Grades 9–10
Memoir, NarrativeWritingMy first day of high school I was curious on how people looked liked. I looked around and tried to find someone familiar even though I picked a school that I knew my old friends didn’t go to. When I was walking through the hallways, trying to get my way to the classes, I didn’t expect for the classes to be bright and full of people in first period, which was English. The English teacher seemed nice and she waited for everyone to sit down. She introduced herself. She made us make name templates for us to see each other’s names, so we could bring them to other classes. Then, we talked about how we were going to be working on a mini-essay that included our name and origin of it. It was shocking that we were going to work on an essay in the first week of high school. It was something I didn’t really expect.
After the first period, I went to my second period, Art, and he was welcoming. He just looked strict which made me nervous, but then he let us pick where we wanted to sit. He had big windows in his classroom where the sun was shining. It was warm weather like a golden hour. I chose to sit alone, but the class was really empty. There were barely any people, so students mostly stayed away from each other as if they were nervous. Then, I met this guy who was sitting next to me because he said the others looked not welcoming and I was the only one that did, so I started talking to him by making a joke about the teacher.
The teacher didn’t notice, but we were laughing quite loud. After we introduced ourselves, we kept asking each other questions. “What middle did you go to?”
He said, “James Deman, what about you?”
I said, “Visitacion Valley.” I thought of how many people I knew in that school and asked him if he knew these people I was naming. He didn’t know the people I named but had heard about them from other friends he had.
Then we noticed that we had all classes together, and that’s how we got closer to each other on the first day and now he’s still a good friend.
All this friendly environment made me remember how my middle school was the opposite of it, how the people were different and acted more rudely even if they wanted to ask me a question they sounded mean about it. Visitacion Valley was a horrible school, mostly the teachers were strict but they didn’t bother me as much as the students. The students often fought each other. I was mostly quiet and I’m glad that I didn’t get picked on. The friends that I met in my middle school were the only reason I stayed because they had the same humor as I did and it was a small group. It was a chaotic school. Even the heaters didn’t work. I liked the cloudy weather but I didn’t like how cold it was.
So when I first entered the Academy I was glad that it was more sunny than the cloudy weather from my middle school. The sun made me feel comfortable. The Academy wasn’t bad at all. By the end of the day, I met new people through the classes and made new friends and I enjoyed my first day of high school.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
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