Grades 11–12
NarrativeWriting
Jennifer Alcocer is currently a senior at Trinidad Garza ECHS, she is 18 years old and was born and raised in Dallas, TX. She has played an active role in her community since the age of 12— from volunteering at churches, a retirement home, and even becoming politically involved through organizations such as LULAC and Jolt. As a proud Mexican-American woman, she aims to share her story and prove that although we may look different, we are all people— therefore, we should be united, not divided.
It’s been difficult. This is my senior year and I won’t be able to have the “senior experience.” I won’t be able to take graduation photos with my friends, go to prom with them, or even cheer them on when their names are called to receive their diploma. The worst part is, I won’t be able to say goodbye to them. I honestly feel alone, like sure I can text or call them every now and then, but it’s different. I have never really been good at texting, so during this whole quarantine I haven’t really spoken to many of my friends. My friendships are strong and they thrive in person, just like any other relationship. They were there for me when I needed an escape from reality, taking me on little adventures. I just want to see my friends at least one more time because they’re like my family— they’re my home away from home.
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by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19 is a collection of student writing that spans genre, space and time before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Supported by The 826 Dallas Project as part of their first-ever Young Authors Book Project, students from two Ethnic Studies courses at Trinidad Garza Early College High School in Dallas, Texas wrote honest and searing works that weigh the longstanding sins of American racism with the new realities of virtual learning and social distancing.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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