Grade 12
Memoir, NarrativeWriting“Even when this kid was warring internally, he found himself pushing himself ahead through the things he loves.”
It all begins with a young kid, a kid who didn’t care about problems, a kid who used to be happy just with a simple life. That kid would soon find out that life wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be; his dream life wasn’t much of a dream, after all. Even when this kid was warring internally, he found himself pushing himself ahead through the things he loves.
Life moved fast for me at 14. It felt as if the next two years flashed before my eyes. So much happened in so little time, I didn’t have time to process it. I went from planning to graduate high school with my friends to leaving the Dominican Republic in two months. I was exposed to Boston, a new place with lively people, and everything I’d ever dreamed of. As I was landing, I reminisced about all of the conversations about having my family together, no longer half in D.R. and the other half in Boston.
After some time, it was like a civil war in the house. The family arguments contradicted what everyone said about finally being reunited after 12 years, the union that would come out of the bond rekindled. All of this hadn’t affected me until I moved to my grandma’s house. I became hot-headed, lashing out easily and trying to isolate myself from everyone. Even though I was putting on the biggest smile of my life, it was all just to hide the sadness and anger that was consuming me. I never intended to turn into this person, but I was alone. I needed help, and I found it in places that I first considered to be trivial.
Therapy was the biggest help to me. Before I started therapy, I thought, “Nah, they think I’m crazy. That’s for weak people. I don’t need that.” Looking back on it, the weak one was me. It takes a lot for me to talk about my feelings. Therapy helped me manage my anger and the output of the way I felt. It taught me to trust people, deal with them, and be able to understand them. Most importantly, therapy gave me a sense of unity with who “I” am. It all came to an end when my therapist needed to move away, and there I was again, alone. However, this time I had a spark of hope.
Trying to find new ways to cope with my emotions, I returned to a childhood passion: music. Through this, I found writing, something that was buried in my past. An artist by the name of J. Cole and his albums “4 Your Eyez Only” and “Cole World: Sideline Story” inspired me to write again. Through this artist’s albums’ powerful writing style and clever lines, I journeyed through what writing and interpretation look like. During this time, I found Teens In Print’s winter programming, which gave me the chance to meet people with similar interests as me, the most notable being writing. Even beyond writing, a lot of people I talked to in the program were nice and different from anybody else I’ve ever met. I was introduced to inspiring personalities. One person in particular was my program director. She was Latina, like I was, with a similar interest in writing. She helped me get into the program and understand its foundation. I aspired to be in her position one day. TiP was and is one of the most enjoyable experiences to do. It introduced me to the idea of meeting new people and building communities and personal relationships with people who were different from me.
After entering a process of self-reflection, therapy, music, and writing, wherever I go or whoever I see, I’m Albin. Regardless of what happened in my past, I move forward with my head high and continue toward my goals in journalism.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 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 Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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