Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI remember my first time transferring. It wasn’t that bad. I was only in kindergarten when it happened, so I was too young to realize what was really happening. But as you get older, the experience only gets scarier. Others begin to judge and critique based off looks, and saying a mere “Hello” can drastically change their thoughts on you. One of the worst parts was leaving behind all of the people you once knew and grew fond of, only to repeat the same process over again. But sooner or later you get used to the thought of meeting new people.
My last and final time transferring was in fifth grade, when I went to a public school. I went from a school where we didn’t learn anything at all to a school that taught everything. Back then, I wasn’t really focused on the learning. I was more focused on the people. When I transferred, I went to a school that was predominately Asian. Now, believe it or not, before then, I never had an Asian friend (weird, right?). Therefore, the thought of me automatically going to an all-Asian school startled me. I began to ask questions like “What if they don’t like me?” or “What if I’m the only different child?” I knew that I was just being paranoid at the time, but all children think this way at some point in their lives when they have to move to a completely unfamiliar environment. This is how I became the student and friend I am today.
As the new student, I kept to myself. My parents had recently broken up, and I didn’t have much to talk about, so I reflected on my past and observed my fellow classmates. I saw that most people had already established friendships and had their own little cliques. This alone frightened me a bit, thinking maybe I should just ask my parents to send me to a new school or a new environment, but I decided I would just stay for fifth grade and leave for sixth (clearly my plans were demolished). There were two fifth grade classrooms, which was still new to me. I came from mainly private schools with only one class per grade, so I would have to get used to it. As the year progressed, I started talking and socializing more. Although I wasn’t 100% myself yet, I knew I would get there eventually. I wasn’t fully used to people being so nice at a new school. I began to think maybe coming here could help me take my mind off of my personal life. I ended up making friends with everyone in my fifth grade class and began to look forward to sixth grade, which would end up being one of the best and worst school years for me.
Finally sixth grade came around, and I was excited. I was happy to see my previous classmates in line waiting for their new class, just as I was. You see, sixth grade still counted as part of me transferring because I was still getting used to meeting new people. With the fifth grade classrooms split, I hadn’t met everyone. That year was a transformation for me. I had some ups and downs in that year, but the majority of my time was filled with laughter and good vibes. As I got used to everyone I was around, I started noticing the people I felt comfortable with and who I didn’t have much in common with. This helped me realize who I am as a person and what kind of people I like to be around. This is a memory I will keep forever.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey
In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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