A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.

This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.

The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.

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.

In this personal narrative, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.

One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.

Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.

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.

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.

In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.

A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.