We’re kicking off our second season with a conversation between mentor alum and debut author of The Waves Take You Home, María Alejandra Barrios Velez, and Mentee Fiona Hernandez.
Inspiring
Threads of Resilience: A Tale of Family Traditions
The poem intertwines the narratives of Palestine and Bengali heritage, celebrating resilience and solidarity. Through storytelling and shared struggles, it portrays the enduring legacy passed from generation to generation.
Sea Glass
In this piece, I tried to incorporate memories from my childhood with some of today’s environmental issues by comparing two alternate storylines– one of my memories growing up, and another displaying climate crises– over time.
Golden Crab
The simple story of a girl named Leto, an old man, the uncertain ocean waters, and crabs.
Sweetest 16
This is a tribute to me for my 16th birthday
Time
Sometimes, everything we want is on the other side of fear. Time waits for no man, but that doesn’t mean we must always try to race against it.
The Recipe
Uplifting yet grounded, explore a euphoric reality bound by light and positivity instead of oppression and resistance.
Dear ‘M’
I thought I needed you, but in the end, I know you needed me.
Dear Tammy
After a heated argument, two best friends lose contact. After seven years, one of them sends the other a letter for her birthday.
A Reflection Of Life: On The Other Side
My parents and I share a special relationship and find comfort in having insightful talks daily. This piece is crafted based on a reflection to their answers on one of my favorite questions!
Secretly Special
Being on my school’s running team has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. This essay tells the story of one of the important lessons I learned about leadership.
My Names
Growing up, I would use any name except my own. It was partly because I didn’t feel worthy of my full name, Emanuelle, and partly because I didn’t like my nickname, Emmie. Eventually, I grew.
Freedom through the pages
Finding a breakthrough in the form of writing. Looking up to other writers that have inspired me to no longer allow myself to drown in my own mindless thoughts.
The Hill
We all live in a world of constant turnover and change. All it takes is a moment to recognize that every change lives inside of us.
I Once Thought I Knew Myself
This piece offers a discussion on how 2020 was a year that gave me time to reflect on myself.