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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
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Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
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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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
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by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
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by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
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A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
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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.
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From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
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by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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.
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A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
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by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
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This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
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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.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
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by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
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Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
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by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
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.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
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by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
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by Alphonsine M., 826LA
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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 Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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.
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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.
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