Grades 11–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingThis chapter of my life takes place in March, it was a very beautiful morning and the sun was shining. The sun was very bright and big and it shone as brightly as the brilliance of a diamond. I looked out my window while I watched the birds flying from one side to the other in a very blue and beautiful sky. The blue sky was full of clouds that looked like floating cotton candy, full of many birds with small yellow and black wings. Their wings were as yellow and resplendent as the sun itself.
No sé si he hecho bien en traerte a este mundo de locos
Yo quiero pensar que acerté y te sabré proteger
I was in a hospital bed awaiting the birth of my daughter, a moment for which I had prepared myself many months ago. I felt so many emotions that inside me there was a whirlwind of so many different feelings. I felt a tear run down my red cheeks and my whole body was sweating as if I had been wet with water because on the one hand, I felt very excited and this was the biggest moment of my life, but I was experiencing my biggest fear.
Hay besos eternos que no se terminan
Y risas que nunca podrás comparar
This day was the most beautiful day of my life. I could feel our first skin-to-skin contact. Her skin was as red as blood itself and as soft as if it were cotton. Her skin was so soft that my hands slid all over her body. At this moment I was able to put my nose close to her beautiful black and silky hair. I was also able to smell that incomparable smell of baby
No sé si he hecho bien, pero cuando te miro a los ojos
El mundo parece más grande y yo puedo volar
When she opened her eyes I discovered that they were as dark as the night itself. In her eyes, I could see a future with her. At that moment I imagined her triumphing in life and achieving everything she set out to do. At that moment, fear took over me, and I only thought about how I could protect her and take care of her because I was very afraid that everything that happened to me at some point could happen to her. I was very afraid because I had an immense love for her, from the first moment I loved her like I had never done before. I felt so much love, it was something that also caused me fear because I knew that with just one word she said I would be at her feet. From that day I knew that I wanted to take care of her and protect her to prevent all the things that had tormented me so much from happening to her too. Over time I discovered that having my daughter was the most beautiful thing that could have happened to me. All that fear of facing a new stage in my life turned into love. When we play and I look at her beautiful smile I realize that every night of dedication and sacrifice has been worth it.
When she hugs me and touches my face with her small, soft hands, this immense love takes over me. When she calls me mom I know it’s the best thing that could have happened to me. I discovered that after being afraid to face being a mother, now I simply cannot think of a life without her.
Song Title and Artist:
El Viaje by Conchita
from 826LA’s original publication, Memorias Grabadas
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 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 Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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 Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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