Grades 11–12
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI’m Rosman. I’m from Colombia. I live in Chicago. I’m 18, maybe 19 in some months. I’m a Black person. I’m Hispanic. I’m not a writer. Sometimes I just try. I am proud of myself. My aspirations are to have a stable life and a happy life. I’m proud to be here in this country.
Soy Rosman. Soy de Colombia. Yo vivo en Chicago. Tengo 18 años, tal vez 19 en algunos meses. Soy negro. Soy hispano. No soy escritor. A veces lo intento. Estoy orgullosa de mí misma. Mis aspiraciones son tener una vida estable y una vida feliz. Estoy orgulloso de estar aquí en este país.
Once, I had a banana in my pocket. Without thinking, I went to check if I had smeared it in my pocket. I started to smell strawberries and Nutella. I raised my head and realized that I was walking around The Michoacana. People think that the taco salsa isn’t spicy, but yes, it’s spicy. It was a strong overwhelming smell that just started going up my nose and out of my fingers and toes.
Una vez tuve una banana en el bolsillo. Sin pensarlo fue a revisar si lo había embarrado en mi bolsillo. Empeze a sentir olores de fresas y nutella, alse la cabeza y me di cuenta que estuve caminando al rededor de la michoacana. La gente cree que la salsa de los tacos no pican, pero si, Si pican. Fue un fuerte olor abrumador solo empezó a subir por mi nariz y salio por los dedos de mis mano y pies.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Daniela Martinez, Grade 12, 826 Boston
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 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 Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
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 Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
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 Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
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 Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
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 Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a 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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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