Grades 11–12
Narrative, PersuasiveWritingRyan (17) is creative and humble. He was born in Brockton, MA, but lives in Hyde Park. He enjoys playing basketball, video games, and going to the movies. He wants to be a software developer and hopes to be able to visit China someday. He comes from a close-knit family that helps each other.
This piece is from My Generation Can: Public Narratives for Community Change (2019, 826 Boston), a book by 12th Graders at Boston’s Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers.
***
My uncle Nilton was a 17-year-old Cape Verdean when he came to the United States looking for a better life. He was a smart kid with a good heart and a lot of dreams, but he struggled a lot as an immigrant. Even though he finished high school with a 4.0 GPA, he couldn’t go to college because he had overstayed his visa. He felt sad and disappointed with the situation knowing that he had American friends who went to Harvard. After high school, he started working at McDonald’s at the age of 19. Many members of his family were talking about going back to Cape Verde, but he was the only one who didn’t want to go because he was determined to make it. He also knew that if he returned to Cape Verde he couldn’t come back. He always tried to do his best at everything. He’s humble and a very caring person but he never shows his emotions. Still, I know that he has suffered. I see it in his face. I think people like him should have a chance to become residents and eventually citizens.
My uncle has tried everything, even marrying an American woman. But that didn’t work. She was beautiful and had a lot of plans for the future. They decided to get married. On his wedding day everyone was excited. My grandma came from Cape Verde to attend the wedding, but his girlfriend didn’t show up. We’re still not sure why, but I think it’s because she thought he was marrying her for a green card.
In Boston, there could be up to 180,000 undocumented immigrants, many of them good Cape Verdean people like my uncle. Did you know that there are more Cape Verdeans living abroad than the 500,000 who live on the islands? (4) It is crucial that we find a way to resolve this issue so that good people can stay in this country, even if they are undocumented. One way to do this is to provide them a path to citizenship.
A path to citizenship is a way to give undocumented immigrants a chance to live in the country legally. There are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States (5) and we could never deport them all, and even if we could it would be bad for the economy. I believe we should give them a path to citizenship because immigrants would help the country become more diverse and develop economically by increasing consumption of goods, services, and also tax revenue. This would also help keep families with mixed immigration statuses together, which is the moral thing to do.
I am calling on all Boston residents to make their voices heard. Please write, or even better, call your local representative’s or senator’s office and tell them that we can no longer wait for immigration reform. We must put pressure on the federal government to find a way to keep these good people in the country. The way forward is through a path to citizenship.
If we do nothing then the United States risks losing millions of productive members of society. Immigrants would go back to their original countries because they would have to leave their houses that they worked so hard to get. They would have to give up their dreams, their jobs, and their friends. This would make this country a bad place to live.
***
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by 826 New Orleans
by 826 New Orleans
In this lesson, students have an opportunity to write a letter expressing their views on issues that matter to them…
Written by 12th graders at the E.M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers. Foreword by Sonia Chang-Diaz, Massachusetts State Senator.
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One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
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This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
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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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
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by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
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The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
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Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
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A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
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A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
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by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
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A beautiful ode to home and self.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
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