We Are Infinite

This book was written by the students of the Academic Leadership Community in 2022.

The views expressed in this book are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect 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 reflejan necesariamente las de 826LA. Apoyamos la publicación de jóvenes autores y estamos felices que haya recogido este libro.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Editor: Maddie Silva

Cover Artwork & Ilustrations: Sam Gavidia

Book Design: Puicón-Pérez for 826LA

Introduction

This book is a capsule soaring through the hazards of space. It’s protection from meteoroids like COVID, the death of a loved one, or a break up. It’s a rocketship with precious cargo: a cluster of diverse teenage souls and charts of their losses, loves, struggles, hopes. Raw emotions and vulnerability in bottles. Sacred moments rattling together.

The fuel of our shuttle is our determination––we are here and we will be here! Finding our passions. Learning self-love. Strengthening our weaknesses. Accepting mistakes. Charging through our frontiers. Breath by breath, step by step, day by day, star by star. Light year by light year.

We are the universe, our stories told, untold, and forever. We Are Infinite.

Sarai Sanchez-Ariza & Lindsey Vides 2022 Student Editorial Board

Chapter 1

To The Moon and Back

***

La luna de mi vida

I never believed in love

my young eyes only ever saw heartache after heartache in my family

I was cautious lending you my heart vulnerable, waiting for impact yet you held it so gentle

I spoke to the moon and told her about you

In front of the moon, and her sky full of stars I realized I love you she smiled at my story they say the moon loves love

I hope our love is her favorite

Karla M.

Thank You Forever

Brianna G-O.

Brianna G-O. is a kind, patient, and friendly person. She enjoys listening to music, drinking iced coffee, hiking, and watching baseball. She also loves her family and friends, her bestie Kimberly C., and blueberries.

*** Hey Dad,

Remember when you worked the night shifts with Prudential? You would sleep while I watched cartoons. Mom would always remind me to keep the volume down so I wouldn’t wake you up. I never got to spend time with you. While I was awake, you were asleep. While you were awake, I was asleep. The only time I would really get to see you was during school vacations when you would wake up to go to work. I don’t remember you being around much during this time. I know you didn’t mean for me to feel like this and I don’t blame you. On the contrary, I want to thank you. I know that it wasn’t easy for you to not really see me

grow up. I know it wasn’t easy for you to not always be there for me. It was a sacrifice that you made every day in order to provide for me and mom. Thank you.

Remember the accident? I was in kindergarten, just six years old when it happened. I didn’t understand what was happening. The front tire of your tractor exploded on your way to Moorpark, California from Vista, California. You lost control of your truck and crashed into the median barrier on the freeway. Your accident was on the news. Your accident could have killed you. The hood flew down into a steep trench. You landed inches away from the trench. You were left in a state of shock and nervousness for two weeks. But you never showed it. You were still smiling for me. You acted like nothing ever happened and continued to be my dad. Thank you. Thank you for always being strong for me. Thank you for always being there for me, despite your own challenges.

Remember the cookies? Whenever you got the chance, you would always bring me a small bag of Grandma’s Mini Sandwich Cremes. I remember the smile you would wear as you held up the little bag as I came running to you after not seeing you for a week. Because of you, these cookies became my favorite and will always be my favorite. These cookies remind me of you. Thank you for bringing me cookies from work. Thank you for reminding me that even though you couldn’t always be around, you still thought of me and cared for me.

Remember when you lost your job with Prudential when I was in the fourth grade? It was a time of financial uncertainty. It was a time full of stress. But I never knew any of this. You never let your troubles become my troubles. All I knew was that you weren’t offered a position in the new Bakersfield plant. That’s why we spent the entire summer going from company to company,

applying for jobs. The applications were all in English, a language you didn’t quite understand at the time. I would translate what you didn’t understand. As my summer was coming to an end, you still didn’t have a job. I was scared that you wouldn’t find a job. But you reassured me that you would find a job. That everything was going to be okay and that I had nothing to worry about. You’ve always been the best at reassuring me. Thank you for always putting me at ease by reminding me that life’s troubles will come and go. Thank you for teaching me that there is no use being worried, that everything will eventually get better.

‘Cause I do. I remember everything you have done for me and continue to do for me. And for this, I will forever say “thank you.”

Thank you, Your daughter

one and only

Landon R.

Landon R. is a 16-year-old ape that loves Yadira the Stallion.

*** do you have someone you can trust with all your heart. do you have a tremendous amount of love for someone, that even words can’t express the love you have for them. a person that you can talk to whenever you have thoughts to express. someone that you can depend on. someone that will never leave your side. someone that takes care of you

when you don’t feel well. someone that treats you like no one else will. someone that looks at you like you’re the only star in the sky. someone that is willing to do anything for you. someone that knows who you really are. someone that will never let you down. my special someone is my mom.

Beautiful Soul

Stephanie F. was born in L.A. with a very unique personality once you got to know her. She very much loves Drake and proudly dedicates this piece to her mom!

***

The light of my soul, the woman who taught me how to grow…

She’s the one who was in pain for bringing me into this world

She’s the one who taught me how to be different in many shapes and forms

She’s the one who showed me how to love in many different ways

She’s the one who never gave up when times get hard

She’s the one who provides us with the absolute best

She’s the one who’ll always love me no matter what comes

She’s the one who can always love me at her lowest

She’s the one who guides me into always choosing the right path

Stepahnie F.

She’s the one who will always put her kids first and nothing after

She’s the one who sees the extraordinary in me

She’s the one who can provide me with anything she can

She’s the one who tries her absolute best to make my family happy

She’s the one who will always have a smile on her face

She’s the one who will care for people and ask nothing in return

She’s the one who spreads kindness to those who do not

She’s the one who will always make my day with seeing her smile

She’s the one I go to when life throws obstacles

She’s the one I know that does not need a second hand to accomplish what she puts her mind to

She’s the one I’ll always and truly love with all my heart and I am so grateful I can call her

MY MOM

Not in a Hopeless Place

Cesar R.

Cesar R. is a student trying to make it out of the trenches.

*** Rihanna is cool. Rihanna is beautiful. She makes marvelous music. She has very good vocals. She wrote “Diamonds” in just 14 minutes, which is crazy, and currently the song is at 1.9 billion views!

The song “We Found Love” was written on September 22, 2011 by Rihanna. When I listen to this song, I notice the speaker is talking about someone she’s in love with and the lyrics are coming from the heart. The lyrics “we found love in a hopeless place” make me understand how she feels love with a certain person but in a despairing time in her life. I don’t feel like I’m in a hopeless place, but I want to feel love too.

Blossom

Shallin L.

Shallin is a 17-year-old junior. They have three siblings and they would love to travel in the future with friends and family.

***

You know when sometimes you might think you’re making the right choices and it ends up not being right? People can influence others to make right and wrong choices, but then it will be too late when you realize what you have done. Although there might be someone that will guide you to make good choices. Sometimes you don’t take people’s advice when you really need it. You might think “oh…they don’t understand what I’m going through.”

You might be right about that. Although there are people that can help you. They might not know how exactly to help you, but if you talk with them they will for sure support you in many other ways. You know mistakes are part of life. You will end up

facing very difficult obstacles along the way. But this will help you become a better person. In my case I know that someone that helps me in everything is my mom. She’s there for me when I don’t take the right turns. She helps me when I’m down. She cheers me up. She makes me happy. She helps me become a better person. She helps me overcome challenges that are thrown my way. I remember one time when she talked to me and made me understand what wrongs I was doing. What she does really helps me and I know you have that one person that can help you become a better person as well.

Appreciation

Nash H. is a caring person who keeps the people she loves close to her.

*** Thank you for showing me patience.

Thank you for keeping me warm, and holding me when things got too heavy.

Thank you for supporting me, hearing me and seeing me.

Thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love myself first before loving anyone else.

Nash H.

H.E.R.

Naydelene H.

Naydelene H. was born and raised in L.A. She is a student in the Academic Leadership Community. She loves to have fun with friends and loves going out. She is very passionate about makeup and one day hopes to become a professional makeup artist.

***

Hardworking

Endearing

Remarkable

That’s what she is.

An angel. Nearly perfect in every way.

She’s beautiful, kind, and most importantly the strongest person I’ve ever known.

She’s the definition of love.

And she’ll love you like there is no tomorrow.

Although it hasn’t been easy and I know I haven’t been easy. She has taught me everything and everything she’s given me. Everyone knows her as Xochilt.

But I know her as my best friend. My birthgiver. My mother.

She’s my world, she’s my heart. Honestly, the only woman I’ll truly ever love.

I remember the times she would do my hair, make me look pretty when we would go out.

Now I’m the one who does her hair. Her makeup. I’m the one who makes her look pretty when she goes out.

She has given me so much and I’m forever grateful for that.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

So thank you mom.

Thank you for not only giving me life, but for the love and care you give, not just to me but to the rest of your children.

Thank you for sacrificing everything to give me the best life I can ever have.

Thank you for being my mom.

And if you ever read this…I just want you to know that I wrote this so that you will always know what you meant to me through the years.

And I know I don’t say this much but I love you. I will love you, always and forever.

The Magical Connection

Milton T. enjoys playing football a.k.a soccer. He plays video games during his spare time. He mostly plays FIFA but also plays other games. He’s funny and energetic. ***

I believe in Messi. The reason I believe in Messi is because I started watching Messi when I was two years old. I believe that Messi is the best soccer player in the world.

Messi, where do I start with one of the best soccer players in the world? He made his debut for FC Barcelona on October 16, 2004 against Espanyol.

The first ever match I watched Messi play for FC Barcelona was on September 22, 2007 where Messi scored two goals. That was the day I started liking him for how good of a player he is.

After that I just enjoyed watching him play for Barcelona. He won a lot of trophies in Barcelona and I just love Messi.

Milton T.

Some people might think that’s weird but he’s the reason I started playing soccer and watching Barcelona. The best season Messi played was 2012 where he ended up scoring 91 goals in a singular calendar year and this is one of the multiple records Messi has. He also won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and then went on to win three times in a row.

In 2014 Messi had one of the biggest chances to win the FIFA World Cup but lost to Germany by a last minute goal from Mario Gotze. After that Messi didn’t win an international title but in 2021 Messi won his first international title with Argentina against Brazil. What this moment meant to me was a lot. I was super happy. I even went to buy an Argentina jersey with Messi’s name and number on the back.

When the unexpected became reality, Messi left Barcelona. Seeing him leave the club I saw him grow up in, and the club I grew up in, made me cry because I’ve supported Barcelona and him for over 14 years. Seeing him leave was one of the hardest things I’ve gone through but other than that I believe in Messi and will always see him as the best soccer player in the whole world.

How Much You Mean to Me

Kimberly H.

To my best friend:

I can’t imagine a life where you weren’t in it. You’ve been my best friend since the day you were born. I’ve seen you grow and learn, and at the same time I’ve grown and learned beside you as well. You have no idea how much you mean to me, I’d truly do anything for you. Thank you for always listening to me rant about the randomest things. Thank you for always supporting me when I need it the most. Thank you for lifting my mood up when I’m not feeling the best. Thank you for always having my back in anything. Thank you for telling me what I need to hear, when I need to hear it. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for all the laughs, smiles, jokes, tears we have and continue to share. But most of all thank you for not only being my sister

but my best friend and for believing in me when no one does. I will forever cherish the moments we have, the adventures we go on, the late night talks about everything, because these are the moments I live for. You have no idea how much you do for me, and I don’t tell you often, but thank you. Without you I can’t imagine being where I am now. You have helped me grow into the person I am today, you have helped me mature and change and you never once stopped believing in me. So thank you. I love you more than you know, and I will forever be your best friend.

—Your sister, Kimberly

In your head

B.

Oscar B. is a teenage boy who enjoys expressing himself in every way. He loves being creative and sharing that creativity with others. He is kind and loves shining light everywhere he goes. He’s a star. His parents are Guatemalan and he has pride in that .

***

I believe that music helps with stress and helps mental health. There are a ton of benefits of music therapy. Some of the benefits of music therapy help with mental health, for example, depression, trauma, and memory loss. Music helps to process emotions, trauma, and grief. Music can also help calm anxiety. Music has helped me throughout the years in so many ways. Some of my strongest memories I have regarding music is when music helped me get through times in my life. When I would feel alone or when I needed time for myself especially during Covid times or when life wasn’t the best and when I needed to

Oscar

isolate myself. One time I was so in my head with deep thoughts that made me think, why am I so insecure? Or why don’t I have friends? Music made me feel that I was okay and that I was not alone when I would feel like I was alone. I always advise people to listen to music when going through rough times because you can relate to the artist and to the message behind their songs. I have done many things in my life where music has helped me reach my goals. Something I continue to do that has made me proud is join sports. I have worked hard to play sports. Music has helped me with that because when I practice and work out, I am listening to music and that helps me stay on track and focused. I listen to more rap when I’m working out. It gives me energy or I can listen to ethereal music. It makes me feel focused.

Some of my biggest life experiences, like the time I went through depression during quarantine, was when I would feel alone. As teenagers we go through many different episodes, challenges, and changes in our lives. Those experiences sometimes are overwhelming and we turn towards negativity. Music has brought me out of my comfort zone and out of that negativity.

Kid Cudi and Mac Miller are my heroes. Their music inspires me and those are the two artists that have helped me the most. They make music like no other, they talk about life, and they make the listeners feel like everyone has problems no matter what and it’s okay to have emotions. I am passionate about becoming a better person and having a good future. Since music has helped me before, I know music will also help me now and in the future to keep me on the right track and push me to achieve more of my goals and dreams.

American Psychois My Favorite Comedy

Mickey M.

Mickey M. is attending the Academic Leadership Community at Miguel Contreras. He enjoys all types of media including music, videogames, movies, and TV.

Background of the film

Satire is a genre of parody demonstrated through strong irony and sarcasm. In order to understand what makes for a good satire, we need to look at one of the best examples: A Modest Proposal (full title: A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them

Beneficial to the Publick.) Published during the economic despair and famine in Ireland, A Modest Proposal is a straight-faced satire that, if taken at face value, suggests the wealthy should eat the babies of poor people. However, through a layer of irony it actually ridicules this type of thinking, demanding the issues of poverty, hunger, and overpopulation to be taken more seriously. In the case of American Psycho, the satire is demonstrated through an extreme representation of greed through the main character’s heartlessness and desire to satisfy his bloodthirst.

The American Psycho novel was written by Bret Easton Ellis as a critique of materialism and greed in the 1980’s. The novel was adapted to a major motion picture and was released in theaters on April 14, 2000 and since then, has become a cult classic.

Lots of people aren’t sure, at first, what to take away from American Psycho. When the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, almost no one was ready to accept it. Writer and director Mary Harron said in an interview, “The amount of hostility at Sundance really did take me aback, the audience just sat there and did not know how to react. Because this little group of us, the editor, me, Christian, a few other people-we were laughing away. We knew the scenes that are meant to be funny are funny.

“The tone just completely confused people. When you do something that mixes genres, in this case you’re mixing social satire and horror…people don’t know how to take it at first. I think it took years for people to think it’s okay to find these scenes funny.”

The Character of Patrick Bateman

Christian Bale plays an “utterly insane” Patrick Bateman, a statusobsessed Wall Street yuppie and serial killer. Bale is a method

actor and takes his roles very seriously. In preparation for the part, he followed Bateman’s rigorous morning routine, a punishing workout where he would spend several hours a day in the gym and then three hours a day with an on-set trainer, only eating grilled chicken for the high-quality protein. He got special dental work and spoke in an American accent at all times. It was only at the wrap-up party where he spoke with his native Welsh accent. Bale’s performance takes the absurdity of the plot and turns it into a spectacle, partly modeling Bateman’s personality after a Tom Cruise interview on Late Night with David Letterman show which director Harron described as “an intense friendliness with nothing behind the eyes.” Bale is a genius portraying a character who is so complex and almost empty at the same time.

Although controversial among critics for seemingly glorifying the violence portrayed in the movie, fans believe the film is a commentary on modern society’s consumerism, displayed by Bateman’s encounters with others, describing in detail on what they choose to wear, and pointing out the high-end designer labels. He’s almost constantly transfixed on who has the fanciest suit, who has the most tasteful business card, and dining in only the most exclusive restaurants with his associates and making sure that every day he makes sure his face and body are perfect.

His meticulous descriptions and severe judgments reveal a character who calculates a person’s worth based entirely on outward appearance and wealth. The film is meant to be ridiculous in its portrayal of the shallow elitism among the yuppies and the lack of meaning in their lifestyle. Bateman and his colleagues are obsessed with maintaining self image-wanting to be seen in the right places, with the right people, with the right outfits-putting the hollowness of the yuppie class on full display and revealing that they exist within a culture that is so superficial

that money is the only way for one to attain a sense of self-esteem, value, and place in society.

Bateman ridicules his first victim, a homeless man, getting a thrill out of his anguish and tears while murdering him because beggars do not possess the wealth that he does. They are seen as devoid of any humanity or value, not worthy of any respect or care by the society that has abandoned them. Through satire, the film is able to tackle materialism, narcissism, misogyny, and classism.

The title of psychopath is very fitting for the character of Bateman as he lacks empathy and remorse, and holds a massive ego. His pristine exterior comes with a dark and deadly secret that truly exposes who he really is. He constantly compares himself to his colleagues even after he murders the character Paul Alle. Bateman claims to be in “a moment of sheer panic” just because Allen’s apartment is “obviously more expensive” than his. Bateman is “at the verge of tears’’ when he fears his dinner party won’t get seated at a decent table.

The Business Card Scene

The business card scene is arguably the best scene in the entire movie. It’s so incredibly absurd, it’s funny. All the men in the scene are the same guy. They have the same haircuts, the same suits, and all their business cards look the same. They are all just so out of touch with reality, and Bateman loses his mind upon seeing Paul Allen’s card. Jealousy overtakes him internally and he is so visibly distraught purely because his colleague possesses a seemingly better card. The “whoosh” sounds during the business card scene were created by slowing down the sound of a sword being drawn from its sheath. According to director Mary Harron,

during the legendary business card exchange sequence, Christian Bale was able to break into a sweat upon seeing Paul Allen’s card ON CUE for EVERY TAKE.

The Detective Kimball Interrogations

In each scene with Detective Donald Kimball, played by Willem Dafoe, director Harron had asked Dafoe to portray his character three different ways: one where Kimball was aware that Bateman killed Allen, a second where Kimball was only suspicious that Bateman killed Allen, and a third where Kimball was completely oblivious and only carrying out the interrogation due to protocol. The takes were then spliced together, setting a tense atmosphere that makes Bateman, as well as the audience, unable to decipher what the detective is thinking.

The Confession and Ending

Since Patrick Bateman is a crazed psychopath, he is no longer able to clearly distinguish reality and has killed an unknown number of people. The prestige of his character and the superficiality of his environment prevents anyone from believing the confession. No one knows who Patrick Bateman really is, none of the characters even know if Paul Allen is dead, and therefore a confession has no effect. All his killing has had no meaning and he admits to himself that his confession has meant nothing. Bateman is his own victim in an uncontrolled frenzy and he no longer receives pleasure or catharsis from the murders. He is simply condemned to the continuation of an insignificant existence. With the deterioration of his psyche, he’s in pain and striving for release, and it elevates him beyond a normal psychopath. Bateman is able to get away with his crimes because everyone

only cares about themselves, and Patrick doesn’t learn anything from his experiences, and wishes everyone to die because of how little he thinks of them and how blind they are.

In conclusion, the movie American Psycho provides strong societal commentary, focusing on a culture obsessed with success, money, looking good, and being materialistic while also managing to make you laugh. It remains relevant today, even over two decades after its initial release, because society hasn’t changed.

GRATEFUL

Cindy G. is a 16-year-old girl who likes to have lots of fun and spend time with her friends and family. She likes to play Roblox and eat Chick-fil-A, but most importantly she remembers to live, laugh, and love like there is no tomorrow.

*** Grateful. Grateful for my family, friends, and loved ones. My blessings. Grateful for my family for having the utmost support for me, for never giving up on me. For always standing by my side even though we were all going through tough times. Grateful for my parents for providing me with unconditional love, thank you. I wouldn’t have these opportunities without you both.

Grateful for my sisters for always giving me the best advice. There is nobody else I would love to have four AM talks with, thank you. To my niece and nephews, thank you for lighting up my life in a way I never thought possible. I love you all more than you will ever know. To my grandma and aunt, grateful for having the

Cindy G.

opportunity to spend the time I had with you. I will cherish those moments forever. Not a day goes by where you both don’t cross my mind, and I cannot wait for the day I get to see you both again. To my bestest friend, grateful for you for always putting a smile on my face when I need it. You do it without even trying. To the Silly Goose who makes my heart jump every time I see them, thank you for making me feel so one of a kind. Grateful for my friends who are giving me memories that will last a lifetime. Grateful for me. You have been through so much and your life hasn’t been easy but hey, whose has? Even through it all you’ve overcome every obstacle stronger than before. You’re doing great, Cindy.

Happiness

Amberly G. is a Capricorn born in L.A. who is a Marvel enthusiast and Harry Styles stan, finds comfort in baking, and laughs at literally anything and everything.

***

To my family, friends, and future me, Thank you for always putting a smile on my face. Grateful for all the kind, joyful memories you have given me. To my mother, father, and brothers who raised me and gave me an unforgettable bewildering childhood I will forever cherish. My parents accompanying me on scary fair rides where you can see all the lights and feeling the cold wind hit our faces, making sure I have the best time. Going on late night drives, drinking boba with my brothers, and binge watching our favorite shows together when we need a break.

To my childhood friends I grew up with and remember

Amberly G.

playing tag and dodgeball on a granite field with. Feeling like I found the bestest friend I could ever have. Singing, laughing, crying, and being each other’s safe place, bonding over Marvel, “till the end of the line pal.” Making memories with my group of friends and smiling when I think of them. All of these people helped me grow as a person and made me feel happy and content with everything that happens in life. Forever thankful to everyone in my life who is with me through the thick and thin, you know who you are.

And to my future self, please know it’s okay to make mistakes and to adore every special person in your life. You know that it’s not going to be easy, and there will be hard times, but always remember your reasons.

“We’ll be a fine line…we’ll be alright.” - H.S.

Why Sports

Melanie V. is into sports and is on the MCLC cross-country, soccer, and track team.

***

Dear teammates and coaches,

Growing up I had always wanted a close bond with my mom/ dad/siblings. I’d wish I had a dad who’d teach me about football, soccer, etc. I’d wish I had a sibling who’d want to play with me and train with me. I’d wish I had a mom who’d come support me and was there to comfort me throughout my bad games or when I needed someone to talk to when I’d break down.

It wasn’t until high school sports where I got to experience this. Coaches turned out to be father/mother figures to me and teammates turned into siblings. I’d like to thank Reyes, Callum, Haddy, and Herrmann for being the father figures I never got,

Melanie V.

and Coach Wendy and Miriam for being like mother figures to me. They teach me about sports and how to improve, not only that, they also support me. I’d like to thank my teammates for being the siblings I always wanted. I can go to them when I want to improve and we all motivate each other to be better.

I often get asked why I love sports or what gets me to join a variety of sports. Although I do love being active and having fun—this is a major reason why—sports are where I got to meet my family.

Little Moments

Kimberly C. is someone who is kind, patient, honest, and quiet but has a lot to say. She loves music, nature, art, Haikyuu, Star Wars, and is obsessed with coffee. She also loves her family and friends, her pug Obi, her bestie Brianna, track and field, and BTS.

*** Sunrise, the magical sign of a new day ahead

Life blooming on a spring day

The symphony of chirping birds at the break of dawn

The laughter of the people I love most

The shine of genuine happiness on someone’s face

The incomparable innocence in a dog’s eyes

The irresistible melody of a beautiful singing voice

I wouldn’t trade it for the world

Kimberly C.

The music that takes all the worries and thoughts away even for a while

The warmth of a blanket after a rough day

The hugs that make you not want to let go Sun rays shimmering through a cherry blossom tree

The cold rush of ocean waves meeting your skin and seagulls soaring their wings in the blue sky above I wouldn’t trade it for the world

The distant sounds of raindrops hitting the pavement and the recorder playing in the house next door

The gust of wind playing with your hair

A sky full of shining stars after a trip to the mountains

Every painted sky, colors of dragonfruit and sunflowers I wouldn’t trade it for the world

Sunset, a lovely sign that endings can be beautiful too

The magic is always there

All you have to do to witness the beauty is to Stop and enjoy them

Look up, listen, and feel

It’s the little moments in this wonderful world of ours that make life as precious as it is

And so I wouldn’t trade that for the world

To: Sky

Jennifer S. is a polite person who loves to help people out when they need someone. She owns a pet cat named Maxie who she really adores and loves. She has been part of the cross-country and track team every year since freshman year and is planning to continue in her senior year being the best she can.

***

The day when I told you everything that was going on with me, it literally answered all your questions you would always ask yourself. Why did I feel like this? Why I was emotionally unstable. Why I wanted to be alone half of the time. Why was I suffering alone? Why didn’t I want to tell you? Why didn’t I trust you with my personal problems that I was dealing with?

Being truthful I was ashamed of what you would have thought of me. In the end you were also ashamed as well about your whole life/situation. In the end we both ended up with

Jennifer S.

similar situations. I know you didn’t want me to go through this road. But it just happened that I can’t control it. I wish I had said something earlier. Maybe things would have ended differently…

I’m grateful we both had the chance to open up to each other, explaining our true feelings about everything that had happened in our life. It’s crazy how life works sometimes to let this moment happen.

I’m forever grateful to you. Thank you for everything. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for you. I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry if I disappointed you. You’re my safe place now. Thank you for this. I love you, Sky.

Sincerely love, Jen

***

Fondness

I don’t know when, I don’t know how I just never realized it ‘til now

To think this feeling could be mutual

Maybe, somehow?

Just a glimpse of your face, can make my thoughts erase

Seeing you in that attire, It is you that I desire

The look in your eye, It’s what makes time fly

With you I know I belong,

Yet why does it feel so wrong?

I’m looking at her and looking at you

This isn’t what I’m supposed to do

I never thought I’d feel this way

But I never want it to go away…

Delia C.

Delia C. is a softball player.

A Bucket of Moments

Hector P.: Just a guy who loves his toast and friends.

***

You know when it’s hot

The place where I would stop by…

Is the beach, where it’s my to-go spot

Where the color blue covers the whole sky

Yeah! It’s a nice place to hang out with friends

Those funny times, where you can enjoy, to create

Just hope this moment doesn’t end

Make the best of it before it’s too late

Though…

The beach can be anyone’s best spot

Personally, it’s where I feel free,

The beach’s views have me caught like a knot

It just feels like you don’t wanna leave

Hector P.

The wind blowing through my hair

As I hear the waves splash

This moment feels kinda rare

These are also moments where you can’t buy it with cash.

Well…

When I’m there, I admire the view

I let myself feel,

Sometimes I feel blue

This may be the moment where I can heal.

This beach can be quiet when there’s not many around That…quiet moment is perfect.

When the sand builds up to create the ground

But sometimes, sadness can take its effect.

But...

Most of the times, the beach can help me

But then again, it can also make me feel alone.

As you see the sunset, that’s what I like to see The sunset’s beautiful color tone

It reminds you to smile at this kind of moment

Like you have experienced many throughout your life

Though the sadness can be your opponent. Remember this is reality, not a fantasy life.

My Safe Place

Ena G.

Ena G. was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She loves to listen to Frank Ocean,Tupac, Mac Miller and J.Cole. She also loves Grey’s Anatomyshe totally didn’t binge watch 16 seasons in three months. She someday hopes to own many cats.

***

Ever since I was little I’ve been so close to my sister Estefany despite the ten year difference. Even after she left for college I would talk to her like distance didn’t matter, she was always going to be my safe place and my second mother no matter what. She took care of me for eight years until she moved out. Even now that I’m 16 she still looks out for me and is always pushing me to do better in school. Not so long ago my sister moved from Salinas to Fontana to be closer to L.A. and she once said to me, “the only reason I moved closer is to be closer to you” and that made me so happy because now I get to see her every two weeks, unlike before I would only see her twice a year. I hope she knows that she’s always going to be my favorite person, and most importantly, I hope she knows that I’m so proud of her for how far she’s gone, like being the first person in my family to graduate from college.

Thoughts

Monica G.

Monica G. is a person who loves her family even though sometimes they’re annoying. She dreams of becoming a big person in life. She loves the ocean and in her free time she listens to music and writes what’s on her mind.

***

To be honest I didn’t have anything planned to write about so I’m going to write about whatever comes out of my mind and heart. When I was little I would dream about being a grown up because I thought that life would be easier, that no one would be telling me what I have to do and how I have to do it. Now that I’ve grown up I would like to be little again so I can be that happy and excited girl I used to be, the one that wouldn’t have to worry about anything, but I can’t turn back time and now that I’m going to turn 18, I realize that life is not easy at all like we thought it was when we were little. The more we grow the more we realize how hard life is. Sometimes you have everything, other

times you have nothing, sometimes you feel happy, other times you feel sad. Life is like a game, and sometimes you win but sometimes you lose. You meet new people along your way but over time they leave and you are alone-that’s when you realize that not everything lasts forever.

Now that I’m grown I would like to turn back time and be a baby once again so I could be wrapped by my mother’s arm when she would tell me everything would be fine, but I know not everything is bright like the color of flowers and the people you love will not always be there. Pain is something that teaches you how to be stronger and I have learned from my mother that every time you fall you have to find a way to get up even stronger than before. Thank you mother, for everything you have taught me. Because of you I am who I am today. You have taught me the value of life. I love you mom.

I know I might not be able to say everything that goes on in my mind, but even with sharing just a little of what goes through my mind I am able to lower the burden I carry on my back. To every person that’s going through something bad in their life try to remember that you are a lot stronger than what you think. And no matter what happens you have to enjoy and try to be happy in life because you only live once and you have to learn how to take advantage of it. You have to live your life because you never know when it will be your last day in this world. Remember that you are capable of achieving whatever goal you make in your life if your heart so desires. Remember to always say thanks to god, or be thankful for every day you live. In life there’s always time for everything except for giving up.

Monday Morning

Lindsey, someone who manifests her own destiny.

While conquering the world with her vegetarian powers. She dyes her hair with beets and carrot juice, And dances to plantasia with her plants on the weekends. Her umbrella plant blooms over her head to cover her on the rainy days she loves.

My dad is the reason why I love such iconic artists.

One Saturday we sat down and watched a documentary on his favorite band, The Bee Gees. As we watched, he answered each question that crossed my mind and gave me facts on each member. Every time we listen to their music, my dad interrupts to share his admiration for Barry Gibbs’ voice, and how could

Lindsey V.

I blame him? Moments like these grew my love for these four brothers and all the beautiful songs they made.

Sunday cleaning days-those were full of The Beatles and hearing my Dad struggle to choose which of their songs is his favorite. At the beginning of each song that plays, he says to me, “oh my god, this one is beautiful,” yet as each song ends he says, “todas son tan hermosas, no puedo escoger solo una!” Although he refuses to choose, I know which song is his favorite because of how highly he speaks of it. I will never get tired of hearing my dad express his love for the song “Let It Be.” Knowing how much we both love The Beatles, my dad and I almost always listen to their music when we are driving. The beat of all their songs, which are just so catchy, make him drum to the beat with his hand on the stick shift while bopping his head, and of course I bop my head along with him.

He never likes having the music loud in the car, but today is different.

This beautiful Monday morning as we’re driving to school I put on a radio station titled “Beatles Rock.” The first few notes of “Let It Be” start. Although it’s a slow song, my dad finds a way to make it upbeat. Turning up the volume and rolling the windows all the way down. We drive down the street and the whole neighborhood stops and stares. My dad makes me laugh as we slightly pick up speed while driving, singing proudly from his chest with a contagious smile on his face. A short moment we shared but little did he know what an amazing memory he made for me.

I hope my dad can give my kids these great memories too, and every time they hear these amazing bands from the 60’s or “Let It Be” by The Beatles they’ll say, “Hey, that’s my Grandpa’s favorite song!”

Chapter 2

Galaxies Away

I WAS BORN A WOMAN

Brianna G.

Brianna was born in Los Angeles, California but was raised in Merida, Yucatan. Currently, she is a junior at the Academic Leadership Community. She’s an only child of Mexican parents with a father from Jalisco and a mother from Yucatan. Brianna is afraid of quiet places, it’s like her own prison, and she’s a caffeine addict.

***

I have lived in a family where the man is the head of the house and the women have to serve the one who brings the money in, the one who keeps our home standing. I was born a girl and my voice wasn’t heard by the people who should have listened. I wanted them to know that I have thoughts and feelings, yet it didn’t seem to matter because I am a girl.

I know these are the expectations for women. To just listen.

Still, there was a woman who didn’t give up. A woman I admire. A woman who would always tell me: “You can have the

power, but having it does not mean you’re more than anyone in this world. Be humble. Yes, there will be people who would want to step on you, but remember that you have a voice, make sure everyone listens.” Gracias mamá.

When I was six I left the U.S. to go live in Mexico. A place where its culture is rich, colorful, and vibrant. Still a dark side can be found. It’s a place where gender means everything just because men think they are better at what they do. We call it “machismo.” Such a funny word to me because “macho” is supposed to refer to men who are brave, courageous, and strong, except it doesn’t mean anything if they try to dominate women.

Mi México lindo y querido, you have failed me. When I listen to the news that a woman was beaten to death by her husband, goosebumps run all over my body, like thousands of needles prickling my skin. What was his motive? His wife didn’t have dinner ready. When I see men treating women poorly, I don’t see a powerful man. I see weakness, fear of losing their manhood.

Men and women, we are equal, but not the same. That’s the difference between gender equality and gender equity. Equality, we give everyone the same. Equity, we give them what they need. Clearly, there are things that men can do, which women cannot and vice versa. But, does it mean that one gender is superior to the other? I like to think that the genders complement each other. Men and women could not exist without one another.

We have been fighting for what’s right and fair, but it’s useless if the plague of the machismo complex doesn’t stop spreading. Sadly, my culture is already infested with this disease, and everything that comes with it. Mexico is a country where Catholicism has a crucial role in the life of thousands of Mexicans, including me, but I realized it supported what I for so long despised. I was lost. What was I supposed to believe in now?

I decided to believe in myself, and have hope that better things will come for Mi Mexico. Everyone is capable of everything. Gender roles are ways to oppress what is seen as odd, making it harder for society to progress and become better. Let’s live as individuals. We don’t have to follow these behaviors or categorize ourselves.

So I tell the world: I was born a woman, and I speak from the bottom of my heart.

To My Angels

Heidy A.

Heidy A. is a junior who has seven siblings and who loves to play volleyball. Some say she is very mean, others say she has a big heart, but others also say she’s both. She is very funny, playful, understanding, loving, and emotional.

***

To my angels above, wish you guys were here, every day passes by and I still can’t believe y’all are gone. I would give anything up to give you a last hug, say my goodbyes, and say my last I love you’s. My mom was the best mom ever. I’m sure we all think of our moms like that even when we have our hard times with them. My mom passed away in 2012 due to cancer. I was eight years old when this all happened so I don’t remember much but when my dad or siblings talk about her they tell me how caring she was to others and how she was always there for you. My brother Junior passed away in 2018 in a car crash. My relationship with my

brother wasn’t really the best because he wasn’t there most of my life, not that I can remember. I know he had a hard life as well so I don’t blame him for that. If I had a chance to talk to them for one last time this is what I would say to them…

Mom, I really wish you were here. There are days that pass by when I wish I had you there so I could talk to you. I know things happen for a reason but I just wish I had my mom there just like my friends have theirs. I know I was small but you were the best mom ever. I will never forget you even if I tried because people always remind me that I look like you and I’m glad I do. You will always be in my heart everywhere I go, and everything I do, I do for you. You don’t have to worry about me, Papi has been doing a good job with keeping me maintained. The girls are good and so are the boys. You don’t have to worry about anything anymore Mom. I love you and I miss you so much.

Junior, you’re the first of eight to leave us and I wish I had spent more time with you. Every day goes by and I realize that time doesn’t wait for anyone. Everything happened so fast and I regret it all. I’m sorry for not being that sister to you and I’m sorry for the things you went through. I’m sorry for the life you lived. I know that we never spent time together, talked, or hardly saw each other but I wish you were here. There are some days that pass by and I look at the altar and see your face there and I am still in disbelief that you are gone. I know you’re in a better place now and I know that you’re not suffering anymore. I’m sure you and Mom are looking after us and your two little kids. I love and miss you so much Brother.

A Letter To You

Deysi H. is a sneaker head who likes going out and experiencing new things with family and friends.

***

We little knew that morning that god was going to call your name

The truths now unfold

Crying eyes

Hidden lies

My heart is sore

Dressed in black.

Walking through the field.

Red roses because those were your favorite.

Keep this rose for anyone in heaven that you’ve loved and lost

And keep it in your heart.

Wind came softly out the sky.

Deysi H.

White doves released in honor of you. In tears we saw you sinking and watched you pass away. It broke our hearts to lose you. You didn’t go alone, Part of us went with you. Now all pain and grief is over Every restless tossing night passed. I’ll pledge to you today

A hallowed place within my heart is where you’ll always stay. Forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

If You Were Here

Amalia C. is a short girl (according to Jas, not even five foot) but is always the oldest of her friend group. She loves dad jokes: Do trees poop?...Well, of course they do. How would we get Number 2 pencils?

***

Dear You,

Hi. You are you and I am me. Kinda the same and kinda not. Things wouldn’t be the same if you were here. Ever since I learned about you, you’re always on my mind. I ask myself, what if you were here? Would I be the same person with you here? I talk to my friends about you. Sometimes it gets hard because I start to think-hey, I really wish you were here just because I feel like everything would be so much easier. 17 years, almost 18. Imagine if we were together. Maybe sometimes life would be easier to understand with you beside me. I’m here writing this letter to you

Amalia C.

even if you won’t read it or even know about it. I wanted to write to you because I need to talk to you. I really wish I could. There are a lot of things I would love to just sit and talk to you about. Not many people know about you and who you are to me. Only my close friends know how much you mean to me and what I do in order for you to be by my side. I chose only to share about you to my close friends because they understand me when I talk about you, they know who I really am inside and out, they don’t judge. The time that I have spent thinking on what to write to you has been a while.

Love & Hate

Jasmine J. is a junior who has two brothers. She loves playing basketball and volleyball and is very competitive. She is very determined, kind, understanding, independent, and could be crazy and loud when she is with close friends.

***

I love you, but I hate you

You were supposed to be the person I loved the most, but instead you were the person who hurt me the most

Growing up, I always loved being with you, but you showed me that you didn’t want me with you

You were supposed to be the person who would love me the most, be there for me, but you were never there

You were supposed to be the person that would hug me and tell me everything will be okay when I cried,

Jasmine J.

instead you are the main reason I cry

Luckily I have two wonderful people who treat me the way you are supposed to They are there for me

They see me grow up

They love me, care about me

They give me that fatherly love that you NEVER gave me

17 years later and now you want to be more involved in my life, but it’s too late now

I grew up in a home with you, but you were never actually there when I needed you

You had me thinking that I had done something wrong, that I was the problem for this, when in reality it was just you You wanna blame others for me not needing you anymore, but it’s no one else’s fault, but yours

I want to have a father-daughter bond, where you’ll cheer me on in my accomplishments, hug me when I’m sad, have daily conversations with you, and if one day I get married, I want you to walk me down the aisle and have a father-daughter dance, but still to this day you show me reasons we probably will never have that father-daughter bond

After all this pain you cause me, I want to forgive you, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to

That’s why I hate you, but I still love you

My Friend

Antonio M.

***

Tony Chopper is a person who enjoys

and loves turtles!

Thank you, my dear old friend

I’ll hold you close within my heart

I won’t let go of all the memories of you and I The ones I won’t forget

The ones that will always be with me

You were there when I needed you

There even when I didn’t Walked with me through the light and the dark

You stuck around

Tony

watching Harry Potter, loves cherry blossoms,

I remember once upon a time, You walked with me on the beach

We saw the sunset

You said these exact words, “Alone you can run fast but together we can run far”

You told me to trust others

Not to do everything by myself

I took your advice and I felt a million times lighter

Life suddenly felt easier

I appreciate you

And the advice you gave me

Thank you, and I wish the best for you…

Invisible

Roselin C. is a very kind and sweet person, surrounded by people who love her. Roselin owns a bunny named Alfie who she loves very much. She participates in sports, such as cross-country and track and field. She has her own way of dressing which she loves, that is, because she loves fashion in general. When she’s older she hopes to travel to Paris and South Korea and visit every cafe there.

*** At the end of the day, she finds herself alone

It’s not physical loneliness

It’s not something that can be fixed by the touch of a lover’s hand or a fake life made up of people that could possibly adore her

It’s the pain of knowing that nobody sees her

After all, how can anybody notice her when she isn’t truly there

She dresses up by those who told her she wasn’t good enough

Who made her doubt herself so much

She abandoned herself for a world where no one understands

But how can people understand, when she herself doesn’t understand either

She’s alone because she doesn’t necessarily have someone

She’s alone, because she doesn’t even have herself

Roselin C.

Meanings Change

Megan C. is the current Junior President of 2021-2022. The people around her describe her as funny, outgoing, understanding, and easy to talk to. Not to mention she was a part of the MCLC Cheer Team when they won their first competition in years with the title of Northern Central League Division III Cheerleading Champions.

A Car Wash.

Something so simple can turn out to be a huge part of someone’s life.

As a child, I found car washes relaxing and soothing. The effortless sounds of the water drizzling across all windows. The excitement to get out and start hand-drying all windows so there would be no little specks left afterwards.

I never really thought car washes were deeper than water and soap.

Megan C.

That’s until I grew up.

Maybe by 12.

My perspectives on car washes became different:

Car Washes now meant fundraisers for funerals.

Car Washes now meant helping out a family that couldn’t pay for the entire thing alone.

Car Washes now were a necessity to pay for funeral expenses.

At least that’s what it meant for me when growing up in a vicious neighborhood.

All car washes that took place in order to raise money was because of gang violence.

No teenager should be getting pressed because they’re wearing the wrong colors or shoes.

No teenager should have to hear gunshots every night.

Families were broken and grieving.

Some mothers were even screaming.

I’m not talking about one or two car washes a year.

I’m talking about three or more car washes a year.

Car Washes bring a community together.

Two completely different families that were now connected through a single person.

Something that was so absurd now became a huge part of our life without even realizing it.

YOU SAVED ME

*** This was about four years ago or so when he was a baby. His mom didn’t want him so they had to get him a home and my brother’s ex-girlfriend thought about us and gave it to us.

He is a black schnauzer mixed with chihuahua and is about seven or eight years old now. He needed to eat so my mom went to eighth and Bonnie Brae to a pet shop to get him milk. One year later my mom took him to get a haircut and ever since, he has had a problem on his ear.

He was okay ‘til we got home. His ear was bent down and he started crying so we knew something was up. We think they cut his ear but the groomers didn’t say anything to us. We’ve tried to help him but since it hurts him a lot he cries and barks at us.

Marisol V.

Marisol V. is a very shy person at first but then she is very talkative. Don’t put her on the spot, she’ll panic.

Meeting You

Luz V. is a caring and funny person that makes everyone feel happy when they’re around her. She’s shy at first but when you get to know her she’s fun.

***

There was never a right time to say Goodbye, when you looked at me, with all that misery in your eyes. But I couldn’t keep up with all the lies you told me. The way you treated my heart. I couldn’t shake the feeling every time we kissed that I was just another name to add to your list.

Luz V.

MARCH 13

Kimberly G.

Kimberly G. is a high school student who enjoys watching sunsets down at the beach and listening to music at the same time. Reading poetry books has become a huge part of their hobbies, helps them free their mind from things going on.

***

March 13, 2020 was a date that impacted everyone’s life in a different way. Everyone went into quarantine and couldn’t interact physically with others except their family living in the same household.

For me personally, this experience was possibly the worst thing that has ever happened to me. A few months into quarantine I fell into a very dark place that I had never been in. I didn’t know what was wrong with me but I knew something was wrong if that makes any sense. I’m not the type of person to reach out for help. I tend to just bottle up my emotions and deal with

it. But then I did want to reach out but didn’t know how to even express myself. Bottling up my emotions just made things worse for me. I’d cry, trying not to make a noise so no one would wake up, or I’d cry myself to sleep at night.

Eventually, I did reach out for help to one of my friends. I was able to talk about what I had going on. I expressed myself by using coloring books and reading poetry books. That helped me explain my feelings in a way that I couldn’t. Finding one’s peace is very important, you don’t have to do it alone like I did. Not everyone is as strong to hold up that much. Reach out, let people guide you through a good mental health place.

Everyone preaches about caring about mental health, but they really don’t. They don’t check up on those they love or try to make sure that it is known that they are there for them when they are needed. I understand that most people aren’t educated enough on mental health, but it is why people should do their research to help out those they love to avoid a loss of those they love.

Don’t Come Back For Me

Yolanda M.

*** The night you messaged me was the night I realized I’m not over you.

I don’t wanna blame you for my mistakes, but as soon as you reached out

I switched places.

I stopped being myself, just for you.

I pushed and hurt others just to give you my attention.

I knew for a fact that I still loved you.

But while giving you my attention and love,

I pushed the one I cared for the most.

That moment I realized that whenever you reach out, everything that makes me smile like an idiot just doesn’t matter to me anymore

But when you leave again, I’m always left with nothing. You manage to take away the happiness I made for myself without you.

I won’t lie, I still miss you, I miss the way you used to look at me, I miss the times we would play around, I miss how we used to run around on the empty parking lots, I miss your heartwarming kisses, I miss our late night calls, our sleepovers, I miss the way you made me feel.

But I also hated the way we ended, the way our relationship became so toxic after a year. We would argue, you’d always accuse me of talking to others, you’d always take my money, you would always end up yelling at me for no reason, get so frustrated with just me being busy.

I ended up yelling at you and spit so much venom to your face. When I stopped myself I realized I made you cry.

I hated myself for making you cry.

That very night I called you and apologized for making you cry, you forgave me, but I finally told you to never contact me again.

I hope you understand that you’re not right for me. So please don’t come back for me.

Sufferer of Depression

Emi M. is mostly addicted to cars and games. She likes cars a lot. She finds that a life path is hard to choose. She tries to find a way to be kind and make people laugh with her lame jokes.

***

It’s not as easy as everyone thinks to wake up in the morning and spend your day like you are a busy person. People do have a lot of things in their life, but at the end of the day when you are laying down on your bed, you are alone thinking about what bothers you. For adults it might be what happens at work or in their private life. But for teens, they suffer a lot by the age of 13 to 19. Those teens who have love-life problems try to avoid it using family, but if you don’t have a family you will do something to try to forget the things that cause your pain. Those who have no one, they prefer to take drugs or sleep. If you don’t know, sleep is also like a drug. When a person is too depressed to talk about things

Emi M.

that are happening in their life, they avoid the pain or thoughts by sleeping for most of the time. Some teens just go home and take a nap, saying it’s gonna be a 30 minute nap, but at the end it’s 14 hours of sleeping. I still avoid my problems by sleeping more than I need, or trying to be busy as much as possible.

When you need someone to talk to, and you can’t talk to anyone, or you can’t ask your parents to find you a therapist, you try to find something else to stop the pain. When you find something that makes you forget the pain of your heart, you will do that even though it might hurt you. To those who doesn’t believe in depression, think of those people who committed suicide.

***

It didn’t end well

Word came to town a new virus had been detected

Making its way from country to country

But no one seemed to worry about its appearance

Little did they know it would be world-wide

No one was safe from this virus

Spreading around the world

Infecting children and adults

But it doesn’t stop there

Not only did the virus sicken the people

It affected their normal day-to-day lives

Closing all schools

Closing all sports

Eddy T.

Eddy T. is a high school student in ALC that likes to eat burgers and fries.

Closing all restaurants

Closing all public places

Social lives were shutting down behind closed doors

At first it started all great

Time for myself

Time to do what I want

Time for enjoyment

However this was short-lived

Started missing going to school

Started missing being with friends

Started missing the beauty of nature

Stuck indoors has been the worst thing to happen

To My Dad

Dalilah D. is a 17-year-old Northern Central Division cheerleader champion of 2022 who is also a horse girl. She likes to gallop her way around the crowd. In her free time she likes to hang out with Mannisis and listen to music. ***

I wish you would’ve been with me growing up

I wish that we weren’t distant

I miss being your little girl

I miss you actually treating me like a daughter

I miss waking up every morning to say bye before you headed off to work

I miss the feeling of actually looking forward to seeing you

I looked up to you and I wanted to be you

You aren’t the same anymore

You hurt me emotionally in a way that no one else can

Dalilah D.

You’re the reason why I never want to get married

You’re the reason why I have so much trouble putting my trust into a relationship

You’re my dad

You don’t care how my days go

You don’t care whether I ate or not

You don’t care if I’m sad or not

You don’t pay attention to me like you did when I was six

Us arguing hurts me in the worst way possible

I don’t want to argue every day with the person I care for the most I still have hope

I have hope that one day you will come to me and apologize for everything

That you’ll realize what you’ve done wrong

I miss you every day, and so much, even though you’re still here.

To the Teenage Girl

Britney F.

Britney is a 16-year-old hardworking girl who spends her days between school and work. In her free time she likes to hang out with friends or do chores. She’s been through a lot and loves Chick-Fil-A, music, and Winnie the Pooh.

***

Love is not being ignored

Love is not giving up your body

Love is not giving more then you get

You deserve better than lame text messages and wondering what you did wrong

Love is not being disrespected

Or “she’s just a friend”

Love isn’t easy, but it shouldn’t be draining

You deserve better then holding in your cry at night

hoping your family doesn’t hear you

Love is really beautiful

Love is calm

Love is memories at the park

And late night phone calls

Having a Build-A-Bear together

Love is holding you when you cry

And long profound hugs

Love is laughing and giggling, not petty arguments

Know the difference

You don’t need trauma bonds or toxic soul ties

Don’t stay because of the history

Don’t waste your years being unhappy

An Escape from Reality

Ashley is a teenage girl who absolutely loves listening to music. She adores hanging out with friends and family. She really enjoys watching movies and shows. But most of all, she likes having some time on her own. A mix of all these in a day would certainly put a smile on her face.

*** Music, my one true satisfaction.

My comfort space.

My safe place.

An escape from my reality.

I could be anywhere, it wouldn’t matter.

Isolated, all alone in my room. With the people I love.

I could be with anyone, yet that wouldn’t matter either.

Ashley N.

I could be tense. I could be hurt.

I could be furious or frustrated. A mess of a person.

With an insane, chaotic mix of feelings and emotions. Yet in every one of those situations,

I feel an inexplicable type of comfort when listening to music. Everything around me seems to block out so effortlessly. The world goes quiet, and I suddenly forget about every single one of my problems. I feel nothing, yet everything, all at the same time.

Music never fails to take it all away. It helps me get through tough times.

It puts into words what I simply cannot. And all I can really say is that it is most definitely one of my favorite escapes. I become Mentally, physically and emotionally imperceptive.

But I wouldn’t trade any of that for the world.

One Last Text Message

David G.

David G., a caring kid who loves his family and friends, is a gamer who also takes pride in his schoolwork. He is determined to make sure that he lives up to his parents’ expectations, not letting any obstacles get in his way.

Bruce and Michael, two senior best friends who have been with each other through everything since childhood, from having sleepovers to pulling so many all-nighters to either gaming or gossiping, always made promises that they would keep. This time, they promised one another that they would go to the same college.

They wrote to apply to the same five colleges and whichever college they both got accepted into would be the college they went to.

“Got rejected from Stanford,” Michael said arrogantly. “Yeah…same,” Bruce said quietly.

Bruce had been accepted to Stanford. He knew it was a top school that was very difficult to get into and he was in a dilemma. He didn’t want to waste the opportunity he had gotten and hoped for a bright future, but he also didn’t want to break a promise he made with his best and closest friend.

“Did you get accepted to LACC?” Michael asked Bruce.

“Yeah, I did,” Bruce responded.

“Great, we’ll go there then,” Michael said happily.

After the two spent the summer hanging out together, Michael arrived on the campus at LACC on the first day of school. He looked around to see if he could find Bruce. He couldn’t find him.

“That’s weird, I asked him to meet me here.”

He called him.

No response.

Michael then checked the roster of his graduation class and noticed that someone was missing.

He doesn’t see his best friend on the roster.

He received a text from Bruce. “Forgive me Michael, but I simply could not pass up the opportunity of me going to Stanford. I know I said I promised that we would stay with each other through everything, but all great things must come to an end. This is goodbye.”

After reading the text more times than he could remember, Michael realized that not only did he lose his best friend, but he felt betrayed that he would lie to him without telling him. Michael replied with one last text message to his “best friend.”

“Goodbye Bruce, it was fun being your close friend. It seems as though you wouldn’t even talk to your best friend about what you really wanted for yourself even though you knew that I would

be supportive of your decision. Either way I hope nothing but the best for you in your life moving forward, just wished I could’ve been a part of it.”

Mission To Mars

***

An Oral History: Wife of the Coyote

Natali D.

I was ten when I first began to take care of my father on my own. He was ill, he couldn’t move, or even walk. I turned 15, and there was still poverty, and more violence at home. My mother and I would argue too much that, at times it got to the point of unnecessary insults. It was too much to take that in April 2004 I decided to leave. I decided to come to America because I heard there were better opportunities.

I told my father and my grandma that I was going to leave. And I remember my father sitting and crying in his chair saying, “No se valla, porque se va mija, si usted esta bien aqui.” Don’t leave, why do you leave if you’re living okay here. It broke my heart but I had to go. I had to go because from America I could send money for my father and grandma so that they could be better taken care of. I left my home.

I stood there waiting for the coyote in a place called La Mesilla, the borderline between Mexico and Guatemala. I was already wondering if I was doing the right thing. The coyote arrived and gave us clear instructions of what to do when entering Mexico. Since it was only me and another woman in a group of guys, the coyote said that I was going to pass as his wife so there wouldn’t be any suspicion when entering Mexico. So in my whole journey, whenever we would be stopped by officials, I was the coyote’s mujer.

It took us days, hiding and hiding throughout all of Mexico in different houses. But we finally arrived in the town of Altar, a road that leads to the entrance of the Sonora desert. I began to regret my decision but there was no way back, so I kept going. I had my father in my thoughts, and that was my motivation to continue.

Entering the desert we were stopped by robbers and asked to give them everything we had. I was afraid. They made us kneel with a gun pointed in our heads. I saw how the robbers made the others spread their arms and began to pat them all over their bodies making sure they weren’t hiding anything valuable. Then it was my turn. There was a guy next to me and he just told me, “Déjate. No tengas miedo, no te resistas y nada te va a pasar.” Let yourself. Don’t be afraid, don’t resist and nothing will happen to you. I was scared. What if they are going to kill me, take me away, or do something bad to me?

Once they were done, they threw us off and I was thrown right where all the spines and cactuses were. I stood up and I could see all the cactus spikes poked all over my leg and arms. I was hurting and bleeding. But they took everything I had, they took my belongings, the water and the only food I had left. What everyone had left.

But the road kept going, we were still a long way from the U.S. We kept walking, starving for four days with no water or food, and it was freezing cold to reach Arizona. The thing is that we only walked at night and settled during the day. The coyote said it was better to walk at night because during the day immigration officers would be on their helicopters. So when the sun was out we tried to find the fullest tree to hide under and rest ‘til it got dark.

When we reached Arizona we were locked up in a house. It seemed like a big cellar with more than 100 immigrants. We were not allowed to speak, nor ask any questions. We were stuck there for at least a week until the coyote finally told us they had contacted our family members (from the U.S.) and were ready to leave.

We were blindfolded when we left the house. I guess they didn’t want us to see where we were being held, but we were put into a truck and drove to the place where we called it El Levanton. Until then they took the blindfold off our eyes and waited for the car that would drop us off at L.A., my final destination.

When I look back at this, I don’t regret it. Now with my family, I look forward to greater memories. But I do hope one day go back to my home.

Kind

Jesse M.

Jesse M. is a kind person. She loves her pet chicken and loves to draw a lot. She aspires to be an artist or a veterinarian. ***

I used to be a mean person.

I didn’t trust many people. I pushed people away from my life when I was in middle school because I felt like they were using me. I was mean to my friends. I would feel bad, but I wouldn’t do anything about it. I wanted to apologize for being rude and mean.

I had massive trust issues that had started at the start of middle school. My trust was broken and I just couldn’t be nice anymore. In elementary school I had these “friends” that weren’t even friends. These “friends” were mean to me in a way I didn’t notice. All that time I thought they were being nice. At the time I didn’t think much of it because I was a ten-year-old.

One thing I can remember clearly was when I started to draw. This one time I was proud of myself for something I drew. I was excited to show my friends at school. When I showed them they laughed and said, “I can draw better than you.” They proceeded to show me a drawing they claimed was theirs. At that moment, I felt my anger fuming up ‘cause they knew it wasn’t theirs.

I did not want to start something because they were my only friends, so I did not start anything. Over time, they kept abusing my trust. Once I was out of elementary school, I lost contact with almost all of them. I was kinda glad that I had lost contact with them, except for one person that was my best friend. She was the only real one to me during those times.

When I entered middle school, I didn’t have her anymore, so it was hard for me to be nice to others because I thought they would abuse my trust and make fun of me. People being mean to you and saying mean things to you when you’re younger can affect how you feel when you get older. I shouldn’t have let them affect me.

But at the same time, I couldn’t bring myself to apologize to them and for pushing away good people in my life. I believe in being kind to others, and to not let your past memories consume how you act toward your friends in the future.

My experiences showed me to be aware of others’ feelings and to not be mean to others just because something in the past happened. Having trust, as well, in your friends is good. You can feel safe and sound with them and with your feelings, and they can be themselves around you. That’s why being kind is important.

Live Life

Karla A.

A. is a girl who loves purple. She likes to listen to music of all types.

I believe you need to live life to the fullest. When I think about this I always picture a girl in a convertible car driving by the beach with cool air rushing through her face. Her feet are on the dashboard and loud music is playing on the radio. If you’re just living to work and go to school then you will get bored of life.

“Living” is not just breathing. To live you have to make mistakes, have fun, and create experiences. You need to have memories with your friends while you’re young.

I stopped caring about what people think of me and I started enjoying myself more. I dress how I want and hang out with people that feel the same way. This has made me feel happier with my life. Living to the fullest is just an expression because

Karla

obviously, I still need to make money to create experiences and go out.

Unfortunately, with this belief, I also have to be cautious of the dangers of the streets. I have to stay safe and know my limits. Just because I believe that I need to live life to the fullest does not mean that I am always taking risks. I just use this belief as a motivation to be true to myself. When it comes to feeling sad, I remind myself that eventually I will not be here anymore and that I need to enjoy the time I have now.

I try my best not to complain about my situation and instead I am proactive about my life. I enjoy the small things in life by going on walks and exploring nature. I stay positive in life by reminding myself that I need to live life to the fullest while I’m here. I make time for myself by practicing self-love and treating myself to anything I want.

Living life to the fullest doesn’t mean living recklessly, it just means taking advantage that I’m living. I work, I go to school, but I also make time for myself, my family, and my friends.

Two Weeks

Sarai S. is a 16-year-old student at ALC. She likes dinosaurs.

***

Two weeks. Two weeks is what they said.

Two weeks of spring break. Two weeks that would turn into two years, five months, and three days.

I remember feeling the excitement on March 13, 2020 of having two weeks of break. No school. Staying up late. No need to worry about getting home before four. At the beginning it was fun, amusing even. I was able to get back into playing the flute, one of my favorite hobbies. I colored, read, and made my favorite food. Everything seemed to be going fine until June came around and COVID was still there.

I wasn’t able to spend my birthday with my family. Two lonely birthdays. Everyone stayed away from each other although we all

Sarai S.

lived in the same complex. I lost contact with my long distance best friend, I lost all my friends at my old school, EVEN my childhood friends. Those hurt more than any other. Eventually, the days just mixed together. There was no difference between day or night. Just one endless day. The panic people would have didn’t make it any easier. “Limpia esto, limpia lo otro,” “desinfecta todo!” is all you’d hear coming from my house. “Si te sales no regreses,” one of my mom’s daily sayings to my sister as she was never home. I felt so mutterseelenallein, a word used to describe loneliness in German. After six months I was completely drained. In-person classes turned into Zoom classes in my room. As the new school year was beginning I had SO MUCH hope that we’d return. We didn’t. I fell into a big depression that was extremely difficult to get out of. So instead, I drowned myself in work. I was taking 11 classes. 11. My usual eight, a college class, my church school class, and a History of the Middle East class. It’s what kept me distracted from reality. It was my safe space. It wasn’t until my college and History of the Middle East classes ended that I realized how much I’d been putting myself through. I had to fill empty days with new activities. My anxiety was horrible. I just wanted to get out. I was so asphyxiated by work that I lost myself in the process. Sometimes I wonder who I’d be if it wasn’t for being stuck at home for so long. But in the end this has allowed me to grow as a person. I would not be who I am now if it wasn’t for it.

Racism

Brenda V.

Brenda V/x. was born in Guatemala, Totonicapan. They are someone who plays soccer and does track and field. Also they are members of ALC but most IMPORTANTLY they are a woman. Una mujer Latina. ¡Que trabajara muy duro para cumplir sus metas! And lo que está pa ti nadie te lo quita, remember that but work hard for it.

***

Colors are beautiful

Just like

In my community

Some black

Some white

Mostly brown

But

We are all humans

Humans that have

Power

NO ONE is superior or inferior Sencillamente cada persona es ÚNICA and that makes it SPECIAL We are full of beauty God made us all unique With different personalities cultures identities native countries experiences perspectives etc…

UNIQUE just the way We are

Oral History: Journey to A Better Life

Alex R.

Alex R. is a very outgoing, laid back person who likes eating chicken alfredo and enjoys playing volleyball and biking to new places he’s never been to before.

***

I was born in Tacajalve, Totonicapan, San Francisco el Alto, Guatemala. My home was really beautiful. Everywhere you’d look would be green and brown because I lived close to many mountains. It was peaceful but it was never quiet because there was always the sound of water rushing down and crashing into rocks from the mountain into the lakes and rivers near my home. I was raised by both my parents who are very poor and struggled every day to get by with what little money they made on a dayto-day basis. I lived here until age 23 when I finally decided and was encouraged by both my parents and my husband to migrate to the United States. There were many reasons why I started migrating, although the main push factor that encouraged me

to migrate was that I was two months pregnant with my second oldest son and the struggle with money was a huge problem. So I then started migrating to the U.S in 2001.

“Estaba bien bonito ayi”/ It was very beautiful there

After I left my home I headed to a town over with a friend. We started in a car that was very raggedy and was rusty from a man who would take us towards the border of Mexico and when we reached the border it was an easy obstacle to overcome, so I thought the U.S. border would be the same but I’d soon see that I was very wrong about that. And so my first stop on my journey to the U.S. was Oaxaca, Mexico. Some sights that I remember were a certain church (I’m not so sure about the name) in the middle of Oaxaca and I liked it because it was nice. While I was in Oaxaca I traveled by foot and by public transportation. I really liked how beautiful it was there.

“Me Gustava pero había mucho borrachos” / I liked it there but there were too many drunks

After I left Oaxaca my second stop was in Chihuahua, Mexico. A sight that I remember from Chihuahua is a vasilla de guadalupe (a portrait of the Virgin Mary). I was in Chihuahua for four days in a motel. After leaving Chihuahua I traveled by foot and by public transportation heading towards the border of the United States. Something that I liked about Chihuahua were the streets and how lively they were with parties and bars around every corner. While on my way to the U.S. we were in the back of a trailer and there were about 15 of us. It was very dark and noisy because of the engine.

“Estaba bien orgullosa de mi” / I was very proud of myself

When we finally came across the border I was very nervous and anxious because I was afraid to get caught and because this time we had to jump over a barbed wire fence with nothing but each other’s help by getting on our back and climbing every one of us like a human ladder. But after a gruesome and sweaty 30 minutes we finally made it over the border and headed to our first stop entering the U.S. which was Phoenix, Arizona, which was also my third stop on my journey of migrating into the U.S. And once I made it into Phoenix I was very excited and happy to have accomplished making it where I was. And while I was in Phoenix I was staying in a storage house thing and stayed there for one night before I started marching again, which was very tiring. But I persevered.

“Estoy feliz de haber hecho ese viaje hasta los Estados Unidos” / “I’m very glad to have made the journey to the U.S.”

After I left Phoenix I traveled through the desert for four days, and even though it was just four days, it felt like an eternity because of how hot and tiring the desert conditions were. I was very afraid because of the many animals and noises we would hear in the nighttime. But after we made it across the desert I finally reached my destination and the last stop into the U.S. which was Los Angeles, California. When I got here I was very amazed by how many buildings there were and all the lights, people, and cars. I have been here ever since I came to the “City of Angels” in 2001, and during my stay here in L.A, I’ve had three kids and have been enjoying my stay here in L.A.

Future Run

Karen H.

Karen H. loves the gym and likes to do weight training. She also loves running outside.

I’ve always liked running. When I first started, I felt motivated when SRLA set up the participating runs on the weekends and I never missed any of their special marathon runs. Therefore, I knew I fell in love with running. I always looked forward to the huge marathons that they hosted in March with the whole community starting from the Dodgers Stadium to Santa Monica. Although I love running I had a long pause on running because of the quarantine in March. This led me to not practice and not have much time to do stuff to stay active. And not being able to run outside to practice was painful. I missed running and feeling the cold air rush through my face.

This leads to the present-day now that school is back in person. I was able to rejoin SRLA and practice more throughout the first semester. But it hasn’t been the same with the virus. Wearing a mask while running makes it hard to breathe and my heart starts beating more than usual. Because I had put a pause on my running I feel like I’m slower and not going to be able to improve my time for my marathon this year in March. So far my fastest time has been six hours and 25 minutes. My fastest pace was 14 minutes and 41 seconds.

On the other hand, a part of this is that running by myself made me feel free and loose with the cold air breezing past me in the air in the morning. This feeling made me feel like I was confident and had a lot of power within me. It also made me feel like nothing was able to bring me down no matter what was going to stop me. I enjoyed this feeling and maybe that’s another thing that I like about running.

I feel like my siblings encourage me to not stop and to try my best to improve my time. They stop me from talking negatively about not improving my time in runs. My siblings also encourage me by telling me, “to not give up on myself.” But because of this upcoming marathon, I feel like I’m not going to improve because every mile I run gets slower and slower. My pace isn’t consistent. At first, I ran fast like the hare, but then I ran slow like the tortoise. I need to keep running at the same pace and maybe then I’ll beat my time. I’ll try my best not to discourage myself and take the advice that my siblings gave me and think about that while I run in the marathon in March.

All We Have Is Now

Brayan H. is a chill person who was having an existential crisis in the process of writing this.

***

Life comes to an end soon or later

Pretty sure that’s a common phrase

But it so happens to be true

Whether or not you’re ready it doesn’t matter

Life doesn’t wait, life isn’t forever

All we have is now

As life goes by you realize time is what you wish you had

Time is what goes by and you don’t get back

Life is about living in the moment

Living it, enjoying it, and loving it

Life isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s a reality to be experienced

Life is about not knowing because

All we have is now

Brayan H.

Make It How You Want It

Nathan V.

*** I believe that everyone is their own person and everyone has the right to make their own decisions. Sometimes it feels as if freedom is limited. There’s only a certain amount of things people can do that are unfair such as when you’re in school you can’t be on your phone most of the time. When it comes to driving or buying things, there’s always a certain age to be able to do those things.There are certain regulations that need to be followed. I feel as if those things are unfair, but even with that, I do feel that some things are fair. When it comes to drugs, I believe that it’s fair that people need prescriptions to purchase drugs. Minors shouldn’t be allowed to purchase tobacco products or anything of the sort. As far as it goes, we’re all human, we gotta obey the rules that are given. As much as I don’t like it, it keeps

everyone safe. It keeps us living longer.

I also believe that everyone is the same, there’s no such thing as people being better than you. Yes, some may have more things than others but that’s not what life is about. It’s as if they try their best to be the best, but they just end up wasting time, they truly don’t feel as if they enjoyed their life to the fullest. Everyone is human, we all live one life, we all live, love, laugh. We’re all on borrowed time. No matter what way in life we take, we all end up the same so with that, I feel as if people should be able to live their lives to the fullest. People should be able to live their lives with no regrets, enjoy their youth, and take advantage of it.

Finally, I believe that things happen for a reason. I’m not too sure what to call it exactly, but everything has its cost. I have a close friend who is a little older than me. Throughout his younger years, he wasn’t treated too well by his parents-they doubted him for everything he tried to accomplish-and I personally think that it pushed him to greater heights. He owns his own house and runs his own business in trucking. Some choices you may make can catch up to you in a quickness and you wouldn’t even know it. I believe that when you go through some messed up stuff as a child, it leads to a better you, it leads you to choices that you wouldn’t regret. Life can be precious, but it can also be evil. You just gotta make it how you want it. So, make the best out of it, keep up your grind, and stay true to yourself.

The Journey

Alejandro M.

Alejandro M. is from Los Angeles, California and he enjoys all sports, but one in particular is soccer.

***

When I was about four years old

I knew that my passion for soccer would stay

And as of right now I still play to this day

Always wanting to play with no rest

But every day life is a test

At a young age I joined some teams

Made me have lots of dreams

Not knowing what position best fit me

Suffered with one that was not for me

As the years flew by

Like birds in the night sky

I would start to play with adults instead

Understanding the game more in my head

Later on we made a middle school team

With the chemistry it seemed

We enjoyed the fun it brought

But it didn’t go as planned as we thought

I knew my level was not going to be enough

It was tough

Later started playing on weekdays

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Practicing on what needed improvement

Improving my movement

Once I got to high school

I knew what was my rule

Joining the school’s team

Was the next theme

The season is self explanatory

It went somewhat horribly

Although at the end

We made it a bit far

And this was a sign for me to improve

And that’s what I choose

Because that’s the journey

Dream

Luis S. is the writer of a book involving a chocobanana as the main character. Luis loves Marvel, going out in nature with his two dogs, Bonnie and Floppy, but most of all…dreaming. He’s heard of many people who have had dreams, but are always let down by others around them, inspiring him to write this motivational speech/poem. ***

A dream

isn’t some sparkly diamond you get

A dream is something you work hard for

Never let it be said that to dream is a waste of time

For dreams are realities in waiting

In dreams we plant the seed to our future

Don’t be afraid of the space between your dream and reality

Let your dreams be your wings

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve

And that is the fear of failure

So follow your dreams, be prepared to work hard for them and above all

Don’t let anyone limit your dreams.

Luis S.

Life based on a book

Karl M.

Karl M. is a student in the Academic Leadership Community. Born in the Philippines, he moved to the U.S. at 14. He loves to play games and volleyball. He is a sushi lover and a dog lover. Just a piece of advice for anyone reading this: continue writing your tale, regardless of how much you want to be in someone else’s book.

***

Everyone has a story to tell, a story that has different meaning with different backgrounds. With different chapters to talk about, As they will go on and experience every page that probably contains moments that you’ll either keep or forget.

In some chapters you will read lines

that you might not enjoy and feels like you don’t want to continue reading it as it will take time to recover the pain you went through in those chapters

But in some cases there’s chapters that will make you keep going that feel like you want to read it again and again because those exact lines are the craziest ones that you’ll want to cherish and hope that you could go back and experience that moment you had all over again

Yet trying to read someone’s book Takes time to understand There will be pages that could never make sense And ends in a random page Since they got bored of it. But some try to hold on As they would try to know What the end of the book will be

But in the end nothing will stay the same as every chapter, every title, and every word, will always be different

Little Birds

***

There was a bird that was a girl without her mother.

Her mother was in the United States and she came up with a plan to bring her daughter to the United States. And one day she talked to her family to tell them what she wanted them to do. And the mother’s relatives helped the girl to be able to be with her mother.

It all started when they took the girl to dye her hair a different color. They cut her hair short, and she looked like Dora the Explorer. She looked different. Then they took her to a lady to accompany her to the airport.

The girl got on a plane with the lady. When they arrived at the airport in the United States, the mother was there waiting for them. She couldn’t wait to see her daughter in flesh and blood,

Fabiola G.

not just in photos.

Because there is nothing better than seeing your daughter in person. When the mother saw her daughter, the lost bird, she was happy and fulfilled. This story reminds me of when I came to be with my mother in the United States. When I hugged her it was the happiest day of my life.

The Daily Life

Juan S. is someone who loves to draw. He is very creative and has a huge imagination. He is very shy and has trouble communicating with other people. He is seen as someone who is chill, nice, and can sometimes be very annoying. He cares for his family.

***

In my head I can’t decide if I’m living life to the fullest. I’m just like any other kid. Every Monday to Friday I wake up around 6:45, get ready, go to school and learn something. After school I hang out with my friends that I have been with for ten years now and we work out and play American football. After that we walk and talk together, and make some jokes along the way.

When I get home I do some homework and if I have time, I play video games or watch movies or TV shows. After all that I rest and go to sleep and sometimes listen to music. Saturday and Sunday are different. I go to church, go out sometimes with the

Juan S.

family, go to restaurants, play or watch movies, sleep, but still have homework.

For me that is too simple for living a life and I think I could do more than that to live a life. I imagine life being like spending more time with family, as well as friends. Because of school I rarely hang out with them, or go out to have an adventure and have fun. In the end, I appreciate life, and in the future hopefully I’ve lived the life that I’ve imagined to the fullest.

Letter To My Younger Self

Iris D.

Iris D., born and raised in L.A., enjoys reading, baking, and coffee. She will be in bed before ten or else won’t be the most productive version of herself which tells you that she is more of a morning person who is willing to wake up at four am for anything she’s passionate about. Although she may have the busiest schedule, she’ll always find time to be that one person who will wait for you at the end of the day and is willing to listen to you talk about your day.

*** February 11, 2005 is where my story begins. I would say I’ve come a long way. I’m not the little girl I once was. I changed, for the better of course.

If I could go back and give any advice to my younger self it would be: to trust the process. Take on any opportunity thrown at you. And to believe that God will be guiding you through it all.

I’ve seen the growth in me that has developed throughout

time. I’m proud of the accomplishments I’ve made.

From taking initiative and joining the LAPD cadet program as a recruit at age 13 to now, holding the highest rank as a captain at 17. I can say that academy days weren’t easy, waking up at four AM and doing physical training (PT) first thing in the morning. They allowed me to strengthen my mindset.

I’ve become resilient, from being the shyest person in the room to owning my voice and finding comfort knowing that I left the conversation stating my views and morals. (As Mr. Molnar would say, using ETHOS to support my claims).

Constantly reminding myself that I was made with a purpose. Anyone I meet along the way, whether that is friends, family, or teachers, were gifts given to partake in the development of the person I am becoming.

So to whoever is reading this, I say to you: remember, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Be selfish if you must. It’s okay to put yourself first because at the end of the day there is only one you, and you are so valued and loved. Remember that!

-Iris D.

A New World

Giovanni P.

Giovanni P. is a student who loves music and going out for walks. You will always catch him thinking. To be more exact, imagining. You will have to tap on him twice in order to get his attention. He wrote this writing expressing how he feels when he enters into A New World.

***

Going on a walk, with music playing by my ears

Nothing can beat the feeling of being brought into a new world

That world, being my imagination

When you’re stuck in a room seven hours a day, five times a week

It gets pretty old pretty fast

The lack of openness

The lack of flexibility

When out on a walk

With nature and its blooming beauty

Fresh air hitting your body

Making you feel like the wind itself

Feelings like

The sense of peace

The feeling of living

With your favorite music playing

You get pulled into this new world

A world where anything is possible

What might be physically impossible to accomplish with one’s self

Is fully achievable in this New world, a new reality

From swinging from building to building

Tree to tree

Ground to air

And air to ground

Traveling through the skies as fast as a falcon

The feeling of fresh air hitting you every second along the way

The feeling of freedom

The feeling of peace

She

Jocelyn O. is a member of the robotics club at the Academic Leadership Community.

*** Midnight

When I see her

I say, “Where have you been?”

Hearing the voices of the siren

Couldn’t take my eyes too soon

Stop and wait a sec

Grabs my hand and made it very clear

There’s absolutely nothing for us here

So let’s dance in slow motion

Let’s run by the ocean

There is no stopping now

Jocelyn O.

Racing off in our getaway car

In these stolen moments

The world is ours

There’s nobody here, just us together

Creating a memory that will last forever

Wishing upon the moon

That even if they were to find us

I wouldn’t notice

Time has chased us

But you have always been a runner

Looking for a sign

To begin another adventure

In another life

The River Of Memories

Denilson is a laid back person who is down to try new things. He is helpful so when someone needs help he’s fine with lending a hand. He is a hard worker and tries to improve and do better.

***

Dear Future Me,

Hey me, hope you’re doing well and also to anyone who’s reading this letter. Hopefully you were doing well for yourself and figured out what you wanted to do in life.

It’s crazy to believe how life went by fast and I know right now at the time of writing this we’re still young, but this is going to change soon just like a chrysalis ready to emerge and turn into a full-grown butterfly.

Well besides all that, I hope you found your true self and figured out what you wanted to do. Hopefully you went out to complete the goals you wanted to achieve like doing good in

Denilson H.

school, achieving academically the way you wanted to achieve, going to college, or stepping up on your grades through your high school years and not falling behind.

You know you learned from your past mistakes, and improved yourself for the better and are focusing and pursuing your goals. Learning will probably take some time, and that’s okay. Everyone thinks they know everything and what’s best for them, but in reality they don’t.

Well it’s all said and done. I hope you did the things you wanted to do, like learning how to code and becoming a software engineer and also to not live a life full of regrets and to always stay dedicated to yourself. I hope the path you chose later on is a good one for yourself.

Life is Like a Videogame

Owen L.

Owen L. is a mysterious person but everyone views him as nice, positive, chill, hard working, quiet but friendly.

***

Life is like a videogame.

You start at level one. You have your first memories of this world and you learn how to do the basics. Crawling to walking to being fed to feeding yourself. Your status is Level 1. Skills: none; State: confused, lost, and curious.

Now you’re going to your first day of school. As your parents take you to school you notice other players around your age going to the same place. As you check behind you, you have a backpack. Other players have backpacks too and uniforms. You wear a white shirt and brown pants with a hawk on the shirt to represent the school. Your status is Level 3. Skills: none; State: curious, careful, nervous.

You notice some players are higher level because their parents might have taught them a lot more, while the lower players maybe have parents who just don’t spend time with them or teach them how to be, or they depend on their parents too much.

As you step into the school you are greeted by your teacher. When you go into a classroom you see around ten players inside. They are drawing, playing, and talking with each other. As you walk toward a table, you see a crayon and a piece of white paper and you think about what to do with it.

You have an objective: draw an octopus. Why? Because why not? As you finish drawing you feel you’ve leveled up and another player enters the room, crying out loud, “I WANT TO GO BACK HOME,” as everyone is looking at him. This player is clearly a Level 1 player. He sits down next to you. The teacher gets him a piece of paper and a crayon. The instructor goes outside, greeting more parents, leaving you and Level 1 Player alone. He is very scared but he calms down after drawing. He is drawing a… you don’t know, there are so many lines crossing over each other. You notice that other players are talking with each other, and you realize you haven’t said anything to anyone since you came in. You have a new objective: make a friend.

The Level 1 Player is following you now. The teacher mentions his name and his name is Mario. I know, I know. Reader, you might be thinking of Mario from the game Mario and Luigi, but no, really, that is his name.

As you go to the toy area, you notice Mario is still behind you. You have made up your mind that Mario will be your new friend and you will teach him and raise his level to yours. You ask Mario if he wants to play something, and he nods yes. You take some toys and go back to the rug where you both start to have fun and you learn more about him. Mario is a very funny person

and seems caring and he says that his mom does everything for him, which explains why he is at such a low level. While you’re studying him you notice other kids are trying to join and of course, you let them join.You are making lots of friends and quickly you know everyone in the class and they know you. Your Status Level is now 5. Skills: observer, leader, creativity; State: happy, secure, more self aware.

(Reader, would you like to continue? Click YES or NO)

You haven’t seen Mario for hours. You get the feeling he isn’t happy and you ask around if anyone has seen him. You have a new objective: find Mario.

The teacher asks you and a few other players to go find Mario and bring him back to class. So you and five other players go to the playground. He isn’t there and lunch is about to start. The other four players go back to the class to let the teacher know Mario isn’t around. You ask yourself, “If I were Mario, where would I be?” and BINGO you know where he is. You go back and see the dressing room and see Mario is inside sobbing. You go inside and say, “Are you ok?” And Mario says, “No, I want to go home.”

Suddenly the teacher comes into the dressing room and says that Mario is going home early. He stops sobbing and goes with the teacher. As he walks to the office he turns around and says, “Bye, friend.” Your status is Level 6. Skills: observer, leader, finder; State: happy, secure, self aware, glad.

Two weeks later you are more used to the teacher and the environment, and you learn a lot of stuff like writing your name and the alphabet and new words and using a pencil. You and the class are all friends except for a new player, Serena. The whole class thinks of her as a mean person. You and Serena spend time together for two weeks and share knowledge together and you

both level up, faster than the rest.

Later, you are with Mario (he still won’t stop following you around) and he tells you that he tried to talk with Serena once, but he got scared after she didn’t say anything, and he warns you to stay away from her because she is mean. In your point of view, she is very nice, funny, and smart, even though she is shy and she is always daydreaming during class. She needs more time to get used to the class. She tells you that daydreaming is the best because you can make up stories and think of how to solve problems. She says that dreaming is one of her best skills. You are not sure about her Level or set of skills yet, but you’ve learned it doesn’t matter. As long as you continue to share information and knowledge, and you help everyone out, everything will be fine. Your Status Level is now 9. Skills: observer, leader, finder, keeper; State: happy, secure, glad, more self aware, more understanding of others.

Into Society

Jacob P. is a kid that likes to play basketball in his free time and work on cars with his brothers. He is currently working on his first build, a 1991 Toyota Integra RS. He’s thinking about selling it and getting a 240 though–not gonna lie.

*** Into the Wild is my favorite movie. The reason I say this is because the concept of the movie was this kid that didn’t like society and thought that the rules society set on people were dumb and quiet frankly, I see that he has a point. In the movie you see that he is a well-off kid, his family has money, he has good grades in school, and is a great athlete. But instead of getting a good job and pursuing his career like you would expect him to, he donates all his money to charity and gets rid of all his belongings. The reason why I think I was so moved by this is because I feel like, in this life that we live in, we are entitled to things.

Jacob P.

People start to view materialistic objects as more important than other things like family, friends, etc…For example, one of the biggest problems on this planet is money. Everyone wants money. Yeah, it makes sense at times. If you want food, money. If you want something to drink, money. If you want to watch a movie, money. If you want to visit a friend, money. Everything in this world requires some sort of money. Where it becomes a problem is where people start to put money before things. People get this weird mentality that all they need is money, but that’s not true. You could have all the money in the world and it wouldn’t be enough. At some point you’re gonna get tired because you could just buy whatever you want and there’s no point in that.

People tend to set these unrealistic standards on other people thinking it’s gonna help but it doesn’t because now you have this person wasting their whole life trying to fulfill this standard that was set on them, but in reality they’re just doing it to bring satisfaction to this other person and they just forget all about their own feelings and their own dreams/goals. For example, there are the standards society sets on females, like looking a certain way to impress men or that they have to be the one in the kitchen cooking while the man in the relationship provides money. Another example is how parents want their kids to go to college and just focus on school, which is fine because they think that’s what’s best for their kid, but in reality the kid just wants to live a regular life. There are many more things wrong with society, but sadly no one actually acts upon the things they love preaching about…

Yadira The Stallion is a woman that loves to DJ. And in her free time she likes to eat healthy by plucking grass off the floor. She neighs as she sleeps standing up and enjoys spending her time galloping around town. Sometimes she needs repair due to her excessive horse kicking. Her best friend, Landon The Ape, is always in her inventory.

*** Sometimes I walk and believe that things are meant to be, that if a street light turns red it means that I was destined to go across a different street. And that’s how I spend my days, being guided by the universe and all these random situations.

In my mind I’m John Lennon or Rick James or Slash. I conquer each day like a hero. I used to have a magic dog, a sidekick I thought would blossom, but he decomposed in a waste bin. That was a bummer.

And now I stand here with his puppies. They remind me so

Yadira R.

much of him. How was it that I felt closer to a dog than my own family, and why is it that I’m at home but I don’t feel like I should be here?

I try not to clench onto fear. There’s a cliff on a mountain and when I fall there’s a hand at the bottom. It’s the universe. I know I fell for a reason, and I know not to think of all the things that could’ve happened, but to think more about all the things that did happen, and give gratitude for living another day.

The End

Acknowledgements

826LA would like to thank to following for their support in making this project possible:

Andy Molnar

English Teacher – Academic Leadership Community

Caitlin Chappell

Edward Sabalburo

Mar Vista intern – 826LA

Grace Mitchell

Mar Vista Intern – 826LA

Janet Borrus

Laura Bolt

Maddie Silva

Field Trips Program Coordinator – 826LA

Maricruz Pool-Chan, Program Coordinator, Tutoring – 826LA

Mike Dunbar, Programs & Operations Manager – 826LA PuicóN-Pérez, Design Manager – 826LA

Sam Gavidia, Design Intern – 826LA

Shani Foster, Director of Education – 826LA

Shannon Latimer

ABOUT 826LA

826LA opened our doors in 2005, as part of the 826 Network founded by writer Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari.

826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 who attend Title I schools with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

We believe great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and strengthen each student’s power to express ideas creatively, confidently, and in their individual voice.

Join the Future Bestsellers Club!

Sign up to make a monthly donation to 826LA and you’ll join our Future Bestsellers Club.

For as little as ten dollars each month, we’ll deliver writing from our brilliant, emerging authors right to you!

Go to 826LA.org/donate and click on Future Bestsellers Club to join.

826LA programs

826LA offers a variety of in-person and virtual programming.

Tutoring

Volunteers provide in-person, one-on-one homework help to support students as they navigate all subject areas. Write On! After School supports younger students, while Tuesday and Thursday Night Tutoring supports middle and high school students.

Field Trips

Our roster of virtual and in-person field trips includes Storytelling & Bookmaking, Well-Wishing & Poetry Writing, Choose-Your-Own- Adventure, and more.

IN-SCHOOLS, WRITERS’ ROOMS,

&

COLLEGE ACCESS

We provide personal statement writing support for college applications at Manual Arts, Roosevelt, and Venice High Schools and a number of other partner schools, as well as via the Great Los Angeles Personal Statement Weekend event. 826LA staff and volunteers work with teachers to support creative writing projects in the virtual classroom.

826la.org

Jaime Balboa

Executive Director

Diego Quevedo Chief of Staff

Shani Foster Director of Education

Shawn Silver Director of Advancement

Cheryl Klein Senior Communications Manager

Pedro Estrada Programs & Operations Manager, Echo Park

Mike Dunbar

Programs & Operations Manager, Mar Vista

LaTesha Knighten In-Schools Program Manager

Megan Acosta Senior Manager of Volunteer Programs

Alma Carrillo Development Manager

Christie Thomas Institutional Giving Manager

Carinne Mangold Store Manager

Puicón-Pérez Design Manager

Angelica Butiu-Coronado

Program Coordinator, Writers’ Room Roosevelt High School

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Ko

President

Sarah Rosenwald

Varet

Vice President

Nancy Yang

Treasurer

Chad DePue

Secretary

Andy Alcaraz

Ben Au

Adriana Centeno

Matthew Cherniss

Dave Eggers, Emeritus

Jodie Evans, Emeritus

Scott A. Ginsburg

Eileen Shields

Belinda Tan

Holly A. Thomas

David Ullendorff

Karen Van Kirk

William Trlak Program Coordinator, Writers’ Room at Manual Arts High School

Maricruz Pool-Chan Program Coordinator, Tutoring, Echo Park

Monica Arellano Program Coordinator, Tutoring, Mar Vista

Maddie Silva Program Coordinator, Field Trips, Mar Vista

Mari Zerbe Program Coordinator, Field Trips, Echo Park

Ariana Ponce Evening Tutoring Programs Associate

Erika Hernandez Burke In-Schools Program Volunteer Coordinator

Wilson Swain

Echo Park Time Travel Mart Staff

Cole Montgomery Development Coordinator

Larry Hansen

Mar Vista Time Travel Mart Staff

Marco Beltran

Echo Park Time Travel Mart Staff

ADVISORY BOARD

J.J. Abrams

Judd Apatow

Miguel Arteta

Mac Barnett

Steve Barr

Joshuah Bearman

Amy Brooks

Father Greg Boyle, SJ

Stefan G. Bucher

Mark Flanagan

Ben Goldhirsh

Rebecca Goldman

Ellen Goldsmith-Vein

DeAnna Gravillis

Spike Jonze

Miranda July

Catherine Keener

Keith Knight

Al Madrigal

Krystyn Madrigal

Tara Roth

Katie McGrath

R. Scott Mitchell

Lani Monos

B.J. Novak

Miwa Okumura

Jane Patterson

Keri Putnam

Sylvie Rabineau

Sonja Rasula

Luis J. Rodriguez

Terri Hernandez

Rosales

Brad Simpson

J. Ryan Stradal

Natalie Tran

Sarah Vowell

Sally Willcox