A Painting From Dreamland by 826LA

This book was written by the students of Tuesday and Thursday Night Tutoring in Fall/Winter 2022.

The views expressed in this book are the authors’ and do not necessarily refect those of 826LA. We support student publishing and are thrilled you picked up this book.

Las opiniones expresadas en este libro son las de los autores y no refejan necesariamente las de 826LA. Apoyamos la publicación de jóvenes autores y estamos felices que haya recogido este libro.

This chapbook was made possible in part by support from the Green Foundation, International Paper, the Joan Leidy Foundation, and the Skylight Foundation, a legacy of the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation.

Editor: Pedro Rodrigo Estrada

Cover Artwork & Book Design: Puicón-Pérez for 826LA

In 2021-2020, students in the evening tutoring program, TNT, in Mar Vista and Echo Park wrote pieces for their frst published chapbook since 2019. They wrote about precious memories, precious items, social issues, and works of wild fction. They worked on it during TNT, outside of TNT, online, and in person. More importantly, they wrote about what they wanted to and got to share their work again with you, dear reader.

—Pedro Estrada, 826LA Programs & Operations Manager, Echo Park

MEMORY & SELF-CARE

A Painting from Dreamland

Yaretzi H

In the frst photo I took quite a while ago, my baby cousin is wearing a shirt with red sleeves that has some fgures on it. He is sitting in a gray sweater blanket trying to escape.The photo is sort of blurred so it adds a sense of movement. In the background there is a brown/tannish couch. Although it’s not really the big part of the photo, it is somewhat important because we spend lots of time there and that is one of the places where my baby cousin really loves to play. Sometimes he gets on the arms of the couch and rolls onto the cushion part multiple times, which I fnd funny. One of the things that I most love about that photo is his smile. Also, you can see him laughing and having fun, which is one of the reasons I chose it. Since he didn’t notice I was taking a picture it came out in such a natural way like a movie of his life, which I honestly think is so cool. The “behind the scenes’ ‘

reason he was similng was because we had just fnished playing a game where I would catch him and he would hide in the blanket. Though we stopped after because I wanted to take a picture of him trapped in the blanket, while trying to get out of it.

As my aunt continued playing with him, I quickly grabbed my phone to take a picture, which is why he is not looking at the camera and is smiling in such a natural way. Me and my baby cousin often play together in our everyday lives. He usually makes up games and I follow along based on what he is doing. If I had to make a caption for the photo it would be “Operation: Escaping the Blanket.” I think that it really matches the photo and his personality, since he is really playful.

The second photo is a photo of a sunset. On the day I took the picture of the sunset we were on our way back home from Las Vegas. It was super duper hot and it was also raining that day, which made it cold. After a while the rain stopped and a sunset appeared! It was so pretty and made me really happy to see because it came out of nowhere and felt like a magical surprise. The picture turned out differently than the way I had seen it because it took me a while to realize that I could take a picture, since I was so amazed by it. I really like how the sunset looked in the picture because the sun became a bit more distant, like it was hiding behind the clouds. You could tell it was still there because the shades of orange were peeking through.What makes me go back to this photo over other sunset photos I have is that whenever I look at it, I feel as if it is a painting from dreamland. Although there are a bunch of other beautiful pictures of sunsets, such as on Pinterest, this one is special to me because I was the one who took it and was able to see it in person while coming back home.

The third picture is of a superhero whose name is Chloe. Chloe, also known as Queen Bee, is from the show Miraculous.

When she transforms to Queen Bee her power is a stinging yoyo that allows her to immobilize her target. She has a bee comb she puts in her hair that gives her powers, which is known as Miraculous. When she is not a superhero and is her normal self, she tends to be really bratty and mean. Although she is mean most of the time, she has a good heart. The only people that are really there for her is her dad, best friend, and occasionally Adrian, who is a a superhero friend from childhood. The frst time she ever got her Miraculous was when she had been really mean to her dad and made him become a villain. But, she regretted doing this and burst into tears. Afterwards, Ladybug (a superhero who doesn’t get along with Chloe), came and told Chloe that she could fx her mistakes by helping her un-evilaze her dad. Though Chloe felt really bad and didn’t think she deserved the powers she eventually took it and helped. That is when I noticed she actually had a good heart and the moment she started becoming my favorite character. I would say that Chloe is an important character to me because she teaches me that there is good in everyone. That is something I think of everyday. I don’t personally relate to her, although I like her because she is different. Even though she sometimes is mean, deep down she is nice, which motivates me to be nice everyday. I feel like Chloe’s character can be relatable to many people. Something I really like about Chloe is seeing her relationships with other people grow stronger. I found it really cool to see her transformation.

Look Back At It!

Alejandra L

Some people say pictures aren’t useful. Others say that pictures are just a waste of space and storage. Well I am afraid I have to disagree. I think pictures are a good way to keep a memory, to remember the details, the people, and of course the moment. Out of my whole entire camera roll there are pretty much two pictures that I love and that have a special memory to me. Growing up my parents and my aunt were there for me whenever I needed them. I always loved taking pictures with them. You ask why I chose these photos? What do these photos mean to me? Well in these photos there are important people in my life. Who either made a positive change in my life or someone who has been there for me.

My aunt and I are in the frst picture. My aunt’s name is Lourdes. She is very nice, kind, sweet and she is there for anyone who needs her. She has been in my life since I was young and has helped me in school and at home. Whenever I need something

she is there. She is like a big sister to me. She has helped me, loved me, told me what’s wrong and right in life. I have so many pictures with her. But this picture is my favorite that I have taken with her. The picture was taken on November 13, 2021 at a wedding. There was a photo booth, and we decided to go and take a picture together. In the background there is a glittery cloth that makes the picture noticeable and our outfts stand out. My aunt was wearing a nice pink fowery shirt with her hair down. I was wearing an emerald green dressing shirt, with my hair down. We both looked very nice in the picture.

My mom, dad, and I are in the second picture. It was January 16, 2011. I remember the exact date because that day was my baptism. I was about 3 years old. In the photo my mom is wearing a black dress. The dress is simple but pretty. My dad is wearing a white, gray shirt with checkers. They aren’t really noticeable but if you look closely you will be able to see them. I am wearing a white dress. In my family when you do your baptism you need to wear a white dress if you are a girl. I loved my dress! The details are very nice and appealing. My family and I were standing behind a fountain and there was water running in front. My parents’ faces,including mine, were very serious but we still came out nicely in the picture.

Overall, pictures in my life are important because they conserve the memory of that day. I have more than 300 photos. There have been so many good moments in my life. But out of all the 300 pictures, there are two that I love and that have a good, happy, lovely memory to me. For me my family is very important to me. They are my inspiration in succeeding in life, making them proud. To show that all the sacrifce and hard work they have done for me was worth it.

What Depression & Relationships Are Like

Monse L

The frst photo could show pictures of symptoms of depression in teenagers. For example, a picture of a person crying and a picture of a person with no appetite. Having depression can make a person feel unable to eat from sadness and can make them feel nauseous around food. Many teenagers in this generation seem to be struggling with depression. They can lose their motivation to do things and seem to put less energy into doing things.They tend to avoid their problems and tend to avoid asking for help.

The second picture would show a whole heart and a broken heart. The side with the whole heart would say support, love, honesty, respect, and friendship are signs of a healthy

relationship. The side with the broken heart would say that lies, manipulation, feeling trapped, and feeling overwhelmed are signs of an unhealthy relationship. Many teens don’t realize when they are in an unhealthy relationship. They don’t see the red fags that occur and the negative effects they can have on them. Being in an unhealthy relationship can cause feelings of low-self worth and stress. A lot of teenagers in relationships overthink a lot, it’s not healthy for them or their relationship. A person can’t be in a relationship if there isn’t self love frst. You can’t love another person without loving yourself frst and knowing your worth. In order to maintain a healthy relationship, there needs to be communication and comprehension. You need to be able to understand your partner in every situation and always see each other’s point of view. Both people in a relationship need to put in the same amount of energy and effort. A relationship can’t work if it is one-sided.

In the last image, the picture could be a couple and the caption could say, “Depression & Relationships: How to Support Each Other.” The picture shows how the couple is supporting one another by showing each other physical love. It is important for them to show that they are there for eachother no matter what. If someone in a relationship is dealing with depression, their partner has to understand that they need to have patience and understanding. Always be there for your partner and let them know that they are not alone. Dating someone who understands your mental health is so important. There can be people who can make you feel terrible for things you can’t or don’t know how to control. Always reassure your partner. If you’re dating an overthinker and they repeatedly bring something up, then you need to take the time to talk about it.