Grade 12
Narrative, PersuasiveWritingI’m Matthew. I’m a Dominican kid from the Bronx. Baseball is my favorite sport, go Yankees! I hope that with my message people can feel inspired to keep on fighting.
Dear essential worker,
I would like to take this time to thank you for the sacrifices you have made during these difficult times. Without your contributions times like these would be unimaginably worse. From doctors to even grocery workers you are the heart of New York which keeps us pumping, giving us hope that things would get better. If you’re an essential worker and things are getting rough during these situations remember that superheroes also go through difficult times but at the end it just makes them stronger.
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by Cristeta Boarini, 826MSP, and Skylar Burkhardt, 826 National
Few expressions of gratitude are more meaningful than a personalized letter. In this lesson, students reach out to essential workers…
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
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 Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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