Grades 11–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingGrowing up as a first-generation American, I’ve always been a vital link to my parents. Since I knew both English and Vietnamese, I was always the translator in the house. When it came to field trip slips, documents, advertisements, etc, I was the one to go to. My grandma would ask me questions like, “Can you flip the camera on FaceTime for me?” “Why is my phone not receiving phone calls?” “Can you play YouTube on the TV?” After I clicked a simple button, she would tell me I should be an engineer, which I found humorous.
My parents and grandparents were born in Vietnam and had to flee due to the Vietnam War. The stories whispered by my grandparents painted a vivid picture of hardship and sacrifice, of a homeland left behind in pursuit of peace and opportunity. My grandpa was a high-class general for the Southern side and was imprisoned for twenty years after the war ended. At my grandma’s house, you can see all his awards and army photos hung up on the wall to the left of the hammock. I remember as a kid he would show me and my sister the bullet wound in his stomach. It looked like a second belly button and was funny because he had a big stomach and my grandma would make fun of him for looking pregnant. After he was released, my family sought solace and opportunity in America and settled in San Francisco.
My dad started off as a factory worker and my mom went to school for nails and never got a real college education. They ended up making a fairly successful nail salon together where my dad manages the salon while my mom works as a nail technician/manager. I remember as a kid if my grandparents couldn’t take care of me, I would be taken to work with them for a few hours. My mom would introduce me to her customers, make me say, “Hi,” and take me to the back to play by myself. I kind of miss it now because I haven’t been to the salon since I was little.
As my parents poured their hearts into building their business ten to eight every day, I was basically raised by my grandparents, which is how I know how to speak fluent Vietnamese. A pro from being raised by my grandparents is constantly being offered amazing food. My grandma knew my favorites and would regularly ask me in advance if I wanted it the next day, like spring rolls, Thịt Kho, or chicken wings. I recollect once in elementary school, I didn’t eat lunch and was starving, but when I went to my grandma’s house I had the best Phở of my life. The hot broth made me feel heart-warming and it was very filling. The aroma of home-cooked delicacies, the warmth of familial bonds—these became the cornerstones of my upbringing, grounding me in a rich tapestry of culture and identity.
As my parents weren’t around as much and my grandparents didn’t know any English, I had to teach myself everything from a young age, like cooking. One time, I didn’t have food at home, but I had some ingredients. I googled how to cook pasta alfredo and cooked for myself and my little brother. This gave me a spark in cooking. I remember my aunt let me help her cook mac n cheese and steaks, so I went to Safeway and bought the ingredients to cook steak. I let my mom taste it and she loved it. Now, occasionally, I will cook steak for my parents and siblings if they buy the ingredients. When I got to high school, I was basically living by myself. I would come home to an empty house every day, where I had to cook, clean, and take care of my brother all alone. I didn’t want my little brother growing up like this, and my sister and I were about to head out to college. I wanted him to cherish his childhood, so I often took him out, even if it was just going to the park and playing soccer.
Sometimes I would see families going out for dinners or see my cousins regularly traveling and envy them. I never blame anyone because I understood why my parents worked so hard and kept it to myself, but I felt alone most of my childhood. Some days, I never got to see my parents. I would come home alone by bus and at night and my parents would come home but not greet me or anything. They would go straight to the shower and go to sleep. I had to mature from a younger age, but it has taught me to be independent and that I can always rely on myself.
Despite being raised by my grandparents and not my parents, I learned to be grateful for my parents’ hard work. I enjoyed being raised by my grandparents because they spoiled me, gave me so much freedom, and I was fed my grandma’s delicious food. While it has taught me how to be independent and has shaped me to be who I am today, if it wasn’t for my grandparents, I never would’ve truly come to understand and cherish my Vietnamese heritage. Without their guidance and influence, I wouldn’t possess the ability to express myself as a Vietnamese-American or fully appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that form the foundation of my identity.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 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 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., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
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by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
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by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
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by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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