Grades 11–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingLike everyone else, I was trapped in my room forced to attend daily online meetings for hours. I was tired of this mandatory prison breaking me down physically and mentally. As the world recovered, I longed for a purpose beyond being indoors. Satisfaction came in my sophomore year when I ventured out to start volunteering at a program called Heart in Motion (HIM). HIM is a youth volunteering development program. Within HIM, I participated in events to contribute to the community and collaborate with peers on labor-inducing tasks.
My favorite events were marathon-related ones because watching all the runners finish the race is thrilling. Succeeding in HIM events demands communication from workers and dedication to stay on their shifts. I enhanced my communication skills by working collaboratively with peers on various tasks. For instance, I took on the responsibility of distributing t-shirts to participants and needed to communicate with them.
Occasionally, I would request help from peers on distributing t-shirts due to the overwhelming number of people. I proposed strategies like pre-organizing resources based on anticipating the crowd size. I became obsessed with organizing my environment to be more efficient. This experience allowed me to emerge from my room. Somehow, I enjoyed this foreign feeling of going outside with peers to finish tasks so I kept on going. As each event passed, I improved my ability to listen and communicate with peers, resulting in more effective teamwork. The motivated runners inspire us, so we, the volunteers, prepare our stations and organize the necessary supplies like water, electrolytes, fruits, and medals. The runners and my co-workers have all been so kind to me, making the experience more wholesome. Volunteering in HIM has encouraged me to volunteer at my school to help my community.
At school, I participated in the Eco Club. They held events to gather students to clean up trash in our school and surrounding streets. Events involved friendly competitions to clean the most trash as a team of five to get a prize. I recruited four friends and we ventured into our school’s filthiest corners. We would go around trying to find the best spots for litter and junk.
Once, we went down a stairwell in an alley. We had never seen any students walk down there before, but we were in dire need of trash. The floor was made of cement, but it seemed to be covered in misplaced soil. The soil smelled rancid and was uneven. We started digging out the soil into our trash bag when suddenly we discovered the corpse of a dead rat. Its hairy pink body laid there with its limbs out. We were spooked for a bit, but eventually, I stuffed it into the bag with everything else. This experience encouraged me to clean more around my house and volunteer with friends. Whether it was forging new friendships or deepening existing friendships, even dealing with dead rats, volunteering has always been enjoyable. Volunteering has been an experience that allowed me to escape from the online prison.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 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 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 grandmother she never met.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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