Dear healthcare workers,
I know it may not be easy right now. But you can do it. My mom is a nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, and over there they’re bracing for it too. But you can do it. The term “hero” may seem daunting or inappropriate, but to me, you all are my heroes. You are the toughest, kindest and most intelligent bunch I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. You are prepared, you are ready for this. It will be hard, but you will prevail. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. You are doing the job not many would be up for.
I believe in every single one of you.
Helen, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis
No materials available for download.
by Cristeta Boarini, 826MSP, and Skylar Burkhardt, 826 National
Few expressions of gratitude are more meaningful than a personalized letter. In this lesson, students reach out to essential workers…
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Julianna Cruz, 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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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