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…
<i>Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19</i> 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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 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 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 Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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