trains. Sometimes they are consistent and arrive on time, but other times they leave you stranded with nowhere to go. When my father left my siblings and I, we were all heartbroken. Days went by without a phone call, without seeing him. I blamed myself for years for my father leaving, arguing in my mind: why was I never good enough for him to stay? What made him not love me anymore? Why did I always have to ruin everything? And all of this starting at only the age of four. But in reality, I was never the problem, my mother was never the problem, and my siblings were never the problem. It was always my dad’s responsibility.
As time went on, the pain lessened. lessened. I no longer felt the same amount of love for my dad that I did when I was four. I finally realized what real love felt like because of my mother. If my dad’s a train, inconsistent and sometimes just doesn’t show up, then my mother’s the home that I can always go back to when all else fails. No matter the struggles of being a single mom, like debating on whether or not she should go grocery shopping or pay the rent, her commitment to our family and her passion behind giving my siblings and I a better life was most admirable. She was the person who was always willing to help out others without asking for anything in return. She was the person everyone leaned on, knowing that they wouldn’t be judged. She is my person. My mother became my best friend. We would take days to just spend time together, whether it be getting our nails done or going shopping. She is the person I always want to be around.
Now that I’m seventeen, I realize the many sacrifices my mother made for me to grow up the way I did and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. You see, my father may have left me with pain and heartbreak, but my mother gave me the tools to turn that pain into power: power to get into and make it through college, and eventually, the power to become a great parent. The same power I saw in my mother while growing up, I now possess. This power motivates me to be there for people the way my mom always did for others. I’m going to make my way to medical school in the field of Obstetrics, bringing children into the world, knowing that I will be vital in bringing a mother and a child together, and knowing that there is a possibility that they become as close and as vital to each other as my mother was to me. While most people my age may now start experiencing their first heartbreak, I’ve had many years to learn how to turn pain into power. I’ve learned how to combat any challenges that may get in the way. I’m ready to become the person that my mother raised me to be.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted 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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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