She is a young female who is Puerto Rican and Mexican. She enjoys baking and cooking, amidst other things. She believes it is important to speak your mind and tell your truth. Her life motto is “hard work pays off, and if it hasn’t paid off then work harder”. She likes spending her free time with friends and family, always trying to socialize with others and seeing new places.
I would like to say thank you. Thank you so much for putting your life on the line every single day to helps others. All of you truly are making a difference in this world. The amount of courage and compassion that it takes to work in these conditions is huge, and not everyone would be willing to do it. So it is greatly appreciated that you all have gave it your 100 percent of effort and dedication. So many families are suffering, but you all have the pleasure to say that you helped, which is amazing. This pandemic has made things swirl out of control, but the reason we have balance is because of you. Times are tough, but it will get better. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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 Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
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 Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
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 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 Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
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.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
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.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
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 Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.

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