×
Grades level iconsGrades 11–12
Genre information iconMemoir, Narrative
Resource type iconWriting

Today’s Leaders

by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.

Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to express myself through public speaking. In high school, I was privileged to speak on the public announcement system and lead assembly teams on stage for pep rallies. Today, I am a high school junior speaking at LAUSD Board of Education meetings. Though I have four years of experience to support me, getting here wasn’t easy. It all started in class when no one stepped up to present a project and neither did I. But with time, I realized no one could explain my projects or tell my stories better than me.

When in the spotlight, I feel empowered. In the beginning, I was not very articulate. Over the years, I’ve learned to listen, stop, think, and respond. At 14 years old, I led my first assembly on stage. It was my first day in leadership class and I was a sophomore surrounded by seniors. They were looking for a vice president. The teacher was waiting for someone to step up, but no one would, so I said, “Okay, I’ll do it!” I immediately regretted it because I was already freaking out about the responsibility. I felt like I had to though, because no one else would.

With the vice president position, I had to give a speech at our school assembly. Not only that, but on just my second day in the role, I had to work with the assembly team to plan the entire assembly. For a first assembly, it went great, though I wasn’t paying much attention because I was nervous about my speech. I tried not to stutter, and went very slow, especially because I had to translate it into Spanish as well. I was so relieved when the audience didn’t boo me off stage. In fact, I got a round of applause. It felt good to walk off the stage knowing I did a good job.

On another day in leadership class, I was presented with the opportunity to give announcements on the public announcement system. I wasn’t sure at first, as I had to commit to making sure I got to school early, but I said yes anyway. After the first week of hearing me over the PA, my teachers would tell me that they loved my energy. Friends would tell me that they would make sure to get to class on time to hear my announcements. In class, they would say, “Everyone quiet down, Gisel is about to speak.” It made me feel good to know that I had made their day before it started.

Eventually, my leadership teacher came to me about an opportunity to join the Youth Advisory Council. As part of the Council, I would meet with students from other schools about updates and projects to improve the School District. At one of the meetings, I presented on internet issues students were dealing with on school campuses. I was approached by a representative from the LAUSD School Board to present a student’s point of view about the problem. I prepared and gave a speech to the Board. Other students also shared their experiences, and I felt supported and empowered to be a part of a group of students trying to find solutions to a problem that affected all of us.

Public speaking has given me the opportunity to influence decisions, create connections with my community, and hold myself accountable. It has given me more confidence when speaking in front of crowds and speaking in general. It has given me more self-awareness and confidence to ask questions or speak my mind. I have had the opportunity to join organizations and groups at school and in my community that I would not have had access to without developing my public speaking skills. With these skills, I want to help the underrepresented and disadvantaged have a voice of their own by setting an example through leadership and community service. I plan to pursue an education in communication and a career in local government, and to continue to use my voice to change the way young people are perceived. We are not naive. We are not tomorrow’s leaders. We are already leading today.

See More Writing at this Level

Grade 12
Writing
Finding My Wings

by Camille, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Dang, Crawfish

by Jordan, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Sunny Smiles

by Sergio M, 826 Valencia

Narrative
Poetry

This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Woods

by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

Grades 8–12
Writing
A Challenge

by Shayne Williams

Narrative

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Nothing New to Us

by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project

Informational
Narrative

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Pink Love

by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.

Grades 10–12
Writing
I’m Not Home But I Am

by Sally Phan, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.

Grade 11
Writing
History and Me

by Corazón, 826 New Orleans

Narrative

In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Racial Autobiography

by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP

Memoir
Narrative

A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Grade 12
Writing
The Heart of New York

by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC

Narrative
Persuasive

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.

Grades 10–12
Writing
LECCIONES

by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Giving Shelter

by Steysi Hailee, 826LA

Narrative

A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.

Grades 10–11
Writing
La Luna De Mi Vida

by Karla M., 826LA

Poetry

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Home Away From Home

by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project

Narrative

This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Marcela

by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC

Narrative

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Haunting Picture

by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.

Grade 12
Writing
The Cage We Share

by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA

Poetry

A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.

Grade 12
Writing
It will be hard, but you will prevail

by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

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.

Grade 12
Writing
Wentworth

by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.

Grades 9–12
Writing
This Is Me

by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Escape from Quarantine

by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.

Grade 12
Writing
Unglamorous Transgender

by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

Grade 11
Writing
C’est La Maison (This Is Home)

by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Narrative

A beautiful ode to home and self.

Grade 12
Writing
Cake for the Culture

by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans

Narrative

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

Grade 11
Writing
Who I’ll Always Be

by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC

Poetry

In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.

Grade 11
Writing
Where I Am From

by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.

Grades 9–12
Writing
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

by Ryker, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”

Grade 11
Writing
Finding Myself in Desire and History

by Raheem, 826 New Orleans

Narrative

A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.

Grade 12
Writing
Querido/a presidente

by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR

Poetry

A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Unexpected Opportunities

by Brandon R., 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Love Shown Through Food

Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.

Grade 12
Writing
Still

by Franny, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

Grades 11–12
Writing
De Werito A Prieto

by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project

Narrative
Poetry

This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Confined Peacock

Kenya G., 17, 826LA

Poetry

A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Untitled

Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Boston’s Chinatown is my home, but it is in a crisis.

by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston

Memoir

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.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Me

by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston

Poetry

A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.

Grades 10–11
Writing
My Name Is…Undecided

by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC

Memoir

A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.

Grades 11–12
Writing
My Uncle Nilton…

by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston

Narrative
Persuasive

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Bridge Between Worlds

by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.

Grades 7–12
Writing
My Family Interview

by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP

Narrative

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Bigger Than You Think

by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.

Grade 11
Writing
Eternal Youth

by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC

Poetry

Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.

Grades 11–12
Writing
I Took My First Steps…

by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston

Narrative
Persuasive

In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Great Assimilation

by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.

Grades 9–12
Writing
The Achilles Heel

by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP

Poetry

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

Grade 12
Writing
The Reason We Have Balance

by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Alemeny

by Izzy T., 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.

Grades 10–12
Writing
she, he, them

by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC

Poetry

In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.

Grade 11
Writing
Touch Grass

by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Informational
Persuasive
STEM

A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!

Grade 11
Writing
To My Dearest, Vivianne

by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi

An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.

Grade 11
Writing
I Cannot Be Defined

by Alexis G., Grade 11

Narrative

In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.

Grades 11–12
Writing
I’m Here to Stay

by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project

Narrative

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Dancing in This Hurricane

by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

Grade 12
Writing
Nhu N.

by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Where I’m From

by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

Grade 11
Writing
My Black

by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI

Poetry

Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Siempre Seré tu Mamá

Yamilet J., 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Alanis T.

by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.

Grade 12
Writing
Nosey Much

by Kayla, 826 Boston

Poetry

This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Grades 9–12
Writing
A Glitch in the System

by Soraya, 826NYC

Poetry

This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Wrong Black Boy

by Oriel, 826NYC

Poetry

In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Technology Gives Me a Way In

by Jonas K., 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.

Grades 10–11
Writing
In Between

by Joanne H, 826 Valencia

Poetry

In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.

Grade 12
Writing
Two-Sided Latin Culture

by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

Grade 11
Writing
This Golden Place

by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR

Memoir

A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.

Grade 11
Writing
America’s Hatred

by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.

Grade 11
Writing
These Walls

by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National

Poetry

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.

Grades 10–12
Writing
Generations

by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.

Grade 12
Writing
Transgicomedy

Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.

Grades 10–11
Writing
When Mean Girls Attack

by Tammy Fong, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

Grade 12
Writing
Lives on the Line

by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

Grades 9–11
Writing
Gift of Love

by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Dear Abuelito

Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston

Memoir

A student writes to a grandmother she never met.

Grade 11
Writing
We are not alone

by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National

Poetry

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."

Grade 12
Writing
Suitcase Blues

by Cristina, 826CHI

Poetry

A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.

Grade 12
Writing
Sarah X.

by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares how they've uplifted their community.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Excerpt from “My Street”

by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston

Poetry

A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.

Grade 11
Writing
Harmony’s Canvas: A Vision of Love’s Eternal Light

by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Stupid Blue Screen

by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC

Narrative
Poetry

Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.

Grade 12
Writing
Albin C.

by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.

Grade 12
Writing
M

Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.

Grades 11–12
Writing
How The Time Has Come to Be

by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.