Grade 12
PoetryWritingBright blue skies, delicious aromas, laughter and cheer
Behind the beauty, there is something to fear
Culture embedded in us from a young age
Some habits are just too hard to escape
Latin culture is beautiful and however not always fair
Women are viewed as the housewives not allowed to have a career
Although times have changed some things remain the same
Latin culture sometimes cannot be changed
The man must be served and the kids must be fed
Latin culture is beautiful but there are things we must break
Latin culture something we love and embrace
But there are always things that we should be willing to change
The toxicity in our culture should not be hidden away
We must face the dark side of our culture to seek an escape
No more male superiority no more women put down
Latin culture beautiful as ever but never forget to strive to be better
Room for improvement is never something you can’t get to
Striving for better is how we continue to stick together
Our culture connects us
Let’s never forget our roots but never forget that we must always have space to move
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
Tariq C., Age 19, 826 Boston
A poet critiques the violent oppression of Africa and African people.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 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.
Antonia O., Age 17, 826LA
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
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 Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
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.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 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.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Talea W., Age 18, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines their identity and Blackness through the heat of summer.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Julianna C. 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
Lukoiy, Grade 12, Woodburn, Oregon
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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.
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