Grade 9
Memoir, NarrativeWritingDear 14 year old me,
Your family? Yeah they’re okay. They’re happy, that’s all that matters. I could tell a bunch of stories about them but I’m going to let you see for yourself. School? Don’t worry, you’re going to walk the stage. Trust me, it won’t be easy at all, but you’ll do it. Even though you say you don’t care now, I know you do. According to my last talk with your counselor, we’re also walking the stage for high school. We met a lot of people and lived a lot of things that helped us through it. Your future? Well I can’t tell much about it right now other than your current problems will be solved, and you have bigger, yet more rewarding, ones to solve.
Oh, and we’ll move to Mexico for 2 years. Get ready, it will be the best 2 years of your life. Trust me, you need this break. Your mind and eyes will open up to a lot of things that you’re blind to right now because of the environment you’re in. Everything there is so simple and no one cares about anything other than who you are because everyone has their own battle they are fighting. So it’s pointless for them to point out yours. After that we’re going to come back for the last year and a half for high school. It’s been hard making up all our English and History classes but in a year we made up ten classes and now have two to go. How do I deal with all this going on? Remember how you said you hated reading and that it was boring? Well that will change soon. In Mexico, you will deal with a lot of stuff, mostly adapting, and in that process you will take trips to the library to read. Reading will be your escape, it will let you get your mind off things and, for a brief moment, you will get out of reality. Your dream about being a social worker is still standing. It’s still for the same reason — to help others. I first heard what a social worker was in middle school because I found out a good friend had one. He told me how much the social worker helped him with his problems at home. Seeing how the social worker helped my friend made me want to be a social worker in future. So, I read books about people going through things that life puts them through, emotionally, physically, and in any other type of way. Yeah, that whole “I want to go and be with my friends” act is just a phase. I mean, you will want to go out, but not to the same places. Before, those places were amusements parks and the movies. Places to distract myself from my life. Now they’re more quiet places. Place you thought were for grown up people, where I can think and focus on myself.
I have a lot of plans for the future. I also have a lot of doubts. The thought of the future motivates, but it can be intimidating. But there’s not a lot I can do other than just deal with whatever is in front of me. I hope this helped you at least, to know everything will be ok. There’s no real advice I can give you because all this could change in the next few years. Other than don’t lose sight of what you want and that you never really know what’s going to happen so whatever does happen just go with it and deal with it. Everything will get better. Everything you’re stressing out about now is nothing compared to your future success.
No materials available for download.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
bookmark
download
Share