Grades 9–10
PoetryWritingSamantha Wint wants to be a doctor and pursue her own hospital. She is the definition of idependent. She is from the hot sandy beaches of Kingston, Jamaica, and the carnivals in Camaguey, Cuba. She is that same girl who grew up in the Bay. All her struggles and accomplishments caused her to be the person she is today. She wants to help people and show them that the world is not just black and white, it can also be filled with color.
I am the definition of self-made. From my open-minded spirit like the valleys in California that go on and on for years to my independence like a lion queen running her pack. I am that same girl who grew up in bipolar weather, with the large buildings that touch the big fluffy clouds filled with so much emotion, to the volleyball court where I find my peace. My smile brings joy and describes me in many wonderful ways, a beautiful represenetation of two completely different cultures. One represents my fierce Spanish when it rolls off my tongue como el polvo picante entakis mezclado con salsa. The way I dance rumba like I’m at a Carnival that gives life to eveyone’s heart. The other represents my kindhearted spirit like red camellias blooming on the first day of spring. My ability to adapt to different situations like I’m in the middle of rain and shine.
I cannot be described as one thing. I am many different things that bring several emotions to others around me because I am the definition of an indescribable place.
This piece was originally published in 826 National’s original publication, A Place Worth Being.
by Jason Reynolds, The New York Times Best-Selling Author & National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Students will write a personal narrative where they describe themselves as a place. Not a specific place, but all the…
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
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by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
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by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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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.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Charles, 826 MSP
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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by Savannah, 826NYC
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by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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by Jason, 826michigan
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A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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