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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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 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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 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 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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
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 Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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 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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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