Grades 10–11
MemoirWritingPoly: many, several, much. Binary: relating to, composed of, or involving two things. Pan-
sexual: attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender.
It was always said that I was a little excessive. I’ve occasionally been referred to as a com-
poser of songs or poems. When I was really, really little and innocent, I was attracted
platonically to many people, ever since I was in 4th grade, in Leadership Prep Ocean Hill.
I’m not sure why I said that because neither the story’s setting nor time are right now. This
began in the seventh grade, during the COVID-19 school lockdown, at Achievement First
Aspire. So let’s start with this.
Hello. My name is undecided. My name is a mound of clay, an abandoned ice cream cone
in the relentless sun. This wasn’t always the case. It was the summer of 2020. TikTok was
a viral thing brought to my attention because of a school challenge I didn’t end up doing.
But my mother allowed me to keep it.
I used it for anime and ASMR slime videos instead of school, occasionally posting my own
content. I also used it to determine my wedding dress type based on my zodiac sign and
song covers. I enjoy singing, listening to others sing, and all types of music. What’s my point
here? A song is what turned TERRA into an ice cream left in the ever-burning sun.
This song, can’t remember the name, was about being addicted to a boy. But it was sung
by a boy. OK. It was interesting so I clicked on the sound. I saw so many colors in so many
combinations on many sheets of fabric.
The young man was playing the guitar and singing while his eyes were closed. In addition
to looking stunning, he also had a playful appearance. To me, his beauty stemmed from
this. Then I scrolled down until someone else caught my eye. A girl. Duetting with the boy
while singing the same song was a very attractive girl. Only one thing was different. Instead
of “boy,” she sang “girl.” OK.
I put on my headphones so I could turn up the volume and play the lovely melody repeat-
edly until I felt it was time to move on while still grinning from this experience. The video
right below it was the breaking point for me, and it’s a pretty stupid one.
I sleep on a pull-out bed under the couch. Every time I take it out, there is always some kind
of crumb. I always dust it off but when I wake up, there is always something else.
The next TikTok was about what it meant if your bed had crumbs to no end. The caption,
more or less said, “You know you’re a bisexual if you have crumbs in your bed.” …Oh.
Yeah. I scrolled back to the duet, turned up the music, and actually looked at the video,
more so the girl. Lo and behold, the caption said “this here for the lesbian sisters” and the
hashtags sad #lgbtqia, #bipride, and #pridemonth.
OK! This must be a sign. Now that I was truly interested in it, I clicked the first hashtag and
began receiving messages from informants, activists, comedians, artists, and live streams.
For months, I couldn’t stop watching! I came out as bisexual in the first three months since
March 2021 on my account and with friends who asked. Then, just in time for my first
Pride Month, I learned about non-binary and pansexual.
Non-binary was a life changer. The idea resonated with me because I was tired of always
being a girl and didn’t quite feel like a boy either.
If being pansexual was a new aspect of my identity, discovering that I could also be poly-
sexual came next. When I arrived at this school, both GSA and my friends were a big help.
I began to rant, reflect, and write poems. Making some art for art class, discrete in my
interest and questions. And the questions keep on coming. And I’m hoping that eventually
the questions will be able to shape the lump of clay that is my identity and who I am.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in 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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 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 Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
Trinity L., Grade 11, 826 New Orleans
A poet explores the warmth and safety they feel with their love.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
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 Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
Isabella V.M., Grade 11, 826NYC
A poet imagines their mother growing up and falls in love with a past and present version of their mother.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
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 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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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 Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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