Grade 12
PoetryWritingLukoiy V. R. Garcia es una persona muy conectada con su comunidad. A elle le encanta la música, la Technologia, y su familia. hiendo a escuelas para educar su comunidad en su anatomía y derechos reproductivos.
Lukoiy V. R. Garcia is a person who is very connected to their community. They love music, technology, their family, and going to school to educate their community on their anatomy and reproductive rights.
De sangre mexicana soy,
pero en la tierra de los estados unidos naci,
soy como muchos de ustedes,
pero todavía más diferente de lo que yo supi,
soy parte de mucho más comunidades que yo creí,
yo soy representante de mi sangre y mi familia escogida,
mi voz suena campanas,
para las lágrimas de mi comunidad,
quiero hablar para mis antepasados,
y para los chamacos que se quedan en silencio,
la misma vida que todos experiencia,
pero con diferente cuentos,
diferente realidades,
para mis antepasados que tenían que cambiar apellido para
proteger a su familia,
para los chamacos que tienen pena para hablar sobre sus
historias,
de abuso, pobreza, miedo, y historias en que los hace sentir
seguros,
yo quiero ser su voz,
mientras mantengo la mía,
mi voz suena campanas,
para el cambio que necesitamos hacer,
cambio que yo se que puedes escuchar el momento que
escuchas para las campanas.
I’m of Mexican blood,
but in the United States I was born,
I’m like many of you,
but even more different than I knew,
I’m part of so many more communities than I thought I ever did,
I am the representative of my blood and my chosen family.
My voice rings bells,
for the tears of my community,
I want to speak for my ancestors,
and for the kids who stay silent,
the same life that we all experience,
but with different stories,
different realities,
for my ancestors who had to change their last name to take care
of their family,
for the kids who are hesitant to talk about their stories,
of abuse, poverty, fear, and stories that make them feel safe,
I want to be their voice,
as long as I keep my own.
My voice rings bells,
for the change we need to make,
changes that I know you can hear the moment you listen for the
bells.
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.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
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.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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. 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 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.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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.
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