Grade 12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingThe Lancaster evening was bitter cold by my Southern California girl standards, easily forty degrees. My face was surely red from the sharp wind which felt like razor blades sliding across my skin. I had just recently moved to Lancaster, and I was still not accustomed to the cold weather that ruled the night. Wearing my navy blue school polo and khaki skirt was torture that made walking from the car to the pitch black glass door feel like traveling through space for a dragging eternity. But compared to the bare, chilly atmosphere outside, the restaurant was bursting with life and warmth.
In an instant, my face felt the very welcome wave of heat and my eyes needed a second to adjust to the bright yellow walls. All around the restaurant were a range of television screens that displayed different sporting events, beckoning the shouts of enthusiastic fans. I was ready to join in on the yelling, but we weren’t here for the sports. No, we were here for much more.
“Welcome to Buffalo Wild Wings, how many?” asked a young woman who wore the very cool jersey required of employees. A part of me wanted to ask for a job application, just to be able to wear it.
“Five,” responded my dad and sister in unison. I hadn’t bothered to answer. My mind had gone blank and my heart aflutter as my eyes fell on a table of teenage guys. My cheeks grew red and hot like they had from the frigid cold outside—it’s funny how such different things can provoke such similar bodily reactions.
The waiting area overflowed with families much like my own, adjusting to the rapid temperature shift. We were packed like sardines, and it made me irritated at first, but then I settled into a feeling of ease. For most of my life I’ve been confined to tight spaces—jam-packed classrooms and my ultra cozy childhood home—so it gave me a feeling of safety. My mother, who has been sick for over seven years with a disease doctors haven’t been able to pin down, struggled to find a seat. When the hostess finally led us to a booth that barely fit my older brother, sister, and me on one side, I felt relief to see my mom sitting down. But that relief was quickly replaced with anxiety when, with a sharp intake of breath, she commented, “Let’s talk about that meeting.”
Earlier that day, my parents and younger sister had stopped by my school for a mandatory counselor meeting. My meeting had been scheduled for a week, and I was a wreck. Every day leading up to the meeting, I felt a tightening sensation in my chest that made it hard to breathe. For me, there were innumerable reasons why it had to go right. For one, I was to be the first woman in my family to go to college. At this meeting, the counselor would take your parents through your coursework and credits since freshman year and tell them if you were on track for graduation. The stakes felt impossibly high, and the thought of disappointing my parents filled me with dread. I looked around for my counselor, but she was nowhere to be found. I was informed she could not make it to the meeting, but that it would go on as planned. To my dismay, it was with a woman who I’d never met before. My heart was already racing but when I saw her, I was confused and frankly a little scared. She didn’t look as welcoming as my counselor did. She had a cold, stern look in her eyes, and all I kept thinking was that she didn’t know me or my situation at home, and might say something that didn’t reflect the full picture.
My parents sat directly in front of this strange woman and I took a seat beside my dad quietly. My nerves were so high that I felt like I was going to have a heart attack in the abnormally stiff and freezing cold chair. As my parents were led through the information, I subconsciously felt myself nodding and bouncing my leg, trying to stay alert and present in this meeting, but my mind drifted to the mountain of assignments my teachers had doled out that week. As I snapped back into the meeting, I heard the lady who made me second guess every grade I received informing my parents that because I had taken core classes freshman year, I was above the credits that I needed, and that was perfect for graduation. As those sweet words entered the room, my body lost some of its tension and my breathing slowed.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and as if the ringing were meant to announce her presence, my usual counselor walked through the door and joined us at the table. A wave of relief broke over me and the heavy load I carried on my shoulders washed away. She saw that we had begun to talk about scholarships and she quickly brought up three scholarship options for which I was eligible. My parents were listening intently, as though these women were sharing with them a privileged secret. The scholarship that interested me the most was the one that required me to go out of state, which was perfect because I was just weeks away from visiting my dream school, Harvard. By the end of the meeting, my parents were extremely satisfied with my academic performance thus far and I could feel the love and joy radiating from their bodies.
After parting from the office, my dad offered to reward my accomplishments with dinner at the restaurant of my choice. Naturally, I had a place in mind—the place where I have gone with my family since I was in the womb, literally. When my mom was pregnant, my dad took her to a tiny Thai restaurant called Thai Ocean, a place we’ve been going ever since. To the family, it was a second home, and we even began to call the owner of the place “Mama.” The place itself was sandwiched between two bigger businesses that dwarfed the hole in the wall, and it looked like it had seen better years. The glass tables were rocky and always wet from the cleaning they had just received. The booth seats had holes in the leather, but the wear and tear only made it more homelike. The wood walls made a sharp contrast with the giant mirrors that seemed to engulf the place. The giant mirrors on the walls made the valiant attempt to make the space seem more expansive, but I could see past the illusion and appreciate Thai Ocean for the tight, cozy space that it was. When my dad suggested that we go eat, I realized that my stomach was growling. The eager and expectant look on my dad’s face made it clear he expected me to pick Thai Ocean. Within myself I found that every cell in my body was shouting for the steaming rice that went along with the boiling seven sea soup that made your mouth water at the sight of it. But I had this nagging feeling that I needed something new, something different.
If I’m being honest, I don’t really like to try new things, especially things that I know that I won’t like. On my tenth birthday at Knott’s Berry Farm, I tried rock climbing for the first time. I didn’t want to go up on the wall, but my parents pushed me endlessly until I finally relented. I got about halfway before I started to cry and yell that I wanted to go back down. It was embarrassing, and frankly traumatizing. And as for wings? They just aren’t my thing. On the other hand, the rest of my family had an infatuation with wings and mojitos. Before the meeting, I would have stuck to what was familiar to me, and gone back to Thai Ocean for the millionth time. But my decision to wait three hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic that stretched as far as the eye could see, to jump from the 10 to the 405 to the 5 to the 14, to listen to Johnny Cash bellow from the car stereo on repeat, all to end up at a Buffalo Wild Wings in the middle of a desolate desert? It was nothing short of life-changing.
Okay, so I know what you’re thinking: how can a visit to a cheesy chain restaurant be life-changing? But that trip to Buffalo Wild Wings sealed in the fate that I had been dealt in that counselor meeting, where for the first time, I saw the doorways open to new horizons. Coming out of that room, I knew that my world was about to expand in exciting ways. Soon, I’ll be heading to college on the east coast, meeting new people, studying new things, seeing new sights. Maybe I’ll even give rock climbing another chance! But that day, I was going to have fifteen classic lemon pepper wings and enjoy them. I realized after that meeting that it was time to take my first baby step into a life of new experiences—and it would all begin with a heaping pile of lemon pepper wings.
No materials available for download.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Janeth GM, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
This touching poem honors the author’s personal superhero: her mother.
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 Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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 Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
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 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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 grandfather she never met.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Fabian Gonzalez Rubio, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A baby Jesus doll comes to life in this whimsical story!
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
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 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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
download
Share