Grades 11–12
MemoirWritingVirginia, she/her, 18, loves sports and singing. She was born in Boston, but is from Puerto Rico. She would love to visit Australia one day. Virginia hopes to leave a message for young people to not allow others to define them, and to love themselves no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, and etc.
Dear Abuelito,
I hope you’re doing okay up there. You’ve been gone for a while now. I didn’t get to meet you, but you still have a special place in my heart.
Dear Abuelito,
I hope you have been watching over me. Watching me grow into this young woman that you could have shown off if you were still here.
Dear Abuelito,
Te extraño mucho. Without even meeting you, I feel this hole in my heart. I feel like if you were here things could have been different.
Dear Abuelito,
You are everything to me. I think about you very often and I know mami does too. You taught her well, you know. She’s done everything to make sure I get the best of the best. Even when she’s struggling, she’s still doing everything in her power to make me and Carlito happy.
Dear Abuelito,
I wish you didn’t leave me so soon. I wish you could have stayed a little bit longer, so I could meet you. I could really use some great talks at the moment.
Abuelito,
I would kill for a hug and kiss from you right now, or even just a phone call, since we couldn’t even get that when you were alive.
But I hope heaven has been great for you and you’re just watching me make these great achievements from up in the sky, because the main person on my mind when all these great things happen is you. I know you would have loved to see your nieta do so amazing.
Gracias por todo aunque usted no esté aquí. Mami aprendió mucho de ti. Y yo se que si estaría aquí, le dará mucho orgullo a ver tu hija con una familia tan hermosa.
Thank you for everything even though you aren’t here. Mami learned a lot from you. And I know if you were still here, you would be so proud of seeing your daughter with such a beautiful family.
Espero hablar con usted pronto abuelito. Te amo con todo.
Te veo ahorita,
Tu Nieta
Virginia
I hope to talk to you soon abuelito. I love you with everything.
I’ll see you later.
Your granddaughter,
Virginia
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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 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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
bookmark
download
Share