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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jarmani M., Age 18, 826 Boston
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
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 grandfather she never met.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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