Grade 12
Memoir, PoetryWritingWhen she’s not writing, Janeth enjoys reflecting on her family history and exploring new ways to heal through poetry. She hopes her poem honors her mother’s sacrifice and gives voice to those who have grown up with invisible responsibilities. She dreams of becoming a paramedic to help others the way her mother helped her. She believes that silent love also deserves to be celebrated.
I did not grow up with riches, but I grew up rich in love. Not the kind you find in fairy tales, but the kind built from sweat, from aching feet, from hands that never stopped working even when the world told her to rest.
Mi madre no tenía capa, pero tenía un delantal manchado de esperanza. No tenía poderes mágicos, pero tenía la fuerza de mil tormentas.
She woke before the sun, not to chase dreams, but to make sure mine were possible. She packed lunches with borrowed time, folded clothes with tired fingers, and whispered prayers into the silence so I could sleep without fear.
Mientras yo aprendía a escribir mi nombre, ella aprendió a sobrevivir en un idioma que no era suyo. Mientras yo soñaba con ser astronauta, ella soñaba con pagar la renta sin llorar.
She didn’t ask for recognition. She didn’t ask for rest. She asked for one thing only: that I never feel the hunger she once knew.
Mi madre fue mi primer hogar, mi primer maestra, mi primer ejemplo de lo que significa amar sin condiciones.
She carried me through storms without letting me see the rain. She built bridges over broken systems so I could walk freely.
Y cuando el mundo la ignoraba, yo la miraba. Yo la veía. Yo la honraba.
Because her story is not one of weakness, but of quiet power. Of dignity in the face of exhaustion. Of love that never needed to be loud to be eternal.
Ahora que soy adulta, veo las huellas que dejó en mi camino. No eran de oro, eran de sacrificio. Y eso vale más.
She is my superhero. Not because she saved the world, but because she saved mine.
This piece was originally published in No Ordinary Dreamer by 826 National.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Fabian Gonzalez Rubio, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A baby Jesus doll comes to life in this whimsical story!
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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.
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 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 Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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 Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
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 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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 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.
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