Fabian loves to do his work and strives to get good grades and keep improving himself. When he’s not busy he likes to go do community service and go to outside organizations like Latinos Unidos Siempre, which is one of his favorites to go to. He also loves to do tae kwon do, in which he is a second Dan in.
My sister and I are playing around and talking in the kitchen. Next thing I know I hear my mom yell,
“Basta de pelear!”
We look at each other like, What just happened? and Why’d we get in trouble for “arguing”? We hadn’t done anything, so I start snickering because I think it’s funny. Next thing I know my mom comes in and calls me out for snickering. But then the baby Jesus doll we have comes to life and turns into a full-grown man.
“Es Jesus!” I say.
My mom doesn’t believe it’s Jesus and asks him to make a miracle. He then proceeds to turn one of our dead plants back alive, even sprouting some buds from it. I can’t believe it: the actual Jesus came out just to save me and my sister from getting in trouble. Jesus then proceeds to scold my mom for getting us in trouble.
He says, “Yo veo todo, y vi que tus hijos no estuvieron haciendo nada malo.”
My mom replies, “Lo siento Dios mío, no lo había hecho con mala intención. Usted sabe que estos chamacos siempre están peleando.”
“Sí entiendo, pero como los va a regañar sí ni sabia que estuvieron haciendo?”
“Perdóname Diosito mío, en serio para la otra reviso que están haciendo ellos por favor.”
“No se preocupe, solo quiero que cumplo con revisar a sus hijos cuando estan ‘peleando’ por favor.”
Just like that, we had gotten saved from our mom’s wrath. After that small conversation that Jesus and my mom had, Jesus disappears into thin air, turning back into the baby Jesus doll. All of us are in disbelief. My dad comes home and we tell him what happened. He doesn’t believe it, but we show him the dead plant we’ve had in the kitchen for the longest time and how it is back alive.
He is surprised, because he knows that plant was dead for the longest time, and for it just to come back all of a sudden is definitely weird. My mom then took care of that plant all her life, as it is sacred to her now. I’m glad that I didn’t get in trouble, and then I tell my mom:
“Ya ves, no estuvimos peleando, madre.”
This piece was originally published in No Ordinary Dreamer by 826 National.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Franny, 826CHI
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In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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 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.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Janeth GM, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
This touching poem honors the author’s personal superhero: her mother.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
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.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 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.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.

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