Finding Our Way

Finding Our Way

Glimmers of hope, strength and endurance: Making sense of reality in the time of COVID-19

WRITTEN BY THE 2019-2020 9TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS

AT THEODORE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, BOYLE HEIGHTS, CA

This book was written by the by the 2019-2020 9th-12th grade students at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, CA and printed in April 2021.

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.

This project was made possible with support from the Vera R. Campbell Foundation, International Paper, the Joan Leidy Foundation, and Anonymous, and from the following donors: Goldhirsh Foundation, Henry and Inell Chase, The Middle Road Foundation, and Lekha Singh.

EDITORS

Priscilla Bustos

Christy McCarthy

Angelica Butiu-Coronado

COVER & DIVIDER ARTWORK

Omar Ramirez BOOK DESIGN

Puicón-Pérez

Echo Park 1714 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90026

Mar Vista 12515 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90066

PREVIOUS

PUBLICATIONS IN THE ROOSEVELT HS ETHNIC STUDIES SERIES

Time to Heal (2019)

La Vida es un Regalo Sagrado (2018)

We Are What They Envisioned (2017)

You Are My Roots (2016)

This is My Revolution (2015)

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Tangents Are Your Guide … 10

PART I

A New Normal … 13

CHAPTER 1: BARRIERS OF PLEXIGLASS Coping through the COVID-19 quarantine

Dollar Tree is Our Saviour, ONLYYNANNETTE … 16

The New Normal, EMILY L. … 17

Lost in Thought, MADISON G. … 19

The Pandemic, KEISY M. … 20

The Pandemic Issues, ARNAS B. … 22

The Havoc of Quarantine, NATHAN R. … 23

What I Can See, BRANDON S. … 24

We Endure the Future, ANDREW G. … 25

The LIfe of Quarantine, JASON P. … 26

Having Faith, CITLALLI I. … 29

The Virus Does Not Discriminate, ALFONSO G. … 30

Untitled, KARLA M. … 32

CHAPTER 2: ETERNAL ACTS OF LOVE Expressions of gratitude

It’s Time We…, I. R. … 36

To the Nurses Who Help Save Lives, JOHANNA Q. V. … 38

Community Effort, KENYA G. … 40

Doctors, Nurses, and Caretakers Who Inspire Us to Help Others, B.C. … 41

The Duties and Worries of an Essential Worker, BRIANA M. … 42

Dear ER Doctors, GUADALUPE V. … 44

CHAPTER 3: REPLANTING OURSELVES Resilient mindsets during the pandemic

Hope Arises, B. C. … 48

The Human Disease, BRITNEY S. … 50

World of Suspense, KATE S. … 51

Our LIfe Now, JENNY G. … 53

A Glance into Life, 2020, MARISOL C. … 54

Outside, Looking In, MELISSA P. … 56

The Bullet that Hit the World, DAISY L. … 57

My Great Appreciation for School, G. … 58

PART II

Choosing Hope … 61

CHAPTER 4: A BREAK FROM THE WORLD Having a sense of belonging

My Diary of a Pandemic, RAFAEL S. JR. … 64

My Home is a Softball Field, EMILY ELAIZA T. … 66

Waves with Memories, ANGELA S. … 68

Hope, VALENTINE B. … 69

CHAPTER 5: TREASURES OF THE HEART Expressions of family and connection

The Virgin of Guadalupe, BIG_AL863 … 72

Teddy Bear, STEPHANIE M. … 73

I Love You, MICHELLE … 74

You Are My Hope, ANONYMOUS … 75

Mexican Macaroni, ESPERANZA L. … 76

The Memories of a Lifetime, B. C. … 77

Christmas for Me, ALBERT N. … 78

CHAPTER 6: THE POWER OF GRIT Encouragements to take action

A Better Version of Myself, JAIME F. … 82

How We Look, DANIEL B. … 84

The Dream, FRANCISCO M. … 86

Daisy, VANESSA V. … 87

The New Legacy, CARLOS R. … 89

Opportunities, ANTHONY T. … 90

Recognitions … 95

Tangents Are Your Guide

It’s eerie to think that the final day on campus before the COVID-19 shutdown was Friday the 13th. Leading up to that day, students were getting information about this virus and showing up to class talking about the latest news with their peers. We went from shaking hands, to bumping elbows, to tapping our feet, when greeting each other. That human interaction and physical touch shifted the more we learned about it. On the last day, we dedicated class to hosting restorative justice circles for students to share their feelings. There was a mixed response and varying levels of doubt. Some students expressed, “Cool! I don’t have to be here at school anymore!”, while others shared their worries about what the impact would be on their families. Having those conversations about people’s apprehensions brought a realization that this event is greater than just not coming to school. When we got the news, no one could have predicted that we’d still be in distance learning eight months later. It’s hard to envision what we’d tell our students if we knew all that we know today, to prepare them—you can’t really prepare young people for something like this.

Students keep talking about that cycle: Wake up. You’re on the screen. Do homework. Go back to sleep. Some students are in bed all day because they don’t have a desk or proper work space. In the beginning they were okay with being at home, now they admit, “I never thought I’d say this, but I miss going to school.” They are constantly messaging their teachers about their personal and daily conflicts. A lot of young people are undergoing depression and anxiety— they’re just really struggling. The students who are normally motivated are getting frustrated and losing that motivation with getting constantly kicked out of Zoom—yet they still come back! Even when students want to turn their cameras on they can’t because their bandwidth is so low. Distance learning shows that the inequalities that have been present when on campus are now exacerbated online, and it’s burning everyone out. Teachers are fatigued and stressed out, being in their own box of a room all day. It was impossible for us to manage contacting families directly with the way our schedule was. If we wrote the book today and asked students to share what it’s like to live in a pandemic, a lot of them might not have had the energy or motivation to write about their experiences.

When classes switched to distance learning, over 95% of our students were gone and we didn’t even know where they were. It was heartbreaking to have only two or three students signing on each day. Having all those different personalities is what really made us feel connected as a class. There is now a newfound appreciation for those tangent conversations about new games, new shoes, etc. When students are interacting with each other we see that they’re actually present, so we take a step back and let it happen. What really matters is just providing a space for them to talk and share. Old policies, grades, and ways of doing things went out the window. Meditations and yoga videos from YouTube, and writing daily reflections became their assignments to help them relax and not stress too much. We’ll have ideas of what we are going to teach today, then the daily check-in ends up being the class itself. The tangents are great because students are willing to share what they’re doing and where they’re at, mentally and emotionally. It gets their mind away from everything they may be undertaking. We appreciate hearing their voices during a time when teachers were trying everything to encourage students to turn on their cameras. It’s just a highlight and joy—a positivity in our day—given everything else that’s happening in the outside world.

When reading these pieces, it is important for people to think about the lack of systemic changes that added fuel to this world fire. A lot of what young people are going through has to do with poverty and inequality. Their family members are the ones who have been working under the risks of COVID-19. They are the ones who are taking the biggest hit, emotionally and otherwise. This context is significant to acknowledge. Unless there’s a compelling systemic change, the inequities that have been amplified through this pandemic will continue to grow and fester in the most vulnerable communities, like those of our students.

This year’s cohort of published authors deserves a deeper recognition. These students wrote this, despite some of them not being in a comfortable space to work, not having WiFi, or suffering through sickness and loss. They showed their resilience through the completion of this project, while being able to express their feelings and daily confrontations in these short stories. Readers will benefit from being aware of this context when acknowledging our students: their strength, and their dedication to making this possible.

Melanie Barajas, Magdalena Ceja, Jorge Lopez, Liliana Mendoza, Jose Reinozo U.S. History, and Ethnic Studies Teachers at Roosevelt High School

Part I

A New Normal

Change can produce mixed emotions, where fear and uneasiness can arise with uncertainty of the unknown. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has created significant disruption as well as psychological and emotional distress. In a time where social connection is halted, and loss and grieving is experienced by all, coping and finding sanity in this new normal will look different for everyone. It has produced awareness and new lessons learned. Despite the change, notes of appreciation of what we have; our families, friends, and Essential Workers, have been met with solidarity and support. There is appreciation in knowing that we are in this together, and resilience in choosing hope. “We were the ones who stood tall, with our heads held high, and never lost hope.”

CHAPTER 1

Barriers of Plexiglass

Onlyynannette

Dollar Tree is Our Savior

OMG! It’s this chick again. Wait a minute… there’s somethin’ different about her. I would see her come in and out of my store all the time, passing by day and night. Now the streets are not as busy anymore and the parking lot looks naked. Does my sign still read, “Open”? Hmmm… hold on! These customers are wearing a mask…. Huh, wait a minute, so are the employees! Pfft, I thought this was some sort of fashion trend going around, whoopsies.

Wait, what?! Since when was I overloaded with this many customers? Woot woot—I’m no longer underrated! Why are people over-stocking the hand sanitizers and toilet paper—what’s going on? What is this virus I’m hearing them talk about? That’s why they overstocked on hand sanitizers! I see the reason now, but why toilet paper? Man, these employees must be tired as hell from being open so early in the morning, having to deal with a bunch of customers, needing to restock aisles, and having to open a new register since one isn’t enough anymore. I’m just glad I’m plain, old, Dollar Tree!

Since there’s a virus outbreak, wouldn’t there be some “Stay Home” type of message for everyone? Isn’t it called quarantine? I wonder how long it’s been going on for. All these people must be bored out of their mind. That’s why the craft aisle is empty! I just thought we got robbed—LOL. These people should really take this seriously because I have my employees risking their lives for everyone to be able to get their essentials. I wish for everyone to be safe, continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing, and take care of their loved ones.

Emily L.

The New Normal

Reality strikes and ultimately I feel lost

My fear seemed hidden at the start

As the clock keeps ticking, I realize the events on the news are true

No one’s listening to the rules

People are out there walking with no protection

Social distancing is not a word, it’s foreign to those living life “normally”

But normal doesn’t exist anymore

Old ways of communication are being replaced by screens as the new human face

Having spent my whole life communicating with others in the same space, I can’t find comfort in talking to a screen

School was no longer on people’s agenda, and made people believe it was an option between continuing online or having an early vacation

Being in the company of friends was no longer allowed

Hanging out like we used to had become illegal

Forced orders to stay home has me feeling like I’m caged within the walls I once loved

Being trapped with no place to go, refreshed the image before me,

Causing my thoughts to be a never ending cycle,

Leading me to find comfort in the presence of my family who helped me understand While others were losing their families, I still had mine

There were people out there carrying the weight of their loved one’s who’ve passed

I’ve become grateful for everyone who is still with me, seeing as we

weren’t severely affected

For those impacted, shout-out to you for dealing with the chaos of the world and staying in control

Madison G. Lost in Thought

I am often lost in my thought

I wonder when I will have someone to talk to, instead the voice in my head is all I have

I hear my family everyday, loud and happy, but I am far away I see laughter and love, but feel like I don’t belong

I want to be free from all my pain. When would I be exempt for who I am as a person?

I am often lost in my thoughts

I pretend I’m fine

I feel numb until the pain gets out of hand and I just cry I touch my computer to do my work and to talk to my “friend”

I worry things will never be the same

I cry out all my stress that I have bottled up

I am often lost in my thoughts

I understand the pain in the world

I say, “We have nothing to lose in a world where we are supposed to fail”

I dream of achieving my dream, I try to have a good day

I hope the world can be colorful again, not black and white I am often lost in my thoughts.

Keisy M. The Pandemic

Freshman year was supposed to be the easiest year, right?

Tell me why this year isn’t like a kite in the sky

Tell me why I now have to stay home and sit tight

Along with millions of other Americans who can’t seem to find their light and escape the darkness

The pandemic has people engaging in unnecessary actions

Do they think about others when they go out and hoard all the toilet paper?

Or when they walk the streets like if this virus wasn’t something major?

Do they believe the crazy rumors that all the COVID-19 deaths are fake and the television is just an entertainer?

76,938 deaths have been caused by that virus and 28,228 cases are being confirmed everyday

And our leader, he isn’t any better

Our leader is telling his people to inject themselves with Lysol

Our leader is more interested in his economy than his people

Our leader, I can’t even call him that

The pandemic is teaching people to wash their hands

The pandemic is teaching people to stay home and save lives

The pandemic is teaching people how important our essential workers are

The pandemic is teaching us how to show compassion

But even then, people refuse to learn this, and are regressing

Conspiracy theorists walk the streets to object from using masks and being quarantined

The majority of them, White people carrying guns, expressing their White

privilege

Because of course, when they do it, it’s a peaceful protest

But when people of color do the same, it’s a riot

Are they upset that they are being subjected to their homes and aren’t free?

While many Conservatives vote for policies and laws to keep human beings in cages

Are they upset that they are being told what to do with their bodies?

While the same Conservatives believe that abortions should be illegal and they have the right to tell women what to do with their bodies

Or maybe they’re upset that they can’t be with their significant others during this time

While the same Conservatives still believe that same-sex marriage is wrong, and those people shouldn’t be able to love who they want

The pandemic is showing people’s true colors, the good and the bad

The pandemic is just another plague that has been brought to this Earth

Although we humans are the plague of the Earth.

Arnas B.

The Pandemic Issues

You know, I was scared when I first heard of the virus. People were getting sick and dying. One little cough and entire families were infected. Two weeks later all the people you met are now infected; going into their lungs, killing them from the inside. Now all their families are broken, killed, and destroyed. I was worried for all the people I know.

We all thought, “What’ll happen to us when we’re infected?” Mom was worried about anyone leaving the house. Dad was depressed with the possibility that he might die. My sisters never stopped crying. I just wish I could help the doctors. I am grateful for the doctors and nurses, risking their lives for us.

I am strong now, I don’t fear it anymore, I know it will pass if we just stay home. But those people who aren’t essential and don’t stay indoors, need a whack to the dome. I will make sure to keep my sanity through all of this by working out, reading, and staying with my family. I just want to get a hug or a kiss from my girl for God’s sake. I will stop myself from doing anything immoral like hurting others because I’m mad at a virus. But seeing what people are doing during the quarantine makes me think that the virus is us.

Nathan R.

The Havoc of Quarantine

At first I didn’t know what I was. I didn’t have a label telling me what I am, like items at a store. I was made out of very common things, like fabric and stretchable string. My maker used a sewing machine to create me. I could tell there was a bit of a rush in my creation. Everything that was used to make my body was one color: black. The fabric is cotton. It feels soft and comfortable, like a blanket. I am a mask. I know that now because that’s what humans call me. They use me to cover their mouths and noses. I learned that I was made for one purpose: to keep the human immune system safe from a virus called Coronavirus.

This virus seemed very dangerous as I learned from the family. I overheard them say the possibility of being infected can cause death; that’s why they need to use me. The virus didn’t seem like the only dangerous thing, as I learned when the family went to get supplies: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks.

They went to multiple stores starting from Los Angeles to Palm Springs because every store was cleaned out. They finally got what they needed, but it didn’t seem like much, there were only a couple of packets on the shelf. The family felt grateful, but tired from the long drive and all the walking. All the stores were filled with people. It was anarchy; people pushing and shoving, carts packed at the checkout area—it was chaos.

Once everyone got what they needed for the quarantine, the panic settled down at the stores but there were still problems. Businesses shut down, as well as schools. With the schools shut down, educators needed some way to teach their kids, so they turned to online schooling. It wasn’t that great because there were problems with WiFi, but after a couple of months, companies started opening up again. This means that quarantine is going to be lifted and everything is going to go back to normal. It feels good, knowing that I am needed. I feel like I am actually appreciated for what I do. Even if I’m no longer needed, I know I completed my purpose.

Brandon S.

What I Can See

I am the house camera, white and black. From my place in the house, I can see and hear everything. During these first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic I’ve seen how the family has been concerned about everything; sometimes I feel bad for them. Before this pandemic they always went out to the park or the movies to enjoy themselves. Now, everything has gone from good to bad. Every morning I see them bored, just sitting on the couch.

I have experienced many things. I see the whole family get together to celebrate importants dates and spend more time together. Sometimes I think about how bad it would be if they went out to enjoy themselves, and someone in the family caught the virus and infected the whole family. I’ve seen the entire family spend more time together playing games and dancing, but that only lasts a short while. After all, the whole family is worried of what might happen afterward. The only thing that makes me happy is seeing them together and supporting each other. How I wish this pandemic would end quickly. I don’t like seeing them worry, it makes me sad and angry. I would like for the whole family to go out and enjoy, without any concern.

Andrew G.

We Endure the Future

COVID-19 changes everyone’s lives around the world for better or worse. There are many people who are struggling since the virus has appeared and there are other people who think this virus is good. The worst thing is, it is extremely hard to travel and visit any family members, a lot of people could get sick and there is no vaccine. I had to stay-in on Memorial Day and I wasn’t able to visit the cemetery to see my uncle.

Everyone seems to be texting and calling each other like the virus does not exist and it’s just a normal day. I talk with my friends about drawing, movies, and shows. Resilience is the key to having a future, along with a vaccine for the coronavirus. Then all these problems will go away.

Kids are struggling to do school work on their computer during the pandemic. There are kids who struggle because they may not have a strong internet connection or don’t have materials to do their work. Sometimes in Zoom meetings with poor internet, kids get kicked out or their mic and screen will freeze up. Kids struggle with getting supplies like pencils, sharpeners, and erasers.

The stores have been empty and it’s bad to be out during the pandemic. Many stores have customers stay six feet apart; there are barriers of plexiglass, and certain stores like Costco only allow one or two people per family to enter if they wear a face mask.

The virus ain’t all that bad, lots of people are now washing their hands and using hand sanitizer more often. People are able to recover from the virus within a few weeks and the vaccine might come soon. We should be able to endure this because our ancestors endured worse than us.

Jason P.

The Life of Quarantine

When the pandemic started it seemed as if no one was taking it seriously

People kept having parties in their front yard, inviting others to their houses

Now, most stores are closed: clothing stores, gaming stores, sports stores

Less stores open means workers don’t get paid

They can’t pay rent, they can’t buy food

They are forced to ask for necessities

Schools closed and students taking classes at home

It is hard.

We get our usual work. If we don’t finish by the day it was assigned it becomes hard to keep up. Zoom meetings with teachers make no sense, and stress follows me like a little annoying kid for hours

Teachers are now teaching from their own homes

I wonder...

How do teachers plan their lessons? Is it easy to teach through Zoom?

How do they know students need help when students don’t do their work?

How do they plan their projects knowing that students have a lot of technical issues? Teachers don’t have the tools they need to teach effectively

The pandemic makes me feel lonely and less energetic, like when the wheel of the water mill slows down as less water pases through

I miss Arturo making jokes

I miss Bryan poking people and seeing them push him away

I miss everyone being back together in groups of twelve or more, where we talked in a circle and shared what we had, whether it was a drink or a snack

The pandemic has made me value spending time with my family more than before

I used to not have time to be with them

I’ve learned that my parents like hiking, taking pictures, and making videos

When my mom is stressed, I tell her to lay down and leave the work to me and my sister

Or she goes outside and waters her plants, and feels relief when she smells their fresh scents

People should value being with their families during the pandemic

I used to have a daily schedule

If I planned to go to the park nothing could stop me from doing that, but now with the pandemic, I can’t

When boredom arises I watch entertaining videos on my computer, like people building mini cyber trucks that show how they are assembled and programmed

It’s like learning how to be an engineer

You create codes to program a machine or robot and make it work

I feel energized, like I could create so many things

I watch anime like My Hero Academia, a world where everyone has a quirk or a super power except for a boy called Izuku Midoriya who is quirkless, but wants to be like the number one hero All Might. Even though a bully always tells him he can’t be a hero, that doesn’t stop him. That inspires me to do my best even though no one believes in me

When I’m hungry, I cook. I make spicy tacos, ahogados, which have meat and chili

If I’m stressed, I take breathing breaks

I sleep on my bed that is soft as foam

When I sleep, I journey to different places and forget about everything

When everything has passed, I hope to hang out with my friends

I hope to share snacks and drinks with them

I hope to go biking in Boyle Heights

I hope to have a schedule to follow

I hope that people don’t fight over things like groceries

I hope that people do fight for a non-racist world

I hope that people do fight for fair-paying jobs

I hope that people do fight for a nonviolent community

Citlalli I.

Having Faith

It all happened so fast. One minute everything was fine and the next, it wasn’t

Darkness struck

The virus, we all fear it

We locked ourselves indoors

Shut ourselves away from the outside world

Hoping everything will go back to normal,

We put on the mask

Shielding us from harm, although, with heavy hearts

Not being able to hang out with friends aches my soul

But late-night calls with them brightens the darkness and connects our laughter with tears

We are locked indoors

Still, I know my friends are just one call away

When this is all over, I’ll see them again

Having faith that we’ll see each other soon

Alfonso G.

The Virus Does Not Discriminate

This global pandemic has changed my life

I am not going to school where I can see my friends

I am not getting taught in physical classes

I am missing out on my volleyball season

I miss inspiring a lot of my friends, telling them that they are not going to fail

No school

Businesses closed

Empty sidewalks

Empty stores

I am shocked we had to stay at home

I am shocked that my school is now my computer

It is not fun working a lot on my computer, I end up feeling sleepy

I never thought there would be a stay-at-home order

I thought there would be a curfew instead

The pandemic makes me feel sad because a lot of people are dying

It is horrible ‘cause it makes someone not breathe

The virus is worse than the flu

It doesn’t discriminate

It can be spread easily

I feel good knowing my family is not sick

I am proud we are taking care of ourselves

I am glad the governor of California is working hard in Sacramento, doing good for Californians

He is giving money to the undocumented immigrants, He is giving precautions and advice to prevent more spread of the virus

I appreciate my teachers for teaching online during the pandemic

I appreciate my parents for giving me advice on how to stay healthy during these hard times

I appreciate the politicians who are working hard to encourage people to take precautions and stay away from the virus

I would appreciate if the American people wore masks, even if they think the virus won’t harm them

I would appreciate if people respected social distancing so that they don’t harm others

When everything has passed, I will tell the next generations about COVID-19

How it was harmful

How it was not a good time to live in 2020

How the economy collapsed and there was a lot of panic

How there were a lot of deaths

How the virus affected people with diabetes and other diseases, showing that it did not discriminate by skin color

How horrible it was watching people cry

How USA was divided

When everything has passed, I hope there are no more pandemics, so that our normal lives are no longer disturbed

I hope more people take care of each other

I hope we can unite so these types of situations can be prevented

Karla M.

Untitled

Once upon a time, there was a sickness going around causing deaths all over the world. The world was in chaos, and was ruled by a society that had many different intentions. Everyone was scared to become ill of this deathly sickness, so staying home was their only option to keep their loved ones alive. They depended on each other to follow these rules so that less people would get sick and die. Nurses and doctors were trying their hardest to help people survive, working day and night to find a cure. People were praying for theirs and others’ health, while others were mourning their family’s deaths. Hard working men and women were trying to help their families with all they can, bringing home the scarce necessities to survive. The youth made jokes of this hard time, thinking memes can cure people’s pain. As society suffers through this hard time, nature takes this as a time to rejuvenate its beautiful self.

Different waves of feelings hit me as I think of our world coming to an end, but we shall endure. We never saw the real value of our homes until now. Some people might think it’s frustrating, but as you see families crying it makes you appreciate what you have. Even if death does us apart, your family is all you really ever had and they are more than what you think you need. Some people might not be religious, but I am thankful to God because I know he’s watching over us even during this hard time.

CHAPTER 2

Eternal Acts of Love

Expressions of gratitude

I. R.

It’s Time We…

Walking home from school on a rainy Friday afternoon, feeling nervous. Wondering if everybody I know and love will be okay. It was said, “just for two weeks”, but two weeks turned into months, now it could be years. I can see the worried looks on my loved ones faces, wondering what the future will bring, wondering if this will be over or get much worse. Some family members stopped working and going to school; some continued working. We were all told to stay inside and keep our distance from people, six feet at all times. Wash our hands for at least twenty seconds, wear face masks, carry hand sanitizer, try our best to slow down the spread and stay safe. These safety measures made me feel like I was suffocating; like my hands were dirty and I was being forced to stay away from the people I love.

Every human being has feelings: happiness, excitement, frustration, sadness…. Currently I am feeling every single emotion known to humankind. Some feelings are living within me and they leave me empty for days. I would’ve been the happiest girl, knowing that me and my twin’s big Quinceañera would take place in May. To finally reunite with a brother I’ve never met, my family would have been complete. He would’ve traveled all the way from the Volunteer State to the Golden State to celebrate, but things didn’t go as planned. Some things happen for a reason. Maybe if we’re lucky we will get to see him next year and meet his lovely wife and kids. All we care about and all that matters, is his safety.

I’ve never seen my family so blue when they heard the news, “Quarantine begins now.” Their faces were dull and emotionless; their smiles were taken away from them. As days went by, some people felt lonely, yet still tried to stay connected with their loved ones. Others were learning how to reconnect with their family and make the best out of this situation.

Someone who can make you feel at peace is someone who cares deeply about you and others. Every so often I tell my loved one’s I’m here for anything, and the sun will shine again. Everyone is feeling some type of way, but know this: no matter what, you are not alone. The only thing that keeps us alive is human touch. Some people aren’t able to hug who they care about most in this world. Some aren’t able to hold hands with their significant other. Some aren’t able to say what

they feel, they can’t seize the moment.

It is time to appreciate what we have: the people on the front lines, fighting for their lives. Time to appreciate all the mail delivery people, janitors, farmers, supermarket employees, small businesses that remain open, fast food employees, clinics that are open to the public, people who are donating time and money to get this resolved, and all the people who have helped in any way. It is time we valued the people closest to us: our pets, neighbors, companions, our communities; our cities, countries, states, but most importantly, the world. It is time we appreciate and value our health and our lives. All around the world, individuals are sharing the same feelings, the same values, the same appreciations; and we’re all learning to share. We know we’re in this together; we know we’re here for one another and that is enough.

History happens everyday. All of this will eventually come to an end, some of us will forget and move on. Some of us may never forget, and we’ll hold onto the memories we have made. This will be a life lesson for future generations to do better; this will forever be an important part of history. When this life-threatening disease has passed, we can all get back to our normal lives or our new lives. Some of us will change for the better and have a bright future ahead of us. We will be changed people who will let nothing get in our way ever again.

We will be relieved when all of us can go back to work or school; visit our families, our friends, and our significant others. We will be able to step outside again and feel the breeze on our faces. We will imagine it like it was the first time we learned how to walk, feel, or smile. We will wake up to a brighter, cleaner, fresher Earth. The sun will shine bright, the hills will sing, the trees will sway; and my desire is that only love will grow.

Remember all the ones who fought for their lives and helped find a cure. Remember who was there for us through tough times and the most wonderful times. This will forever be a life changing experience for all of us. The whole world survived and we made it. Every single person living through this pandemic was truly extraordinary. We were the ones who stood tall, with our heads held high, and never lost hope. It’s time we moved forward.

Johanna Q. V.

To the Nurses Who Help Save Lives

Dear Nurses,

My name is Johanna, I am from Los Angeles and go to Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights. Right now, I am feeling okay. However, I have had many emotions during quarantine, and a lot is happening in my life.

I have felt very sad and bored because I’m not able to be with friends who make me laugh and help me keep a positive mindset. In addition to that, I was looking forward to my Quinceañera, but it has been cancelled. Still, I have felt good at some points. I have been trying my best to complete my school work and transform my ways during this difficult time and make sure I stay motivated to keep going. I make sure I’m staying home and not going out, and I tell my family to go out only if needed. I have been doing things I love like watching shows and reading. It has been hard because I struggle staying happy, especially when I am alone and I don’t communicate with people. I have been resilient by checking up on my friends through Facetime to see if they are okay. It makes me feel good when we send memes or TikToks to each other. Laughing about it makes me know we are doing just fine and we are in this together.

While I have been at home, I have seen all over the Internet how your job is so important. If nurses weren’t working, many people wouldn’t know if they are sick or how to get better. In addition to that, you check up on sick people to see if they are getting better and if they need anything. Nurses don’t get enough recognition for what they do; you put your own lives at risk by being around really sick people and also having to see people pass away. I believe that you should be appreciated as much as doctors are because without you, doctors wouldn’t be able to keep up with every patient they have. When there is an emergency, you are there to help and make sure the patient is okay and make them as comfortable as possible. You also work long hard hours and I can’t imagine how tired you must be. I am so grateful for you and if anything ever happens to my family or myself, I know I can trust all of you.

I consider nurses inspiring, hard workers, powerful, and more. Nurses are caring because they make sure we feel good, and if we are sad, they try to cheer us up and keep us calm. They are inspiring because they work hard and they went

through a lot of training to get to where they are. Nurses are hard workers for many reasons, especially because they do many things that others wouldn’t because it can be traumatizing or disgusting. In addition to that, they have to memorize their patients’ medicines and have routines they need to follow. They are powerful because they help people feel better and they still have family to go home to and have fun with them. To me, it is amazing that they still have time to spend with their families and not be exhausted. Even if they are, they still keep their heads up. They are doing so much for us that we should make sure we say, “Thank you” multiple times and appreciate them. We should advocate if we know nurses are being treated unfairly or not getting enough recognition.

This experience made me learn and educate myself about how nurses have been working so hard before this pandemic, and during this pandemic they are working even harder. I am grateful for every essential worker and I realize they aren’t just working for money. This experience made me stop taking people for granted and being so stuck up because all workers are just trying to do their jobs. I hope others learn the same things I have learned. Be sure to smile at the nurses and stay calm when they give you information. I hope everyone who sees a nurse smiles and thanks them for keeping us well cared for. No matter your own situation, make sure you are nice and grateful because you might not know if others are going through something.

Sincerely,

Johanna Q.

Kenya G. Community Effort

We are human, we are loud. We scream and shout until our throats are sore with pain. We want the world to know our grief. Some don’t mind it, some don’t like it, some don’t think it’s a valid cry.

I am frightened that people think this virus is a joke, but I’m not blinded by them because I know I’ll be okay. I’m not alone, I’ve got support. My family keeps me calm by informing me, and in the end we will all persevere. I no longer worry, it is time to accept that we won’t be back to normal. Human connection will be more than physical presence.

The people who stock the shelves in our supermarket and work in fast food have been overlooked as essential, but they have become our heroes! It’s time to make our president accountable for the mass deaths in this country. From deaths to lack of resources, to plain ignorance all across the nation.

When problems arise, we must stand together. When everything has passed I wish we’ll come together to support each other. These events are teaching us valuable lessons and we will never forget the ones we lost. I hope for a better future where people do not value money more than people’s lives.

B.C.

Doctors, Nurses, and Caretakers

Who Inspire Us to Help Others

Dear Essential Workers,

Your work is essential because you are the doctors, nurses, and care-takers who help whole cities of people. You are there for us when we are sick or have something severe. Every essential worker is important for their unique practice. People become inspired to help others and make the world a better place. One person can make a difference in the world and their jobs make them resilient. If I were in your position, I would continue helping others no matter what. I consider you powerful, resilient, and inspiring because out in the world, you are those people who do things for us and never ask for anything except what’s best for people.

In time, there will be those who transform into the kind of people who help and inspire others, and more and more people will come and support others when they need the help. Someone may want to transform because they may have gone through things that other people went through. I’ve been inspired to help others because of people like my mother who would help my aunts when they needed it. I help my friends work through their problems even when I’m busy. When I help them it makes me feel good because I was like them during tough times.

What I have learned from this experience was that every essential worker helps us instead of themselves. You all do more for us without anything in return. That is why everyone should acknowledge, value, and appreciate you all. What I hope people learn from this is that everything they get- medicine or anything from doctors- they get from those who do things for us and that is why these kinds of essential workers are important.

Sincerely,

Brian C.

Briana M.

The Duties and Worries of an Essential Worker

My tia works in a family practice clinic, Family Health Care Center, where she is a medical assistant and a receptionist. She is a full-time worker, who works an eight-hour shift, five days a week. Being a medical assistant, her priority is communicating with the patients to make sure their concerns are addressed and resolved during their visit. Before the doctors see the patients she needs to obtain information like the patient’s vitals, review their history and medication for any changes, and ask for their reason for the visit. She also completes any medical procedures indicated by the doctor like administering vaccines, drawing blood, and translating. As a receptionist, her main focus is greeting and welcoming patients as they register for their consultation. Part of the registration is confirming and updating patient demographics, verifying their insurance, and answering any incoming calls to the clinic. However, due to the pandemic, their services have shifted from in-person to telehealth communication, and are currently offering consultation through telephone and video call. Although her workplace is still consulting very few patients face to face, it is concerning and I worry for her and my family’s safety.

My main concern is that she is at high risk as she continues to have direct contact with patients and her coworkers, even though they are taking the precautions needed. Any patient or coworker can easily be exposed to the COVID-19 virus, and spread it without awareness. As an essential worker she has an obligation to attend her workplace every day. Although it is her responsibility, I believe it would be much safer for her and the family for her to continue her work from home. Not only will she be able to consult with patients, complete her commission, and stay safe, but she will also have more time to spend with the family. Other than having to work, she is mostly in charge of going out to supply the family with groceries. Since she is the one who has to go out the most, she insists on going out to buy any necessities to prevent my family and me from getting sick. She is constantly doing everything she can to assist the family in any way she can. However, there are times where her schedule shifts and we have to take over to support her the best way possible.

She is a mother of two, she has a nine and one-year-old son. With everything she has to do during the day, by the time she gets home, she is extremely tired. Occasionally her husband, my mother, and I care for and watch over her children to relieve her from any stress she might have. During the weekends when she is off of work, I also offer to assist her with laundry or any plans she might have for the day. Point being, she is an extremely hard-working mother, who plays a big role in our family. Even though working through the pandemic does concern me, I appreciate everything she does for the family and tries to help out others as both a medical assistant and a receptionist.

Guadalupe V.

Dear ER doctors,

I want to write this letter to thank those who are risking their lives everyday. You have to put on all that gear at work, yet when you come home to your families there is still the possibility of them becoming infected. I am grateful to have doctors who do excellent work and take good care of their patients. You get home tired after a long day, and just a few hours later they get back to what they do best. Not a lot of people know what you go through and how you feel during these times.

Many precautions have to be taken so that you are safe when you come in contact with others. People might not know, but doctors get stressed out, have depression, and insomnia. You are hardworking people, always there for your patients. Doctors have all kinds of emotions while tending to their patients, some could be sad and others could be happy. You face different situations, you see people pass away and you see people who make it.

This helps me know that if my family or I get sick, someone will be there to help us. Stores will open, maybe we’ll go back to school, but it won’t be the same as before. A few other things will change and we will have to take precautions. So many things are happening at the moment, it’s a little unreal and hard to believe, and I hope this ends soon.

Thank you for being our essential workers, Guadalupe

CHAPTER 3

Replanting Ourselves

B.C Hope Arises

What a time to live life and spend it with friends and family

A crisis has come to ruin a lovely life

When fear arises we fall because of our doubts

Which is why we are humans, relearning to wash our hands to keep others safe

Relearning to show compassion and understanding to others

We are all afraid of this crisis, you’re not alone

What a time for us to have hope and faith, wishing to go back to normal

We are humans experiencing fear and doubt of unwellness because of this crisis and how COVID-19 has taken lives

We are learning how to stay safer at home

We are learning to stay six feet apart to keep families safe

What a time to calm ourselves from this pandemic, and be fearless

What a time to meditate and be positive

Confidence can lead to success

So we need to use this time to be confident and pray that all will be a success

We are relearning how to be positive in this pandemic

But what a time to be afraid

What a time to wash our hands with a resource that is key to life on Earth: Water

We wash our hands like our mothers used to bath us

And it is here to help us get away from this virus

It has been time to be cautious everyday about germs or other infectious diseases

It has been time to keep others safe in this crisis

What a time to show support to those who need it

It is time we respect all workers

It is time we look out for each other’s well-being

It is time we protect those most vulnerable

It is time we provide resources for people in need

Britney S. The Human Disease

I want to talk about how everything we had was taken for granted. We were excited there was going to be two weeks off from school. We started the year off with a deadly virus spreading through Wuhan, China which rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. As we all saw and lived through the loss of employment, everyone went crazy over food, toilet paper, and hand sanitizers. There was panic from hearing the news say there are over 1,000 cases in Los Angeles, that social distancing and the use of face masks became the new normal. Wishing what we had is what we took for granted: school, work, family gatherings, and simply sitting in a restaurant. We all thought nothing could possibly get worse.

Monday, May 25, 2020: we saw forty-six year old African American man, George Floyd shouting out, “I can’t breathe,” as a police officer is pressing his knee against his neck which caused him to lose his life. Throughout the years we have seen how police officers take advantage of the power they have by murdering innocent People of Color, no matter the age, and without reason.

How is it that this virus kills regardless of race yet humans are killing one race in particular? We have seen so much injustice toward People of Color and it’s sad that no one values their lives. When have you heard about a White mother warning her child of the precautions they need to take if the police stops them? Never. When have White people worried about not getting a job because of their color or name? Absolutely never. A deadly virus is going around killing people, but we cannot have our kind kill a race because of their color, appearance, or history.

All stereotypes should be broken and changed to honor all those who were murdered by police officers, just like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arber. Black lives matter. I plan to help educate others because no one is born a racist or mean; we are taught that. I want to educate people, including myself, of the history of People of Color. I want to make a difference with people. I might not change the world, but I can start by helping people see the privilege they have and how we can use it to better humanity.

Kate S.

World of Suspense

We are humans who rage and fear in a world of suspense

The sound of the wind and rain pouring feels like we’re in space

Trapped inside, knowing the outside is just getting worse

No air to breathe or smell, we only feel the terror, madness, and sadness in our mind and hearts

Seconds, hours, days, weeks, and months, yet still the same thing and no new face to see

Hearing nothing but silence and not being able to see a friendly smile

We are humans who feel like we are being dragged away from what we want to do

Our urge of wanting to get an education for a chance of becoming a doctor or lawyer who helps others in need

Yet we’re unable to get the simplest necessities

From being free and soaring like a bird, to being held back into its nest

Not being able to see family, friends, or our great teachers feels like we are blind, trying to seek for the light in this darkness

Human beings, dying in this chaos, are sad and very disappointed

It is time to remember the old days of having laughs together

Now we are worrying about how to safely take care of our nation

It’s time to look on the brightside and value what we still have

To understand that what we have is special and unique to us

Like our pride and joy, and the happy laughter and big smiles we keep in our memories

Remembering is what’s taking care of me

It’s like replanting ourselves, taking another chance, finding our uniqueness in this new way of life

When the sun arises a new day has come

People are doing their best and protecting themselves from what’s out there

Trying to provide for their families and always making the best of it

Skies are cleaner and the grass is getting greener

Jacaranda is blooming faster and faster

The generous tenderness is getting better

When everything has passed it’ll be as bright as ever

No rage, no fear, yet still a world of suspense

because everyday is a new day

Jenny G.

Our Life Now

The vibe is settling in: overflowing energies of worry as I observe people and their conversations, not knowing what’s going to happen. People ask teachers if we’re ever going to come back to school or talk about how fast this virus is spreading. Some are happy, just the thought of not coming to school anymore put a smile on their faces, without knowing what was really coming.

Life as we know it came to an end. No more socializing like we used to, or going out to our favorite places; visiting beautiful beaches or my go-to store like Target is not possible. Being outside and exploring new things, even if it’s just your local store is a new experience. Much has changed.

Many people feel worried so they hoard things like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and food. They don’t care about the vulnerable people who actually need these essentials. Places look empty. Everyone’s so cautious when they are around people; some put their head down and cover their faces, others walk on the street to avoid being too close to people on the sidewalk.

I worried about my mother not being able to work if the authorities closed things down; she’s the only one who works in my family. My family is sticking together and taking precautions. We’re trying our best to keep a positive mindset. With my older sister being a senior, it’s a difficult time knowing that she’s not going to graduate on stage; but even that can’t stop her from chasing her dreams.

All of this just makes me think how thankful I am to have a roof over my head, and a family who loves me as much as I love them. I know many people have it worse: no shelter, no food, and most importantly, no family to support or care for them. It is important to look at everything we have and be grateful for them.

When fear arises we should think of all the beautiful, fun moments we’ve had in life; everything that has motivated us and kept us from falling in tough situations, that have made us the persons we are today. Even if it’s something little like listening to music, reading books, spending time with family or being by yourself. We must not forget who we are. We must stay strong no matter the circumstances life brings us. We must keep our heads up and pray for better days.

Marisol C. A Glance into

Life, 2020

We all envisioned that our future in 2020 would be good, but 2020 had a different plan in mind for the world. Our wishes came true but with an added twist— bringing the COVID-19 virus into the world.

We are able to reinvent ourselves during this quarantine; we can become a new person and leave the old version of ourselves that we don’t like, behind. We can be productive and have what everyone is talking about nowadays, a glow up. A glow up is when your appearance looks brand new. People usually do this by working out at home, eating healthier, and taking care of their skin, for example.

We are able to press restart and actually take advantage of completing our work and improving our grades. We can reach out to our teachers and ask to turn in late work, and ask for extra credit. We are now able to reach academic successes.

We are also able to restart our environment. Since the start of quarantine, news has reported that our environment is having positive reactions to this outbreak. Our weather has gotten better, the pollution has been reduced since people hardly go outside now and don’t leave their trash outside. More animals who are in pounds or shelters have been getting adopted for a better life.

We are experiencing a period of time that is going to make history. We are humans, relearning how to socialize and communicate with the world, while adapting to new ways of life. We have adapted to staying inside our homes, and following health regulations such as wearing face masks, and distancing ourselves to avoid spreading germs. The whole world has modernized itself to make this place a safer and healthier world where there are less germs spread around.

In the first few weeks of quarantine I felt like I was going crazy. My mother was always picking on me, bothering me to do chores since I was in the house already. My siblings were constantly screaming and playing, leaving me unable to concentrate on work. I felt like my world was about to collapse. I felt like shutting everyone out, I was really bothered by everything. Every second of the day I felt suffocated, I was never alone or without my family, I felt smothered. I wanted out, I needed isolation, I needed a few minutes to myself. Because of the way I was feeling I had an outburst and yelled at my family about how I felt, it turns out I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.

Because of this outburst, all of us including myself, have adapted to being together 24/7. We figured we could each have some time to ourselves in a part of the house and still have family nights to do something fun, like watch movies while eating snacks. I got used to the idea that it is not so bad being stuck with a big family. I’ve gotten even closer to them and learned new things about them.

This is a reminder of how every bad thing life throws at us can have a very big impact on us and could leave us with a positive outcome. Sometimes it may take a while to get to the positive part, but trust me, you will get there if you put in the effort. All we have to do is look on the bright side of everything, reflect, and think positively!

Melissa P. Outside, Looking In

The world was complete when the meteor hit. We started to realize something was happening, and tried to figure out where this came from. Why is it affecting us?

Life came to a complete stop, like a car going full speed and the driver suddenly stomps on the brakes. We didn’t know what to do but we had to close-up some shops and not let anyone go outside, like it was a zombie outbreak. At first, people were stunned, then they started preparing. Everything was going down hill; no graduation, no meeting in person, no movies, no eating inside restaurants— that’s when it hits us.

Once I heard the news about not going to school anymore I was glad, but also dazed. I knew this virus was getting serious. People are sometimes overdramatic when it comes to these things. Some actually know what they’re doing, some people joke about it, some ignore it, and some just really don’t care. It’s like a test: some do well, some do poorly, and it shows how much we actually care about the world or not.

We are in a terrible time right now, we have to be more careful with ourselves and others. Right now I am feeling stressed yet happy about different things. As I learn about what’s going on in the news, I see rates going up and people being cautious. I have a different point of view that worries me. With people being stuck inside not being able to come out, some are learning new skills or taking up new hobbies and are doing things they’ve never done before. I am valuing my body by exercising, eating healthy, showering everyday, and taking care of my skin. It’s time for a change. If you have time on your hands, what do you do with it; play video games, cook, read, run? Doing something productive is a way to stay active. It is time to realize that our bodies need more appreciation, but it’s your body and you can do whatever you want with it. You can focus on any part of the body, the eyes, the mouth, the nose, the legs, the feet. You can value anything because every little bit needs some care and love.

Daisy L.

The Bullet that Hit the World

We are all waiting to get our hands on food, napkins, and water before stores run out. I walk around feeling as if Halloween is all year long, being frightened of the creatures near me. I jump six-feet high when a cough echoes by me, backing away from the sound of, “Achoo!” But the worst feeling is getting nightmares seeing people leave the house with no costume, not even this year’s best-selling mask.

We are criminals for the exposure we put each other through. “This isn’t real,” as I became locked up at home. I am blinded by the sight before me but as my house grows steady I realize the humans in front of me are my family. We are all seated at a wooden dining table playing a deadly game of UNO which has become our game. Nothing could tear my ear from my siblings who are now comedians on stage, booing me as I fail to play the cards right. My stomach feels tight as I struggle to breathe in between my loud roars of laughter caused by their famous lines and moves. But as they crack some of my favorite jokes, one by one, they disappear. Leaving me longing for their company as I transition to my room which feels like a cabin, with creamy yellow walls and wooden floors.

Feeling emotionally different, I sit on my bed with my human-sized rusty journal. I share, “We’re now being starved of human interactions,” and “I hope screens don’t permanently replace people.” I’m coping as my sister and I drink coffee to instantly cover up the messiness of reality. To no surprise, the story ends as you, the pages, drown with the smell of vanilla being spilled. So this was it, my story in which eternal acts of love and value were found within every person and object I came across during this time.

Every living person has circumstances that don’t match what they want. If that happens, navigate your living space as if it’s Paris and try to find your motel. With our clocks not working, we should intend to bring a book alive and draw out the details we missed out before. Even if the arms of a clock don’t work, that doesn’t mean we stay still. We must use our legs to walk forward instead, because the long, endless path will lead to an exit. These tricky directions will lead you to possibilities, these doors will open at a point in time. As we wait, know that oneon-one holds the strongest bond. Hopefully when we reach the end, the earth will begin to breathe again. Just remember: time is a temporary eternity.

G

My Great Appreciation for School

The COVID-19 pandemic surprised us all. One moment my classmates and I were making jokes about it, and the next we were being told that we had to stay home. None of us ever expected a pandemic to happen or spread as fast as it has.

At first, adapting to stay-at-home orders wasn’t so hard from a personal standpoint. I hardly ever went out before the pandemic, so it wasn’t a drastic change for me. As an introvert, I was actually pretty excited as I enjoy staying inside and avoiding crowds of people. I soon realized how bad the quarantine actually was. Nipsey Hussle once said, “The Marathon Continues,” a phrase that I had never thought about until recently. The pandemic is only one of the many marathons that we have to face right now, but it seems to be the one that sticks out to me the most. This marathon was just the beginning, and adapting to this indefinite new lifestyle continues to challenge me.

My brain doesn’t have the best coping mechanisms, so it was no surprise when I began to stress out over online school. The work that was being assigned to me wasn’t hard, and even if it was, my teachers gave enough time to complete it. The problem was that I found it easier to procrastinate on everything. This new style of learning was starting to feel like a marathon, one I didn’t think I could finish. I now realize that online school is not for me, and I really miss going to school. At the moment I am struggling to keep up with all my assignments.

My marathon is far from over, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up. I have people here to support me. My parents and older siblings are here if I need them or have any questions. I have my teachers and classmates to help me through Zoom or Schoology. I will also motivate myself to do what needs to be done. Some days of this marathon are better than others, but I know that everything will be okay as long as I keep running.

Part II

Choosing Hope

Beautiful memories, traditions, and stories are interwoven into our identity and become part of who we are. From objects and murals, to food, and spending time with family, these all hold significance that become our symbols of hope. They are the simple ingredients that nourish our souls and hearts. Being understood and experiencing connection allows us to be ourselves. It provides a break from the world, where one can go and enjoy what they love the most. Family and connection provides resilience and grit to push forward and achieve our dreams.

Being resilient and developing grit is a proactive choice that is made daily, which requires discipline of the mind, and effort in order to push forward despite uncertainty, struggle, and adversity. Our mind can very easily fall into despair and look at the negatives when things appear to be bleak, but there is power within choosing to hold on to hope. “Some days in this marathon are better than others, but I know that everything will be okay as long as I keep running.”

CHAPTER 4

A Break from the World

Rafael S. Jr.

My Diary of a Pandemic

We are humans going through hard times in this era: having to stay sheltered during a lockdown. Being in the pandemic keeps you from seeing loved ones. You’re not allowed to go where you used to go like parks, beaches, malls, or popular places because of the virus.

Boyle Heights has changed as places are now shut down. Every weekend the Farmer’s Markets sold Mexican artifacts, food, and clothes. Mariachi Plaza was a beautiful place filled with a lot of people and entertainment. Mariachis played beautiful songs and free live events to entertain the public. I would even take my guitarron and play with the Mariachis whenever I visited my grandma. Now, Mariachi Plaza doesn’t feel as inspiring because people are scared of catching the Coronavirus.

Many horrific things are happening in this world; we are seeing patients fighting off the Coronavirus fever, shortness of breath, and sore throat in their homes or at hospitals. They don’t get to see their loved ones. We, humans are feeling hurt, angry, and down because of the Coronavirus pandemic and racism.

We are seeing police brutality against people of color. The police feel like they can do whatever they want to us because we are not seen the same as White people. People are protesting because the Mexican-American and AfricanAmerican communities are tired of police brutality everywhere in America. They hope to challenge the idea that White people have more privilege. This is making me mad; seeing some people not do anything about it and just letting it slide, as if we don’t matter.

During this present time I’ve learned to value staying in touch with my family. We look out for each other by reuniting at my grandma’s house. Every Friday my tías Mixi and Vicky visit my grandma who makes Mexican food like pozole, sopes, and tamales. My Uncle Chuy, stepdad Jorge, and our family friend Miguel, are always making the whole family laugh with their jokes and banter. These moments are important to me because we are going through a hard time right now in our society, so it is very important to keep in touch.

When the pandemic has passed I still want my community of Boyle Heights to work as a team and look out after each other. I envision my community keeping

Boyle Heights as a safe place with clean streets and people helping others with resources like: food, water, clothes, shelter, and people working together to make their voices heard. People are bringing awareness to pause payment on bills because not a lot of people have their jobs and enough money to pay.

I envision a community where we learn about the experience of the Black community by listening to storytellers like N.W.A, Slick Rick, Immortal Technique, Nas, and Kid Frost, whose messages are to be open-minded, aware of fake news, educate others about police brutality, and to be hopeful while fighting for your dreams. I hope la raza comes together to stop the violence and racism so that we treat each other as brothers and sisters.

Emily Elaiza T.

My Home is a Softball Field

I had many things I loved to do when I was little, but it never involved baseball or softball until my parents decided that I should play. All I loved doing was playing tag or pretending that I was a spy, and saving the world like Spy Kids. I never thought baseball would be something I would love because as a kid I never thought about sports. The thought of playing baseball, something I didn’t know about, scared me.

The day came when I was going to have my first practice. It didn’t go as you would expect, I cried. I did not want to go because I was scared of doing it alone and I didn’t know anyone except my cousin. I just wanted to go home until my sister said, “You can’t give up or like something if you haven’t even given it a chance!,” so she grabbed my hand and we went in.

From that day on everything changed for me. I found something that I loved and was passionate about. That softball field gave me something I never knew I needed or wanted. That field is my happy place where I feel safe as myself. When I step on the field with my teammates / sisters, it’s a feeling that I can’t explain. Every practice and every game is special. That field has given me both happy and sad moments; like winning our first championship, getting hurt and almost not being able to play for a while, and even losing an important game. There were also moments like not believing that we could still win the game, and getting frustrated, but all it takes is one play to change everything.

It has given me a new family, that’s why I call my teammates my sisters. They’re like my second older sisters, some are the same age as me, but they help me just the same. They help me get better and make me believe that I can do it. They make me see that there’s alway room for improvement and they’re always there when I need them. But most importantly, they teach me about life; they guide me, support me, and encourage me. They play a big part in my life. Our coach is like a father who always wants us all to do the best that we can. He believed in us before we believed in ourselves.

The games that go on in that field are extraordinary. Sometimes I have many things going on in my life, but when I get on the field I forget about everything. It’s only me, my sisters, and the game. Unfortunately, we can’t go to the field

because of what is going on right now. Not being able to play the game with my sisters feels like there is a part of me that is missing. It took away the only place where I can escape, be by myself, and think about anything. Being there gave me my own space, a break from the world for a moment while doing the thing I enjoy the most.

Angela S. Waves with Memories

I remember it as if it were yesterday. Everyday the sun would wake me and the people on the land. Quickly, the people would come to accept the cool touch of my gentle embrace.

I would watch the young ones create kingdoms on the sand and run away giggling as I tried to catch them, but I would only manage to wet their toes. I watched families share food and laugh together under large umbrellas to cover the sun. I’d witness a love spark between people as they walked along my shore and their love would grow until a ring was placed on a finger under a beautiful sunset afternoon. I watched love disappear and hearts being broken as the ones in love parted. I would see those who felt trapped or overwhelmed come to me to feel free and relieved. I gave them warm sand to relax on, a place to watch the creatures in which I protected, and I became a friend who listened to them.

I was filled with life, but something has happened. It has become so quiet here. The laughter has vanished, I almost feel forgotten. All that’s heard is my song of crashing waves as I come into contact with the land, combined with the songs of the birds flying while they try to catch a meal out of the little crabs that burrow under the sand. The sun is unable to tell me what’s wrong, as it sets and makes both the sky and me look orange or pink. There is no music, no boats, no fishing, no screams of joy coming from the amusement park that stands on my land. Where are the people? Will they return? I might as well wait for the people to come visit me once again.

Valentine B. Hope

Music is a very important thing in my life, especially during this quarantine

I can’t do anything, I can’t even hang out with my friends without having to wear a mask

The only thing I can do is listen to music

Music helps me express my feelings

I don’t have any playlists for them, so I listen to albums or random songs

Whenever I feel down, I listen to Flower Boy because it has a happy vibe

Whenever I am angry, I listen to songs by Zillakami because it’s aggressive

Whenever I feel normal, I listen to MF DOOM cuz his songs are chill

I listen to rap, old school music, like Wu-Tang Clan and Bone Thugs

But I’ve been trying to branch out since I have a lot of free time

I started listening to MF DOOM, Earl Sweatshirt, and Tyler, the Creator

I love listening to music I used to listen to, it reminds me of the good and the bad times

I think about the mistakes I’ve made

Then I realize I can’t do anything about them

So I think about ways I can keep myself from messing up:

Get better grades, don’t do stupid stuff

Music helps me be more productive, my imagination runs wild

I think about ways I can do better in life and make the best of it

Music has made me realize that I should enjoy my life

I shouldn’t let anyone or anything keep me from having a good time

I should enjoy spending time with family and friends instead of worrying about school

Because I might not have a chance to do that again

CHAPTER 5

Treasures of the Heart

Big_al863

The Virgin of Guadalupe

The mural of The Virgin of Guadalupe in my community gives me hope because my grandma and I would always pass by it, look up, and pray. The mural of The Virgin of Guadalupe represents our culture and faith.

My grandmother and I would pray for safety, and to live peacefully with no worries. Now that she’s gone it reminds me of her, and that she is still with me. The mural keeps me going to be the best that I can be. I am grateful for how this mural and my grandmother have made me who I am. My grandmother taught me how to be helpful and friendly to everyone, even if I didn’t know them. If she saw that they needed help or were down, she would help them out and inspired me to do the same.

Hopefully this mural remains in the future, so that I can always come back to it in memory of my grandma because it meant a lot to her. She was very religious and had a lot of little statues and pictures of The Virgin of Guadalupe in her room, which she would pray to every day before we went to sleep. They meant a lot to her; she had at least three pictures in her room and about thirty statues because they were always taking care of us. She loved going to church, and would take me with her when I was younger. She hated when people would tag-up the mural, it felt like it lost its meaning, but she would get so happy whenever it was repainted.

Before she passed away she wanted to cruise through the town one last time but she was too sick and it happened so fast. So when she was being laid to rest, we passed by the mural on the way to the church. We always have her picture up on the wall with two candles to show that she is always welcome to come at any time.

Stephanie M. Teddy Bear

People might think a teddy bear has no meaning, it’s just any stuffed animal. The teddy I own is way more than just a teddy bear; it keeps me strong and it helps me cope with my feelings when I’m down. The bear makes me feel like everything is going to be fine.

My dad got deported about six years ago, and the teddy bear was the last thing he was able to give me. That is why it keeps me going because it reminds me of how my dad was able to make my life the best that he could. The bear makes me feel like a part of him is with me. My dad was a very hard working man; he worked day and night to keep a roof over my head and a room to sleep in. When I was younger, I wouldn’t last a night without sleeping with it because it made me feel like my dad was with me. The times when I lost it, I wouldn’t stop crying until it was found.

The pandemic has made it a little harder for me because I have to wait to visit my dad in Mexico, but this teddy bear reminds me to never give up even when bad times come. It’s a reminder that I am capable of dealing with so much because I have already overcome my dad getting deported, which has been one of the biggest things that has happened to me. It also reminds me to make my parents happy and proud by graduating, doing my best, and not giving up. The smallest things could have the biggest stories behind them. You wouldn’t have known this If I had never shared my story, you would have thought it was just an old bear.

Michelle I Love You

My mom has always been there for my siblings and I, through the good and bad times. We may not always agree but she knows that no matter what, I love her. I mean, she is my mom so how can I not? She’s not only my mom but she plays the role of my father as well. I don´t know how things would’ve been if he never left.

My mom has gone through a lot; I never realized this before and never really understood what she was going through back then, but she still does her best to make sure we have what we need. She used to work a lot and my siblings and I would only see her in the mornings before school. My older sister and I would always do dumb things that made my mom mad—who hasn’t—but one particular time I think we crossed the line. My mom went off about how she’s done everything for us and the least we could do was help her out with my younger siblings. I don’t know how my sister took that conversation but I tried to understand her. I think I’ve always favored my mom over my dad, and my siblings are constantly saying that I’m the favorite. Every night she and I would stay up late watching novelas together—I miss those times.

My mom wants us to do well in school and end up doing something we love. As a child I always said I wanted to be a doctor, but now I don’t know what I want to do. My family always says that as long as we do well in school we can be anything we want. I think that’s just something all parents tell their kids. I know they just want the best for us. My mom used to get upset if I didn’t get good grades, she’d even get upset if I got a B. Sometimes it’s just too much for me. I try my best, but she doesn’t get that there’s only so much I can do. Now she doesn’t get upset about my grades, which is a huge relief. My mom is a very important person in my life and I know she’ll always be there for me when I need her, through the good and the bad times. Wherever I go and whatever I decide to do, I know she’ll always support me.

Anonymous

You Are My Hope

There are people in my life who have left, but they still give me hope. My father and mother split because of something my father did twenty years ago, but my mother forgave him. To this day, they are still on good terms. You may ask why my father gives me hope instead of my mother, but that’s a whole other story.

I was about five years old when my dad left. I remember going to my parents’ room and seeing that my father’s belongings were all gone: his clothes, shoes, music CD’s, even his Dodger sweater I always saw. The room suddenly seemed small and empty. The sweaty smell of my father was gone, but the memories remained. I remember my father taking us to Disneyland almost every month, and talking to us about learning from our mistakes. I remember my sisters and I joking about our father not having hair the way he did back then and we would all laugh.

One day I finally saw my dad again, and he started picking us up every weekend to go out, but that suddenly changed. I rarely see my father now; he comes to get his mail, but I am happy to see him in those five minutes. He still takes us to Disneyland, we still joke about his hair, and he still lectures us. I sometimes see my dad on my birthday and he tells me the same thing, “Te amo, tu eres mi hija. I’ll pick you up on Sunday to take you out to eat,” and I always cry.

He has always been a hard working man ever since he came to the United States at seventeen years old. He helped my mother raise my two brothers from another father, and has always provided for his sons and daughters. He shaped me into the strong, independent girl who loves her family and friends, and I am thankful for that. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and be someone I will be proud of and make my dreams come true. He has taught me to never depend on a man, and to look out for each other because we are family. He doesn’t want us to feel lonely, or be like his family who doesn’t talk to him. We are the only family he has. I hope that by the time graduation comes, he will be there to see me graduate and give me the biggest hug. I just hope that my father knows how much I love him and how he makes me the happiest girl in the world.

Esperanza L.

Mexican Macaroni

This meal hasn’t been in my family for many generations. In fact, it’s only been in my family for three generations, but it’s my favorite dish. Although it may be simple, I absolutely love the food. This dish is special to me because when times were hard and my mom didn’t have a lot of money to feed the four of us, Mexican Macaroni was the only thing that was affordable. My brothers and I were happy every time she made it; we were like little kids on Christmas. Mexican Macaroni was a gourmet dish; most of the time we would just eat Cup of Noodles, sandwiches, cereal, or beans and rice.

There is something else that makes Mexican Macaroni special to me. Before those rough times, this meal would always bring us together. Nothing else mattered, including our worries. It was just us enjoying the food and being united. Being in quarantine during the pandemic has definitely brought back some nostalgia, especially since my mom started cooking it again. My mom made the dish about a week ago and we sat at the table together without any drama. There was no arguing between my brothers and I with my step dad. We were together, sharing how we were grateful for all the amazing things that have happened to us since our rough patch.

It may be a simple dish, but this dish will forever have a special place in my heart. It is like a Friday, something that everyone looks forward to and helps them get through the week. For me, Mexican Macaroni is always something I look forward to eating, it’s the highlight of the week. It is my Friday. Mexican Macaroni is a food that brings me happiness and joy.

I’m pretty sure it comes from Mexican culture, because it has “Mexican” in the name. I can’t name every ingredient that is in it, but my mom makes the tomato sauce and adds onion to everything she makes to give it a refreshing flavor. It makes my tummy feel warm inside. I never get tired of eating it, it always feels like the first time. The macaroni never loses its touch. This is something I plan to pass down to my family when I get older, and hopefully they enjoy it as much as I do.

B.C.

The Memories of a Lifetime

Remembering my mother’s cooking gives me the will to endure these strange times. When I consider all the great dishes she has made, the food I enjoy most are lentejas. This dish is so delicious, I can have two servings and eat it for two days straight. It is my favorite dish, and while I can’t describe the taste, the soup is hot and delicious along with the lentejas. My mother always makes the best food, she knows that I love her food. Her dishes are the thing I can’t say no to—except for McDonald’s! What makes this dish meaningful is that she makes it with love, and the taste makes me smile. Well, all of her dishes do. She is passionate and knows how to make it delicious.

Another favorite memory that helps me get through these times was when I got my dog Cudi. Ever since getting this amazing dog, I’ve been the happiest that I have been. He’s become the most important thing in my life. In the beginning it was a big struggle to take care of him because of money problems that I had with my family, but we managed to overcome it. Every favorite memory includes both my dog and my mother because of the joy I always feel with both of them. My dog was the reason why I became so happy. When I would feel stressed out, I would go outside to hug my dog. He has gotten smarter each day and has found ways to open my door. He pushes my door and comes in, looks at me and smells for food, or gets on my bed and relaxes. Sometimes he wants to play with me and bite me, or lick my face for fun. I don’t know why, but each day he wants me to be with him. My dog makes me be more resilient because he always wants me to have fun with people, more often now than before.

Albert N. Christmas for Me

The food I enjoy with my family are the tamales we make during Christmas time. This food originated from Mesoamerica in 8000-5000 BC. Tamales are important to the Mexican tradition and are also important to my family. It’s not just because of how long we take to make the tamales, but because we all get together and enjoy eating them as one whole family.

The ingredients are masa and two different sauces: one is green and the other is red. They are both spicy, but the red sauce is spicier. The other ingredients are chicken and pork, and we make them with both sauces. First, we make two batches with the green sauce: one with chicken and the other with pork. The last two batches, we make with the red sauce: one with chicken, and the other with pork. My favorite is the chicken with green sauce.

When I eat this food it reminds me of the wonderful years I’ve had with my family and how much they care for me. I am always in a good mood when I get to help my grandma because she is in a good mood, which helps us bond. When I have trouble with one, she explains how to fix it.

The first step is to get a decent sized corn husk and then get a portion of masa, which is made from corn and is kind of like dough. Once we get the portion of masa, we spread it all over the corn husk, get chicken or pork, and put it in the middle. After, we add either green or red sauce; and finally, fold it in half and boil it in a big pot of water.

The family members who help are: my aunts, cousins, friends, uncles, and more. When we make them, we talk and have a good time. We don’t worry about anything else. I love cooking with my family because we all get along, and it makes me realize how important it is to have a family.

CHAPTER 6

The Power of Grit

Jaime F. A Better Version of Myself

Two people who helped Jaime be more resilient are her parents. She looks forward to making them proud everyday. Her parents are both undocumented and they came to Los Angeles to make their kids’ lives better. When her father first arrived in the United States, he didn’t know where to go or what to do because it was all new to him. After days of looking for a job, he finally found one selling DvDs. He rode around on his bike the whole day selling DvDs. It was tiring, but he was doing it to provide money for his wife and two daughters.

When he earned enough money, he sent it straight to his family and rented a small room to live in. A few months went by and he realized he wasn’t making enough to continue providing for his wife and the baby that was coming soon. He decided to look for another job that would pay better, but this time it was getting a bit harder.

He finally found another job as a barber, and went to see the manager to ask if he could work there. The manager asked if he knew how to cut hair. Since her dad really needed the job, he lied. On his first day of work he tried his best to act like he knew what he was doing, but he messed up. The customer complained that he didn’t like the way his hair looked, and her dad got in trouble for it. He then met a friend named Erick, and they both learned how to cut hair. After a few months, they found a job all the way in South Central; but they didn’t care where it was, as long as they had a job.

So everyday, Jaime’s father rode his bike to work. He rode about seven and a half miles each day to get to work, even when it was raining. It was a struggle everyday but it didn’t matter to him because he really needed the money. As time went by, he didn’t like working for someone who would take away all the money he earned. He looked for another job and a place to rent so he could be his own boss and make his own money. He told his boss that he would no longer be working with him. His boss knew he would lose a lot of clients and money, so he threatened Jaime’s father into staying.

Later on, Jaime’s father decided he just couldn’t be there anymore. So he left and rented a building near South Central with his friend where they became their own bosses. He liked working on his own and earning his own money. On some nights he worked really late. Since he didn’t live nearby, it was dangerous for him

to go home on a bicycle so he sometimes slept at his barbershop.

Once he earned enough money he brought his three daughters to the United States and took care of them while he earned enough to bring his wife. He had his sisters and one brother in the United States, but they didn’t want to take care of his kids. So while he worked, he had his daughters with him because he didn’t have anyone to take care of them. The barbershop was a medium sized square. He had leaves around the corners and many mirrors. The color of the barbershop was white and the furniture was black. It smelled like men’s perfume, gel, and hair products. Since Jaime and her sisters were there all day, they would play with mannequin heads. If they got bored, they sat on the waiting chairs for customers. Most of her dad’s customers liked the way he cut their hair and would come back. Her father learned that life in the United States would be beneficial for his daughters. They were young enough to go to school and learn English faster so they could later translate to him. He also liked the food that was offered here, but he still missed how the food tasted back home.

His wife tried to cross over to the United States and got caught a total of seven times. She tried one more time and finally made it, and was reunited with her husband and daughters. She was so happy to see her three babies. The eldest was seven, the middle child was six, and the youngest, Jaime, was three years old. Jaime was so happy and excited to see her mother, she hadn’t been with her for a month or two. They all went out to eat burritos and spent the whole day together, hugging and making up for lost time.

Jaime has learned that if you want to achieve something you have to work for it and go through the struggle because things won’t just be handed to you. Watching her father leave to a strange country and work under horrible conditions, and her mother sacrificing being away from them and risking it all to rejoin them, made Jaime understand that her parents’ sacrifice was worth it. It taught her to reach her dreams and not let anyone stop her because sure, there might be ups and downs but that’s a sign that she’s trying.

When Jaime pictures a better life for herself she envisions all her family gathered together for a barbeque; she sees her father and mother being financially stable, living in a better house, and not having to worry about money or anything. Jaime plans to provide for them by having her dream job. When Jaime stresses out over homework or tests, all she does is think about the struggle her dad and mom have gone through and how it is nothing compared to what she’s having to deal with. What she wants for herself is to be financially stable. During this pandemic her family is staying strong and getting through it like they always have. They know they’ve faced worse challenges and this is just another one.

Daniel B.

How We Look

It’s funny how people think they know you and what you’re going to be in the future. I come from a hard working family; my parents own a bakery and working hard is all they’ve known how to do. I plan to be like them in the future because they are their own bosses, they do what they want without anyone telling them anything.

My brothers are gang members but that doesn’t mean I am going to be one too. As a matter of fact, you can actually learn many things from them like I have. They taught me a lot of good manners, and how life really works. It’s just that people look at them badly because of what gang members are known for. Personally, I’m glad I have them as my brothers because I have learned from their mistakes, and my family counts on me to learn from them.

My sister on the other hand is doing great in school. She will be graduating this year as part of the class of 2020 from Roosevelt High School. My family expects me to do better, so there is pressure on me to do well in school and go to college. She helps me in a lot of different ways like with my homework or explaining things to me, and I thank her so much for it. She didn’t really have anyone to help her when she was in my grade; my brothers didn’t take the time to help her out with her math homework or things she didn’t understand. She learned how to use her resources. My sister has been told she isn’t going to be anything, but look at her now. She is doing everything that people told her she wouldn’t be able to do, and is going to do a lot more with her life.

Many events like this have happened to us throughout our life, and it all started in middle school. My seventh grade wasn’t like I expected because I got kicked out of school before the week of Thanksgiving break. The funny part, all my older siblings, even my older brother (R.I.P), got kicked out of the same middle school and moved to the exact same one. I was known by the staff and teachers because of my last name. It’s a little embarrassing, but I couldn’t do anything about it but be myself.

The following school year I talked to my mom about being able to move back to the same school I got kicked out of, I felt like the first middle school was more for me. I didn’t really like the teachers from the second middle school because

most of them knew my siblings as troublemakers, and they thought I was going to be one as well. One teacher pulled me aside and said, “I was told about you, and I don’t want you causing any trouble”. I replied, “okay,” went to my seat, and tried to not think of it. The searches were horrible. I didn’t know why I was always being called on, if less than half the staff were new. Maybe it was because of how I looked. I didn’t mind being searched because I never had anything, but I would get really annoyed and embarrassed because it was while the class was in session.

The following school year I went back to the first middle school. All I would hear was, “What? He’s back?”. My old teachers were surprised to see me but there were a few teachers who liked me. My new teachers were cool with me because I was really on it that year, I didn’t want to make the same mistake as before. I didn’t have great grades like you may think, I did have one D. Toward the end of the year, I was able to bring that grade up to a C, thanks to a bet I made with the dean—it really pushed me.

I found out that if I want something, I really have to be motivated. I felt like I did the impossible of bringing my grades up by asking for extra credit, and staying longer for tutoring in order to better understand the lessons. I ended up winning the bet! I culminated and walked on stage even though that school year had the lowest graduating class; less than half of that 8th grade year culminated and I was proud of being one of them. The main reason I was proud was because I saw the smile on my mom’s face. The second reason was because the person handing the certificates was someone who had made a negative comment before, and I will never forget the face they made when they saw me.

High school has changed me, but in a very good way because I joined football, which helped me get on track. I plan on keeping my mind on football and the field to see those I love with proud smiles on their faces. In order to be in sports you need a certain GPA, and I’ve had a high GPA since my freshman year. Being in football motivates me to do well. I still get comments like I would in middle school, but I learned how to live with them for now. I plan to play my four years and continue that in college so that I can stay on track and major in something. I always remember this motivating phrase: “the sky’s the limit.”

Francisco M. The Dream

There will be times when you want to just quit because you think you can’t make it. I felt like giving up football because there was too much going on, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I wanted to give up before it even started. I feel like this when I try doing homework; I look at my homework and tell myself it’s too hard, so I go and play some games. I try to push through my challenges, figuring out homework on my own while trying to fight the urge to play games instead because people won’t do it for me. I learned that I still hate homework, I can be doing anything else I want to in that same amount of time.

So I push and rise to the top, which is to become someone who is able to support my family. I want to have a better life, and a bigger house. I want to reach the point where my parents don’t have to work as much, or not at all, and my family doesn’t have to worry as much as we do now. There are some things I am worried about, like not having enough money to pay the bills on time. My concern is thinking that I gave up too early or I didn’t try hard enough.

The advice I would give my classmates is to pursue your dreams with everything you have because you won’t have a second chance to do it. I wish teachers would understand that students are not them. Teachers have already gone to college or university, they push us too hard on something we sometimes don’t understand.

Vanessa V. Daisy

Two people who have helped Daisy be more resilient are her parents. She looks forward to making them proud. Daisy’s parents are both undocumented who came to the United States. Daisy has one sister and one little brother. Her mom doesn’t work, only her dad.

At first, he didn’t know where to look or where to go for a job because everything was new to him and his family. After looking for several days, he found a job selling bracelets and DVD’s. He would get up early and come home tired, but he would always manage to earn enough money for his family. This went on for two years before he found another job selling elotes, churros, and raspados, which paid him even more. He earned enough money to rent a better house. After that, he put his two daughters and his son into school. He then bought his family better clothes and better shoes.

The eldest daughter was struggling because she saw that her dad was struggling. So, she made up her mind to do well in school and not struggle like her parents. She wanted to be someone in life so that she could take care of her family and give them a better life. She would do all her homework and get good grades, and that was the same for her siblings until one day, they couldn’t go to school because her dad didn’t have enough money to pay for it. So, Daisy’s dad got another job working in construction. Once he got home from work, he told his family that he had gotten a job and that he would be making more money. Daisy asked her dad if they were going to be able to go back to school. He told her not yet, because he had to make sure that he had enough money so that they could all stay in school and not have to be taken out again. Daisy was upset at first, but she understood because she knew it wasn’t easy for her family.

After working in construction for a while, he had enough money for his children to go to school again. Once he came home, he told his family the good news. Daisy was so happy that she was returning to school. She said to herself that she would be able to continue with her studies and get good grades. Daisy was so happy to show her parents her report card. They were so happy and proud of her and her siblings. Their father told them to keep getting good grades so that when they are older, they can be someone in life and not have to go through the same

things he went through. He wanted something better for them, something bigger. Daisy continued making her parents happy and proud of her. Then one day, Daisy was going to graduate high school. Her parents were so happy that she had made it this far without ever giving up. They were so emotional seeing Daisy go on stage to receive her diploma. After she received her diploma she told her parents that the reason she had graduated from high school was because of them, and she will always be thankful to her parents because they are the real reason she is who she is now.

Carlos R.

The New Legacy

I have been kicked and tossed by players for many reasons: to pass, cross, and shoot, but Carlos has done all of those with a passion. Ever since his grandfather passed away, he put his passion and ambition into scoring. His whole family has made it to semi pro in soccer, but Carlos wants to change that legacy and create his own by becoming pro. He wants to give his family name something to be proud of. The future for us is to play for a lot of big clubs in a lot of stadiums.

Anthony T. Opportunities

Knowing that big chances in life come with hard work, motivates me to try my best. Hard work to me looks like determination, and some stress because it isn’t easy. Things come and go, like friends or fears, but opportunities are one to seize before it’s too late.

I missed my first chance at football, but luckily I got a second chance to advance in school. There are sacrifices worth making, like spending your summer taking Algebra 1 to advance in Math. That wasn’t the biggest life changing choice but what if I didn’t pass that class? Even if I failed, it wouldn’t have stopped me from trying. Who knows, maybe it could improve my resumé. This gives me the chance to take another course for credit since I’ve already done a year of math. Since I’m indecisive, I hope to enroll in one that will help me experience different careers.

I want to experience a moment where I say to myself, “this is what I want to do in life”. I’m not old enough to have encountered many life events yet, so I can’t say much. For those who pass on an opportunity without thinking about it, look into it before you regret it later on.

Recognition

Thank you to this year’s volunteers who supported the writing process despite the sudden shift into virtual learning. Your dedication to our students provided the consistency they needed to share their stories.

Alexis Lopez

Amber Thompson

Amy Matthews

Angela Tapia

Anita Jaskol

Ann Reinhart

Anna Boudinot

Anna Thompson

Ashley Paul

Audrey Kuo

Beth Hagenlocker

Breda Lund

Brianna Dupper

Cynthia Boorujy

Debra Shrout

Debra Vilinsky

Ellen R Seiden

Ellen Stolar

Felicity Helfand

Fritz Hoffine

Hilary MacGregor

Isaac Weingart

Jake Fiedler

James Liddell

Janna King

Jasmin Joseph

Joan Goldfeder

Josephine Bloomfield

Katy Clemons

Kerstin Zilm

Kyle Stephenson

Laramie Dennis

Mary Becker

Matthew Gallaugher

Meaghan Ralston

Natalay Goldstein

North Shubert

Olivia Tai

Orit Yefet

Rosemary Sellers

Scott Feinerman

Susan L Petrella

Susan Turner Jones

Tiff Smith

About 826LA

TUTORING

From Monday to Thursday, students attend 826LA for free individual tutoring in all subjects. Once homework is completed, students read books from 826LA’s library and write stories based on a monthly theme. Students submit their writing for inclusion in chapbooks, which 826LA publishes throughout the year. To celebrate students’ hard work, 826LA unveils these chapbooks at book release parties, where students read their work to thunderous applause from their volunteers, families, and peers.

IN-SCHOOLS

Because not all students can come to us, 826LA brings specially trained volunteer tutors into under-resourced public schools. There, volunteers provide one-on-one or small group assistance with writing projects. 826LA works with teachers to craft all projects, which are designed to engage students while targeting curricular issues. In addition to visiting twenty schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District each year, 826LA has additional sites within Manual Arts High School (South Los Angeles) and Roosevelt High School (Boyle Heights), called The 826LA Writers’ Rooms.

WORKSHOPS

826LA’s workshops bring students together with artists, writers, and professionals for creative collaboration. Whether the subject is journalism or preparing for the zombie apocalypse, our workshops foster creativity while strengthening writing skills. This includes two long running workshops, our reading development workshop Barnacle’s Bookworms, and our Journalism workshop.

FIELD TRIPS

During the week, 826LA invites public school teachers and their students to our writing labs to participate in a morning of collaboration, creativity, and writing. Whether Storytelling & Bookmaking, Choose Your Own Adventure, Memoir, or Personal Statements, field trips at 826LA support teacher curriculum and student learning by offering a safe space for students to be their most imaginative and to work on their writing skills. In a few short hours, students brainstorm, write, edit their work, and leave with something tangible—a bound book or a revised essay—as well as a renewed confidence in their ability to tell their stories.

JOEL ARQUILLOS

Executive Director

BEATRIZ GARCIA

Director of Programs & Operations, Mar Vista

SHAWN SILVER

Director of Advancement & Events

LAUREN HUMPHREY

Institutional Giving Manager

CHERYL KLEIN

Senior Communications Manager

MIKE DUNBAR

Senior Programs & Operations Coordinator, Field Trips in Mar Vista

PEDRO ESTRADA

Programs & Operations Coordinator, Tutoring & Workshops in Echo Park

ASHLEY LOVE-SMITH

Senior Manager of the Volunteer Program

CARINNE MANGOLD Store Manager

PUICÓN-PÉREZ Design Manager

LATESHA KNIGHTEN

In-Schools Program Manager

JENNIE NAJARRO

Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Mar Vista

STAFF

ANGELICA BUTIUCORONADO

Program Coordinator, Writers’ Room Roosevelt High School

CECILIA GAMIÑO

Program Coordinator, Tutoring & Workshops in Mar Vista

CATHY MAYER

Program Coordinator, Field Trips in Echo Park

MARICRUZ POOLCHAN

Program Coordinator, Tutoring

WENDY ALVARADO

In-Schools Volunteer Retention and Management Coordinator

NADIA SARKISSIAN

Development Coordinator

MARINA AGUAYO

Marketing & Communications Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA

GRACE KIM

Volunteer Coordinator Americorps VISTA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Ko, President

Sarah Rosenwald Varet, Vice President

Frankie Quintero, Secretary

Ben Au

Adriana Centeno

Matthew Cherniss

Chad DePue

Dave Eggers, Emeritus

Terena Thyne Eisner

Scott A. Ginsburg

Eileen Shields

Belinda Tan

Holly A. Thomas

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

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

Echo Park

Gabriela M.

Natalie S.

Jose R.

Genessi L.

Vincent H.

Gabriela R.

Josue R.

Dayanara M.L.

Ana M.L.

Yamilka M.L.

Samantha J.

Mar Vista

Nadia V.

Nasim Z.

Michael R.

Mirna R.

Vanessa A.

Katherine G.

Montserrat L.