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.
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…
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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.”
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
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 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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.