History is not just the past, but also the present and the future. However, it is our decisions as a collective that majorly decide how history runs its course. This poem, titled “Forgotten Ignorance,” describes how climate change should be affecting everyone equally, yet people of color are getting more hard-hit because of the racism and socioeconomic inequality in our society. As such, advocating for a clean climate is inherently linked to advocating for racial equality.
Class of 2020
citrus youth
citrus youth is a blog filled with present tense moments of a friend group, as well as memories from one of those friends. this idea came from my own friends and how funny i think we are, but also the question of how i will decide to remember us now when i’m older. this represents my best work because i think it comes at a time where many individuals my age are questioning what’s going to happen. a big part of our stability is our friends, and i think it’s going to be nice for us to remember these moments.
Not Up 2 Code (We’re Baaaack!)
“Not Up 2 Code” is a podcast about the struggle of public school students, created by students. Most of the podcasts that are similar to this one are from the perspective of teachers, but I’ve realized that they exclude student voices. I wanted to start the podcast after I was outed at school. It was violent and unwanted, and to make matters worse, the person who orchestrated the event never faced repercussions The podcast is run by two women of color, both part of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s meant to expose the disparity in New York City’s education system.
Creative Place of Mind
Creative Place of Mind is a unique entry point into my personal perspective on life—how I think, observe, and feel—amplified into many different versions of writing. It can connect with anyone who has these turbulent emotions and can’t seem to find anything that expresses what they are feeling.
The Places I Call Home
I put together this collection of photos as a tribute to the places that are part of my life and feel like home. For me, home is both places and emotions. That is why I included photos of the physical places and descriptions of my memories there. Since moving from Peru to the US two years ago, I’ve been reflecting on my sense of identity and what home means to me. I know that many people who immigrate feel this way. This piece sends the message that it’s okay if you feel like you come from more than one place or have more than one home.
Everything You Need to Know About Sheyla
My multimedia piece is a slideshow on Canva called “Everything You Need to Know About Sheyla.” This was my first time working on a digital piece. I wanted the Girls Write Now community to have a guide of everything they need to know about what makes me who I am.
Vulnerable Mirage
Vulnerable Mirage presents the complex balance of vulnerability and safety of relationships in the form of bubbly, easy to read graphics. Many of the themes I touch on are an attempt at leaning into the confusion of teen angst which is universal in teenage relationships. These excerpts were taken from larger personal works and strive to represent a feeling which I feel could apply to many people in a diverse array of situations.
Feelings Change
”I know you say you love me; I don’t really feel it sometimes.”
Evolution of Nylah and Kathleen
It’s hard to maintain a relationship for more than three months, let alone three years. Follow our journey and become inspired to start your own. It can be with your little cousin, your mom, or even a cactus!
Mixed Media Poems
How often do you get to read poetry from the brain of a real teen? Everyone reads young adult books, but they’re written by adults so here’s your chance to read poetry from a teen, expressing themself. My work is inspired by prompts given to me by mentors or random thoughts and questions I have about life.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Follow me on an emotionally exciting journey through one of my favorite cartoons.
To Those Who Hide in Words
This project sums up the type of writing I typically read and write myself. It is meant to be suspenseful and vague, which is why the words are so limited. I like giving the reader a lot of space to interpret my work in ways that are unique to them, which is why details about the characters and setting are not specified.
Running Different
Caster Semenya is a South African runner who has been banned by the IAAF from competing with women because she was found to be hyperandrogenic, meaning she has a higher level of testosterone. This whole investigation was based on the opinion of fellow athletes that she looks like a man. As a result, she must either take testosterone decreasing drugs to compete with women or run with men. As of now, Semenya is still fighting the case, not just for herself but for the human rights of all women.
Confirmed-Rosemary
Confirmed-Rosemary is a culmination of all my literary triumphs. It includes crowd favorites like “God is a Girl” and girlhood poems like “Growing Pains”—old to new, each making history.
Poem Generator
Do you want to write a poem without having to fully put in effort to make your piece? Use my Poem Generator! After completing a Mad Libs–like questionnaire, you will have the end result of a unique poem to share with your loved ones. Enjoy!