Grade 9
InformationalWritingYashawa Fluker is stuck in a liminal space. Help!
Liminal spaces can be pictures that make us feel off without any explanation, things that make us feel like we’ve been there before, or places that we feel shouldn’t exist.
So what is a liminal space? Is it a picture? A feeling?
Well, it will be my job today to explain what a liminal space is. Liminal spaces recently started to show back up on the Internet. It has taken the Internet by storm. So let’s start from the beginning.
Liminal spaces normally are portrayed as pictures or paintings. Most liminal spaces make you feel like you’ve been there before but you haven’t. Or they also can be presented as the space between your start and your destination, like hallways that are desolate and look like they could go on forever. An office with no one in there. Or a store with the aisles going on forever.
Now you’re freaked out because you weren’t supposed to be trapped in the in-between.
It seems you are forever stuck in a place without time, without purpose. I feel like an image can say a lot with no words at all. In this photograph I took, the viewer can see the ever-closing shadow and darkness. When you see the dwindling amount of light you’re given in a field of shadows, it makes you feel small inside. You’re hungry for the light to help your understanding of what’s around you. The sign attracts your main focus. The sign is quiet yet screams so loud in your face.
In life, the sign says the sidewalk ends which means the sidewalk is ending. But in liminal spaces, it can mean so much more. Something is ending, and that can strike fear into most people. The lack of context can make them horrified. It could mean the journey you had is closing. And so you’re left alone with no one in sight in an endless void.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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 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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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 Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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