Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World by Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World

speak your mind & shape your world

issue ten spring 2014

2013-2014 Masthead

Student Editorial Board

Staff and Supporting Members

Aniyah Brown City Honors High School

Sarah Attridge Project Coordinator

Vianca Morales Riverside High School

Dr. Mary Ellen Mulvey Project Supervisor

Asli Ali Riverside High School

Leona Soule Administrative Assistant

Ilhan Noor Riverside High School

Steve Ansell Layout and Graphic Design Consultant

Babita Mainali Riverside High School Isnino Iftin Riverside High School Luley Abdi Leonardo DaVinci High School

Prof. Courtney Grim Arts Consultant Prof. Mark Lavatelli Visual Arts Committee Prof. Ted Pelton Literary Arts Committee

Acknowledgements

The SYM staff and student editorial board would like to extend our gratitude to the many Buffalo high school teachers, administrators, principals, Medaille faculty and staff, and the community partners who supported the Speak Your Mind project this year. We thank you for your dedication and continuous support. You make a difference in the lives of students and families across our city. Thank you for making this project possible!

The following teachers submitted work to the journal Jaclyn Cook, McKinley High School Carol Cureo, Riverside High School Rebecca Dame-Seidler, Leonardo DaVinci High School Dea Denison, Oracle Charter School Morgan Forte, WNY Maritime Charter School Jacki Hart, McKinley High School Erin Kaminski, Riverside High School Veronica Kruger, South Park High School Catherine Lipsitz, Lafayette High School Deana Mariana, Health Sciences Charter School Marcia Nigro, McKinley High School Linda Norton, Leonardo DaVinci High School William Reed, Middle Early College High School Cheryl St. George, City Honors High School

Sean Witucki, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Nate Zappala, Burgard High School Jill Stiller, Burgard High School John Raczynski, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School Sarah Qureshi, Global Concepts Charter School Timothy Monahan, WNY Maritime Charter School Melissa Meola-Shanahan, Lafayette High School Mike Higgins, Leonardo DaVinci High School Caressa Guerrero, Health Sciences Charter School Mary Grace Duggan, Middle Early College High School Joanne Cannan, Riverside High School Edie Syta, East High School Becca Moda, City Honors High School

and the wonderful students and staff at Compass House!

Thanks to the following Buffalo Public School administrators for their continued support: Michele Agosto, Supervisor of Curriculum in Art Education Julie Romain, Supervisor of English Language Arts

2014 Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World major sponsors Medaille College Buffalo Public Schools

Buffalo Public Schools Foundation WNY Americorps VISTA

Additional Partners & Supporting Organizations

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Jackie Albarella Tony Caferro and Deep Thinka Records Medaille College Office of Admissions Petit Printing

Dear Reader, This issue contains a multitude of perspectives and now, you hold them in your hands. Each year you send us your work and we pore over every word and brush stroke. We guess at meaning and technique and precision but mostly we tell each other how every image, every sentence, every word makes us feel. So you hold many perspectives in your hands but this time around, we want you marvel at all of the stories you hold in your hands. All of the single moments packed with meaning and significance in a world, which seems familiar but is perhaps somewhat distant from your own. As we received your stories through art and literature, we had difficult decisions to make; however, in each of our meetings we came back to one thought. We want to tell your story, the story of a high school student in Buffalo, NY. With that in mind, we compiled the pieces that we thought told the story in the most genuine and interesting way. We hope you find a story like your own. Enjoy.

The Student Editorial Board

iii.

[WORDS] 1 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 20 22 24 25 28 49 50 51 52 53

iv.

Isaac Key What is a Poet? Asli Ali Hungry for Help Vianca Morales Invincible, Infinite Energy Isnino Iftin Us Women Destiney Johnson Thoughts of a Mortal Dilruba Sofia Bangladesh Olad Bakar War Jada Robinson The truth on the inside Randi Stewert Silence I Beg of You Nyin Zar Min How I Feel When You’re Gone Ilhan Noor True Love Durga Dahal Dream Brittney Olszewski Beauty in the Forest Jah’mai Prosser Suitcase Jasmine Anderson How Could You Joshua Sullivan Eyes Kayleigh Kubiak Revolution Khadijah Abdulle Desolate Desert Kayleigh Kubiak The Ocean’s Temptation Vianca Morales Mania Mical Badger True Story, Never Told Janae Miller Crazy Night

56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 69 71 72 74 76 77 79 81 82

Alana Anderson Untitled Isnino Iftin Listen, Listen, - Silence Asli Ali A Path Unknown Alonni Reid Mad World Vianca Morales Not Quite Reality Daysean Broswell The Story of My Life Christina Ford Love & Hate Aniyah Brown Grief Kayleigh Kubiak Lost Girl Shay Livingston Transfer Valerie Mark That I... Alicen Licht Slowly Isnino Iftin Trust Rayven Mitchell You Asli Ali Lonely in a Crowded Place Shelby Jakubik Writing into Eternity Shane Smith The Blue Jay Song Blaise Miranda Sing it Softly Shay Livingston Unfaithful Protection Dilruba Sofia Remember My Words Shane Smith Animated Path; Paradox Collision

[PICTURES] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 19

Burgard Students MLK Mural Ku Reh Pattern Dilruba Sofia Frozen Morning Lina Akther The Mesmerizing Flowers Sinai Hamideh Inner Contemplation Le’Seaon Washington My Land Eh Doe Thu My Karen Life Mang Hlawn Par My Cultural Necklace Chaelesha Quinones Handsome Doggie Yamelisse Lozada Smoochie Monkey Shawna Retzer Wheat Field Faisal Yusuf Cloudy on the Farm Raheem Rogers Flower Bomb Shawna Retzer Night Wolf Amanda Horner The Studio and the Dream Sinai Hamideh Swan Kayla Alemany Deer David Bierman Close Watch Aye Pi The Rose Yuliana Santos Black Magic Janae Rios Railroad to Nowhere Alaa Abadi Water Color Michelle Calhoun Emoji Demario M. Hall Demario’s Creation

20 21 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 26 27 27 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 33 34 35 35

Kevin Frazier Born Free Amere Grayson Erie County Historic Building Taisean Johnson Connecticut Street Armory Kelsey Smolinski-Ridgeway Water Under a Bridge Shar Paw Bubbles Janae Rios Sundae Split Tishanti Williams Black and White Daisies Yuliana Santos Gateway to the Soul Christian Ndgano King of Pop Jacquan Pendelton King James Binyam Mebrahtom Eagle Gay Ler Leaf Fish Caroline Hogan Broken October Tishanti Williams Beauty is Skin Deep Louis Washington In the darkest times... Aniyah Brown The Woman of Color Self Abigale Gang Untitled Katharine Whitefield Clean Malik Albert Retro Maria Root Karo Lucy Adams Positano Lina Akther A World of Fantasy Brandon McMillan Yellow Flower

[PICTURES]

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36 36 37 37 38 39 39 40 40 41 42 42 43 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 53

Keiyada Carpenter My Wedding Day Aaliyah Driscoll Untitled Brittney Olszewki The Blizzard Julia Schultz Shattered David Bierman Time and Relative Distance... Sumitra Acharya The Lafayette Deja Walker Untitled Anna Lee Compassion Kenneth Nieves Spring in Blue Ashlee Albrecht Olivia the Wise Elephant Olivia Budny Untitled Zakia Samia Kaleidascheme Kara Brown Untitled Jasmine Anderson Spring! Brittany Morgan Simply Harmonic Brittany Morgan The Escape of Summer Jacquelyn Herrman The Lights Shine Bright... Willow Greene Virgin Mary Lucy Adams Greece Monoprint Khadijah Abdulle Desolate Desert Lauren Owens The Surging Tides Aniyah Brown Nirvana Sarah Irwin The Root Chakra Jasmine Anderson God Always Watches

55 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 67 68 70 70 72 73 75 77 78 79 80 80 81 82

Brittany Morgan What I Strive For Faisal Yusuf Masjid Nabawi Bianca Brown The Midnight Dream Nyin Zar Min Walking in the Snow Jacquan Pendelton Seeing You Aaliyah Driscoll Bloom Lucy Adams Running Face Jessean Gautier The Subway Tunnel Jaylin McAclory Self-Portrait Jamila Richardson Leaping Dancers Rahneka Raspberry Sunset Outburst Charlotte Kuhl Ink Portrait Anthony Peoples Self Sheromne Hunter Self Louis Washingston No Destination Kinaysha Grafals Untitled K Pru Moo Two Sides Brandon McMillan Guitars Shawna Stalikas Untitled Arealia Spates Zee Sarah Brown Mother & Child Isnino Iftin My Way Louis Washington Graffiti Zakia Samia The Two Colliding Suns

Cover Art

2014 Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World Cover Art “Cargills” Maria Root Grade 12 City Honors High School

2014 Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World Spoken Word CD Cover Art “Say Cheese” Tatiana Gonzolaz Grade 12 Leonardo DaVinci High School

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I have learned and dismantled all the words in order to draw from them a single word: Home. Mahmoud Darwish

What is a Poet? What is a poet you may ask? A poet is a person whom you can read. A poet is always free. A poet puts his or her heart in their work. A poet is inside me. A poet sees the world different. A poet is you. A poet lets you know how they feel by how they write. We, the poet society, have no fear to show how we feel. A poet always feels at home even if he or she is alone. As long as we poets stick together we will always win even if we lose. How many poets are out there you may ask? Who cares how many are out there for there are too many to count. I will always love my poet family no matter how far apart we are. Stay strong and help will find you even if your heart is broken. If you need my help I will be there for you For we are a poet family. Stay strong as we poets can and do not let anyone take you down. That is why we are free to show who we are and never forget that. Isaac Key | Grade 12 Riverside High School

MLK Mural

Various Artists Burgard High School

Hungry for Help This one is for those who don’t Don’t have any food for tonight And have to wake up every morning just to fight For the 1.5 million children who will die tonight To my brothers and sisters all over the globe For the mothers and fathers who’ve learned to cope With the loss of a child almost everyday Struggling to find food in any way From the 260,000 in Somalia To the 18,000 in North Korea And the 3,000 in China So I can’t honestly be proud While my brothers and sisters have gone days without A sip of water or a bite of food And you see I can’t laugh or smile While every second an innocent child Will die due to malnutrition So let’s come together and find a solution To help those who are too weak Because that’s the difference between humans and human beings And let’s take a minute to be selfless To help those who feel helpless And make moments for those who won’t Live through the night to see tomorrow Asli Ali | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Pattern

Ku Reh Grade 12 Riverside High School

Invincible, Infinite Energy Our souls have hitchhiked continents and treaded seas. Wow, you are like no metaphor I’ve read before, you quench my thirst for a riveting offbeat free personality to match my own. And myself, I woke up with the sun in my mind and my heart pumping electric shockwaves. Wow, what ecstasy to feel as if the very world is spinning, challenging you to keep up with its pace and time. At the speed of light! Nothing can stop me, I am flying! flying! flying! I am invincible and infinite and my energy is connected with everything around me. We are so much more than what we used to be. Found ourselves and lost ourselves and just gave the idea of “self” a “hell with it!” and became a part of everything. We mold and we melt and our kind cannot be stopped, we come in waves like a hurricane, we cause an earthquake and become a tsunami. It is beautiful and it is strange and language cannot fathom the sensation. Our souls have hitchhiked continents and treaded seas. We are so much more than what we used to be. Vianca Morales | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Frozen Morning 4

Dilruba Sofia Grade 12 Riverside High School

Us Women They read us like a book Yet they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand us They tell us what we want to hear And we believe every word They ask us of our future Knowing that we include them Us women We are so vulnerable to them We have yet to understand we have all the power Our emotions overpower us Us women Poor us These feelings play our minds One moment we care so much The next we wish we never met him Us women We call our friends to let them know Even though we told them over a million times Just to hear them say that jerk Us women Our hearts truly play us When will the time come When will we get tired of all the bandages over our hearts And begin to build the walls The walls that could withstand their words Isnino Iftin | Grade 11 Riverside High School

The Mesmerizing Flowers Lina Akther Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Thoughts of a Mortal Sin, A small word, which defines one’s morals A word held on the highest pedestal to mortals whose religion is dictator To mortals who make the world’s most hospitable and forgiving religions Feel hazardous to those individuals who are sexually different and don’t feel their quoted sin, Should be considered abomination, And don’t feel their sin is sin Coming from mortals inhumane and heartless Mortals who don’t think, “Who am I to play the beholder, and judge because of my own selfish morals?” Coming from mortals who don’t think, “Who am I to speak, telling those who take interest in their mutual sex, not To allow the word “love” to leap off their lips and fall into the palms of which ever sex, They love?” Do those mortals of hateful thoughts against gays please their beholder of prosperity and peace? Or will they be internally damned for their foul expression of judgment towards their own For because some sin behind steel walls, their sin is excused But when those who commit that one particular sin, that shows the mortals They are abominable They will not be excused for their sinless sin They have sinned Or have they really Who are they, we, or even I to judge, as mortals Destiney Johnson | Grade 9 Leonardo Davinci High School

Inner Contemplation

Sinai Hamideh Grade 12 South Park High School

Bangladesh My golden Bangladesh, I love you. You are my hope. You are my dream. You are my mother. You are my life & death. When I remember you, my mind cries. My golden Bangladesh, I love you. Your beauty amazes me. Your ever green inspires me to go. Your love teaches me how to live. I would not forget you until my death. When I remember you, my mind cries. Dilruba Sofia | Grade 12 Riverside High School

My Land

Leâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Seaon Washington Grade 10 Riverside High School

My Cultural Necklace

My Karen Life

Eh Doe Thu Grade 11 Riverside High School

Mang Hlawn Par Grade 10 Riverside High School

Smoochie Monkey Yamelisse Lozada Grade 10 Riverside High School

Handsome Doggie Chaelesha Quinones Grade 10 Riverside High School

Wheat Field

Shawna Retzer Grade 11 South Park High School

Cloudy on the Farm

Faisal Yusuf Grade 10 Riverside High School

War My name means War, it is a Battle. It’s like all of nature, but bigger because it encompasses everything. When day breaks, it looks red everywhere that your eyes can reach. It seems like a fire that burns inside your body. My name is red like when the woods sparkle and crackle. My name is a jungle on fire that splits and fells all the trees. It’s a dark red ember burning like a tower. My name sounds like when the bomb exploded over the land. It sounds like when the revolution is over and no one’s left standing. It sounds like you’re retaliating for what they have done to you. My name smells repulsive. Like the repulsive smells after a battle. It smells disgusting like an ankle wound with worms in it. My name feels like ultimate sadness. It feels like tears that start from deep inside you and run through your toes. It feels like when a pain is relieved from life, or you. Olad Bakar | Grade 12 Lafayette High School

Flower Bomb

Raheem Rogers Grade 12 McKinley High School

The truth on the inside On the outside a smile glued to my face My eyes twinkling with joy and delight But on the inside a different ball game is happening The betrayal, sadness, hatred, and loyalty lie inside me Every word that is said Another crack appears I laugh and joke it off But the pain is still there Each day another arrow is released My heart as its target I shatter like glass And I become nasty The hatred and betrayal Slowly fills my body Still I walk My mask in place But my eyes show something else You could never relate So try and understand The feelings that are inside Maybe one day They can come together And I can be happy And smile A true smile Jada Robinson | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Night Wolf

Shawna Retzer Grade 12 South Park High School

Silence I Beg of You A room where I am alone, a disturbance in my heart is stopping me from being happy. My emotions are loud, my cry is louder. Silence I wish, silence I beg. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gone, without you my heart breaks. It is time to let go, Silence. I love you so, but please let the silence sink in. I love you now, will love you forever. Silence, I beg of you, my world is silent. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost, but must let go. Randi Stewert | Grade 12 Riverside High School

The Studio and the Dream Amanda Horner Grade 10 City Honors High School

Swan

Sinai Hamideh Grade 12 South Park High School

Deer

Kayla Alemany Grade 11 McKinley High School

How I Feel When Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Gone Even if I discover the key of diamond world Feel like running wet in the forest Running in the sand Diving into the pool full of fish Keep going down down down And To imagine the raft of your hand. Nyin Zar Min | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Close Watch

David Bierman Grade 12 South Park High School

True Love When I first met you I knew we had something I didn’t know if it was love or just another crush but the more I got used to you I couldn’t imagine a day without you Weird I couldn’t stand you weeks ago now can’t stand not being with you I hope what we have is something special or I’ll be left wondering if it could have been something amazing Ilhan Noor | Grade 10 Riverside High School

The Rose

Aye Pi Grade 11 Riverside High School

Dream I rode a horse through the entrance that led to the world of water where my lover was waiting for me to give me a white silk dress that fit me like a glove Durga Dahal | Grade 10 Riverside High School

Black Magic

Yuliana Santos Grade 9 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Railroad to Nowhere Janae Rios Grade 10 Riverside High School

Water Color

Alaa Abadi Grade 12 Riverside High School

Emoji

Michelle Calhoun Grade 10 Burgard High School

Demarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creation Demario M. Hall Grade 12 Bugard High School

Beauty in the Forest The unknown woman Drawing in the dark, cool forest Drawing the tall trees Drawing the birds singing Bright green, yellow, and orange Colors on the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feathers Spreading, flying through the cool breeze The woman wants you to see art But what she really sees Is beauty Brittney Olszewski | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Born Free

Kevin Frazier Grade 11 Burgard High School

Erie County Historic Building Amere Grayson Grade 11 Burgard High School

Connecticut Street Armory Taisean Johnson Grade 11 Burgard High School

Suitcase Always had to keep my suitcase packed And my emotions sealed, intact Always dealing with your stress While trying to fix this mess Watched out the window hoping you were gonna come home But weekend after weekend the phone rang and my heart went numb I should have known I was wasting time, looking for your car Thinking of my past just reminds me of that scar You didn’t want to be a father Now you want to control my life Please don’t bother! Jah’mai Prosser | Grade 11 Health Sciences Charter School

Water Under a Bridge Kelsey Smolinski Ridgeway Grade 12 Riverside High School

Bubbles

Shar Paw Grade 10 Riverside High School

Sundae Split

Janae Rios Grade 10 Riverside High School

How Could You How could you ever criticize a creature that was so emotional tell her she has issues the same girl that just got beat 5 minutes ago How could you ask her if you could beat it up as if women have not been beat for long enough How could you after years of unprotected sex tell her there is no way that that is your baby as if being beat, abused, denied and talked about wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough Jasmine Anderson | Grade 12 Burgard High School

Black and White Daisies Tishanti Williams Grade 12 McKinley High School

Eyes Mirror mirror on the wall, when I look at you, I am not alone. No one to judge me, no one to laugh. When I look into your eyes, all I do is cry, that feeling you get when you see yourself smile, only to think you are just living a lie. Round and round the world spins. Everyone going around but never with you. Mirror mirror on the wall, why are you always looking at me with those eyes? I hate the way you make me feel, always looking at me with those eyes. When I want to be alone, I never am but why do I always look at you? When there is nobody there, I go to you but you never help. Somebody please come, somebody please help. Joshua Sullivan | Grade 9 McKinley High School

Gateway to the Soul

Yuliana Santos Grade 9 Leonardo DaVinci High School

King James

Jaquan Pendelton Grade 12 East High School

King of Pop

Christian Ndgano Grade 11 Riverside High School

Eagle

Binyam Mebrahtom Grade 12 Riverside High School

Leaf Fish

Gay Ler Grade 11 Riverside High School

Revolution Swords cry out, urging blood to be shed. A crimson shine to be beheld. Birds step down from their skyward shrines. Their families to never be put at risk. Fish shall rise to the shores. Soon to be released from the ties that bind. Death looms over the shoulders of men. For He knows what is the price to pay. Battalions gather across the lands. With vengeance on their sides, they await the final call. Decayed plants scream, reminding us of what we could have had. The crown falls, the tyrant dethroned. A falling blade, and tyranny tastes dirt. Kayleigh Kubiak | Grade 11 Burgard High School

Broken October

Caroline Hogan Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing

Beauty is Skin Deep Tishanti Williams Grade 12 McKinley High School

In the darkest times, you see the brightest flower

Louis Washington Grade 11 McKinley High School

Self

Aniyah Brown Grade 12 City Honors High School

The Woman of Color

Untitled Abigale Gang Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

Clean

Katharine Whitefield Grade 12 Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

Retro

Malik Albert Grade 10 Middle Early College High School

Karo

Maria Root Grade 12 City Honors High School

Positano

Lucy Adams Grade 12 City Honors High School

A World of Fantasy

Lina Akther Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Yellow Flower

Brandon McMillan Grade 11 McKinley High School

My Wedding Day

Keiyada Carpenter Grade 12 Burgard High School

Untitled

Aaliyah Driscoll Grade 10 South Park High School

Julia Schultz Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Shattered

The Blizzard

Brittney Olszewski Grade 11 Riverside High School

Time and Relative Dimension in Space David Bierman Grade 12 South Park High School

Untitled

Deja Walker Grade 12 McKinley High School

Sumitra Acharya Grade 11 Burgard High School

The Lafayette

Compassion

Anna Lee Grade 11 City Honors High School

Spring in Blue

Kenneth Nieves Grade 12 WNY Maritime Charter School

Olivia the Wise Elephant Ashlee Albrecht Grade 12 South Park High School

Untitled

Olivia Budny Grade 12 South Park High School

Kaleidascheme

Zakia Samia Grade 9 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Untitled

Kara Brown Grade 12 City Honors High School

Spring!

Jasmine Anderson Grade 12 Burgard High School

Simply Harmonic

Brittany Morgan Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

The Escape of Summer

Brittany Morgan Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

The Lights Shine Bright in the Sky Jacquelynn Herrman Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Virgin Mary

Willow Greene Grade 12 City Honors High School

Lucy Adams Grade 12 City Honors High School

Greece Monoprint

Desolate Desert

Khadijah Abdulle Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Desolate Desert winds blows harshly sun shines brightly sand sweeps slowly birds fly smoothly desert abandoned not a soul in sight itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the eye before the storm Khadijah Abdulle | Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

The Ocean’s Temptation I was standing in sand when the ocean beckoned to me. It’s waves whispered, drawing me towards it. A soothing sound, the ocean calls. The subtle crashing concealing what’s underneath. What does she have to hide? Luring me forward, I slip off my shoes, the marks they make are swallowed by the sea. Coaxed by the waves, motioned by the tide, I leave my footprints, my marks upon the ground: engraved in sand, to be washed away. I step further, the waves summoning, I slowly plunge into the depths of the unknown. Kayleigh Kubiak | Grade 11 Burgard High School

The Surging Tides

Lauren Owens Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Mania I live for the sole purpose of freedom and adventure. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find me on my knees, dragging through the 9 to 5 week, like a begging praying sinner, gritting my teeth. I live for fatuous sultry love affairs that burn out just as quick as cigarettes, but are just as satisfying. Running like a cheetah, craving burning desire, pouncing at my passion, grabbing it by the teeth. I am an animal. I want you to want me, to want you, to want me. G o d. I live for leaving, burning bridges hanging by threads now, never ever coming back. Everything new and changing constantly, euphoric and free, free...Gravity! Fate! Stop dragging me back down to Earth! My face plants, chained by monotony, why must we come down after all this reckless beauty? I live for feeling intense love and ecstatic happiness for a while then bumming out ten times faster, skinning my heart down on the gravel. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell me mania isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beautiful when all you feel is the world spinning in your favor. Vianca Morales | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Nirvana

Aniyah Brown Grade 12 City Honors High School

True Story, Never Told This is a story that I have never told. I need to get it off my chest. All the pain and the truth, so ashamed, so confused. This is a story that I have never told I was broken and bruised. But now I’m a warrior, a warrior for you and you, never stop fighting, hold on. There’s a part of me I can’t get back, A little girl grew up too fast, I’ll never be the same. Now I’m taking back my life you were never gonna take the blame anyway. Now I’m a warrior I’ve got thicker skin, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. You can never hurt me again. Mical Badger | Grade 10 Health Sciences Charter School

The Root Chakra

Sarah Irwin Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Crazy Night Boom Bang I heard that noise This night is a crazy night All the shouts and the crying out loud it’s hard to hear my own thoughts. Boom Bang I heard that noise louder and louder my ears can’t bear I look around there’s trouble everywhere Boom Bang I heard that noise next to me there was my best friend all covered in blood Janae Miller | Grade 11 Health Sciences Charter School

God Always Watches Jasmine Anderson Grade 12 Burgard High School

Life of a Teenager Forced to understand that fairytales don’t exist Reality makes this so clear, but I can make my own fairy tale Making a list These are my dreams and what I want It sounds like my heartbeat, living in the land of ambition and dreams come true I now have revealed my outer layer I am not in disguise anymore Expression Life of a teenager Set the goal to inspire others, touching higher for something greater Treasuring within the faithful words that were spoken In which they travel with me through this unstoppable journey Life of a teenager Doing my best to build my own kingdom Building to ensure my own person, I can’t control what happens, but my dreams are worth fighting for Resilient and buckling in for the ride, the quiet whisper that says “I am my own hero” Every day I am revealed to a rising sun that circles me in question of whether I find my own sunshine Life of a teenager From now, and until then, each step counts Life of a teenager Shay Livingston | Grade 9 WNY Maritime Charter School

What I Strive For

Brittany Morgan Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Untitled Let’s say we were in love, Would you love me forever? Would you promise me eternity? Instead of promising me never? Would you hold onto me tight? Or easily let me go? Would you keep our love a secret? Or let everyone else know? Let’s say we were in prison, And we had 60 years left, Living day by day not knowing what’s next, Would you protect from the ones who were much stronger? If you could leave me would you stay a bit longer? Let’s say we were lost and no one can find us, Would you lose your hope in lies or will you go out to find trust? Would you use your strength you have to carry me to the top? Or would you leave me at the bottom for my poor soul to rot? Let’s say we were starving, And we had nothing to eat, Would you eat all we had? Or would you save me that last piece? Will you help me build my confidence to give me some strength? Would you roll your eyes and keep on, or would you appreciate my thanks? Let’s say we were racing and people were watching, will you keep going even though I was stopping? Will you turn around to catch me if I were falling down? If I needed you later, would you still be around? Let’s say we were sick, and we both wouldn’t make it, If I gave you my heart, would you leave it or take it? Would we be in bed laying shoulder to shoulder? Will you warm me up when the night gets colder? Would you tell me you loved me with your very last breath? Or would you kiss me goodbye two seconds before death? Alana Anderson | Grade 12 Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School

Listen, Listen, ----- Silence ________________ SADOOF Silence is my role in life Traveling like a ninja through the known Undetected by sound but by sight Silence--- a simple word But a perfect definition of I My shyness and curiosity keeps my lips sealed I, like a soft brush of fur Here tiptoeing through the puzzle of life Observing your mood and action You might know me But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m far beyond known--- far from you Yet well known of who you may be I define the word silence As it is a definition of me My world of silence Is a joy for my heart Bringing peace and contentment Easily taken away Silence--- my favorite sound in the world It soothes me And keeps me calm Listen, Listen--- silence Isnino Iftin | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Masjid Nabawi (The Prophetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mosque) Faisal Yusuf Grade 10 Riverside High School

A Path Unknown It seems I’m at a crossroads in my life Two paths emerge and now I must decide I was raised on traditions On rules not meant to be broken Even those that were unspoken I was raised on value and know what must be treasured Raised to stand up for what I believed and to never succumb to peer pressure I was raised by people who gave unconditional love People who never gave up, Even when they should have People who’ve seen me at my worst And still somehow put me first These values I’ll always treasure And my love for these people can never be measured But now it is time for me to forge a new path And to discover the beauty of a world so vast Because while I’ll always love these people And forever honor those values I need to lift these chains off my shoulder feel unbridled And have the freedom to set out on a road untraveled So I’m sorry but I must leave this sheltered nest And I hope I’ll have your blessing as I embark on an uncertain quest And I hope you’ll remember That no matter how far I am I’ll always be close to home And forever close to your heart Asli Ali | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Mad World The world is dark But we are hanging on The world is broken But maybe we remain The world is torn And so are all of our hearts But we try so hard not to fall apart Our tears are falling As the rain drops from the sky Some of our smiles fade As we say our last goodbyes What happened to happiness And tears of joy and laughter? Why did we change To anger hate and guns? Our souls have disappeared The damage has begun Hateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revolution started And maybe it has won So we are the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, the monsters maybe so Can we all hold on until tomorrow? Alonni Reid | Grade 10 City Honors High School

The Midnight Dream

Bianca Brown Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Not Quite Reality Lying on my bed studying some philosophy book or some poetry, you’re instead choosing to read my body and eyes; somehow reading the dynamo of my mind and soul. I’m feeling your eyes, mind, and maybe your hands navigating who I am; feeling pressure like a boiling pot of water with the lid on. Hot clingy steam building up, keeping it inside of me is unbearable, wanting to run and hide, under covers or in your body somehow so I can make you know my emotions, soak it up through osmosis; hide in your eyes so your gaze could be my shelter instead of making me so goddamn cracked open and insecure. But I want to take my lid off instead. We are aiming to be more than what we are. I never meant for any of this, but I see you behind my eyes, open or closed, feel your being down my spine. We could be more than just holding hands at parks, more than just physicality. You rivet my soul and I crave to engulf yours on a separate, more spiritual plane than most. I’ve never been a fan of reality but it’s quite a lovely thing when I’d rather stay up all night than rush into my dreams. I anticipate what this could be, enjoying what it is momentarily. Together we make knowledge an adventure without ever having to go outside. Imagine what we could learn if we’d explore the world! I hunger to adventure and explore, learn the universe that is yours and the galaxy that connected mine to yours. Vianca Morales | Grade 11 Riverside High School

The Story of My Life This morning I was surrounded by a pool of rachetness. Today, this rachetness followed me all day, throughout my day, and probably, scratch that, most likely all night. It’s very very irritating. I don’t understand why I have to bear the pain all damn day. Seriously, man. The story of my life, I guess. Maybe someday, I will bear some joy and happiness. It isn’t just soaring through the night like a hawk. Now is it? Honestly, I’m trying to get out, man. The story of my life. Truthfully, bears do not just appear with happiness. Bears appear with pain. I cannot take the pain. Oh my oh my oh my every scorching night, I take the pain. The story of my life. Daysean Broswell | Grade 9 Stanley Falk School

Walking in the Snow Nyin Zar Min Grade 11 Riverside High School

Love & Hate To me it’s no surprise, I can tell by the look in your eyes. You wish you never made me, kept me, or even built a relationship with me! I can tell by the tone of your voice that you no longer care about me, you no longer want me and that you truly dislike me. I can tell by the words that come out of your mouth that you don’t claim me and you don’t want me in your life anymore! I can tell by the way you treat me, the days that you beat me, that you can’t stand me. You say I make you sick to your stomach and that you hate me. Well whether you love me or not, I really don’t need you in my life! My life was hell living with you and my life is hell without you but I’m better off without you! You’ve scarred me with your words. You’ve bruised me with your hands. I wish that you would’ve just told me what I did so that I could better understand! I miss you and love you but I refuse to live with someone who will continue to abuse me. Christina Ford | Grade 11 McKinley High School

Seeing You

Jaquan Pendelton Grade 12 East High School

Grief Not a true, genuine comprehension of what I feel, only pity and empathy, but why empathy if they don’t understand or feel with me? I’m gradually becoming one with this shattered emotion acceptably, because there’s no choice except acceptance of abrasive, harsh reality It’s a locked door without a key, A sky without elevation, This is my destiny and what is meant to be I’ve came to the realization It’s a lifetime of cold nights, A struggle to see the day, And everybody that cares tries to aide but how much can they say? It’s a lucid, grey ocean where the waves are still, And I can’t help but drown in it as my happiness peels There’s nothing left I can hold on to except distant memories, Sometimes even the happiest ones cease to be my remedy Now I question everything, uncertain what is a dream, because time and life became my enemy, consistently playing out schemes of me A strong, stubborn fear inside myself for future loss, Trying to grasp as tight as I can onto what remains, But time is consistent and life goes on, He’s not here anymore, He’s gone now, and it will never remain the same Aniyah Brown | Grade 12 City Honors High School

Bloom

Aaliyah Driscoll Grade 10 South Park High School

Lost Girl False dreams and cloudy paths Stormy mornings and misty ways Cheeks that absorb the salty water Hands that touch and mark your daughter Bag full of wishes, closets full of water Closets that drown a young girl’s happiness and laughter Prints on paper that determine her destiny Shadows of earth suck her felicity The reflection represents the darkest feeling The tied tongue represents that soul that’s needing The wet pillow represents the heart bleeding The poems represent the demon that’s feeding Feeding on her fake laughter and smile Heart drop, brain dead, body still on the tile Lies, wishes, desires, beliefs, facts all stored in a file Time waster, rivers faded, she has to walk a mile Grade 11 | Kayleigh Kubiak Burgard High School

Running Face

Lucy Adams Grade 12 City Honors High School

Transfer Fixing something that can’t be fixed Broken and can’t find the pieces Somehow poison was accidentally mixed Stuck in the middle and thrown across The forbidden and unwanted spoken by your lips Transfer Going in the opposite direction in the direct motion But connected by a strand Not as beautiful as the beginning Not as divine and fulfilling Not marriage but sworn to hand Transfer Stuck in place but thinking you’re moving Running but still there A new burden in place Selected to be wonderful but, unexpected Difficult even more Much more than before Transfer Shay Livingston | Grade 9 WNY Maritime Charter School

The Subway Tunnel Jessean Gautier Grade 10 Riverside High School

That I… The pain in my mind causes me to keep moving. The tears that I cry help me embrace life. The life that I live gives me a whole other perspective on happy living, joyful days and priceless hours. Am I saying my case is the worst? No. Am I saying it’s the most terrible thing in life? No. But what I am saying is that I can’t live with the person who has hurt me emotionally and physically! That I can’t breathe in the same air with the person who wants to destroy me. I can’t and I won’t. But I will fight for joy, happiness and love even if it’s not with you. Valerie Mark | Grade 8 Frederick Law Olmstead School

Self-Portrait

Jaylin McAclory Grade 10 Burgard High School

Leaping Dancers

Jamila Richardson Grade 11 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Sunset Outburst

Rahneka Raspberry Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Slowly I am slowly slipping away from reality. I am slowly succumbing to the darkness. I am slowly collapsing into myself. I am slowly becoming a ghost, unseen, unheard. I am slowly starting to reject any form of love. I am slowly starting to have dark thoughts. I am slowly being burned alive by my mistakes. I am slowly starting to give up. I am slowly dying. Alicen Licht | Grade 9 Cleveland Hill High School

Ink Portrait

Charlotte Kuhl Grade 11 City Honors High School

Trust Oh my dear friend Do you know of trust? Trust is built on foundations Which in itself takes time It is a mutual agreement Broken by a single disloyalty I trust you I know you will be here for me Through my laughable times And my ocean leaking days You will be my encouragement You will be my aspiration We will share secrets We will share our hopes & dreams Oh my dear friend There is one thing I can’t trust with you Not even I Though I own it It is the heart I speak of, It’s a fragile little thing That makes us do the craziest things I am afraid your words will crush it And my failures will tremble over it Unlike the brain, it doesn’t know how to take precautions So I keep it locked and hidden Somewhere within me The Heart The container of so many Glorious emotions, Is a fool For it doesn’t seem to learn From it’s foolish mistakes Unlike the mind Whose eyes are open to observe The Heart is cast over by a shadow Isnino Iftin | Grade 11 Riverside High School

Self

Anthony Peoples Grade 10 Middle Early College High School

Self

Sheromne Hunter Grade 10 Middle Early College High School

You From the beginning it was you It was always you The way you listened to every word Listened and took the time to understand me Helped correct me when I was wrong Guided in the right direction Showed me the light when I was surrounded by darkness Strengthened me when I was weak Rather I was right or wrong you were there The closest friend I could ever have Then I started falling for the idea that we could be more But you and I both knew we couldn’t So I pushed away slightly Before I realized how much I had lost you How badly I missed you You had disappeared I tried to find you numerous times For I needed you to be mine I needed you to listen to me again I needed my friend Without you I was alone So I had to find my own way Made plenty of mistakes Cried way too many tears My whole world was turned upside down But it made me stronger Hopefully something you will notice After we find each other again But I want you to know I’m not the girl you left behind I’m older, stronger And as a friend I could tell you my feelings And like old times you would listen Not judge me And hopefully you’ll never leave again Rayven Mitchell | Grade 12 WNY Maritime Charter School

Lonely In a Crowded Place Have you ever felt so lonely in a crowded place? Like you could see the people but no one has a face? And you try to reach out but your efforts are in vain And you’re bleeding out but no one can see your pain You open your mouth but out comes no sound your biggest fears rising your heart begins to pound you close your eyes and tell yourself “it’s just a dream” and for the slightest millisecond you feel calm and serene but as suddenly as lightning you’re back to reality and for miles and miles all you see are faceless bodies but out of nowhere a hand reaches out and you’re no longer alone in such a big crowd you walk hand in hand side by side and you realize now that you’ve found a companion for life Asli Ali | Grade 11 Riverside High School

No Destination

Louis Washington Grade 11 McKinley High School

Untitled

Kinaysha Grafals Grade 11 WNY Maritime Charter School

Writing into Eternity The moment I sat against the tree, I knew something was different. A sort of pulsation surged through my body. It was a strange feeling but it didn’t seem worthy to dwell on. My eyes wandered around the surrounding forest. The scenery was calming me. A small smile came to my face as all my worries started melting away. This was the usual routine. Whenever I would feel stressed or upset, I would come here to this very tree. I came here so much that my name was carved into the trunk to officially make this my spot With everything stuck in my mind, I knew I had to write it out before I forget. The papers I brought lay in my lap. It was a huge stack but I doubted that I would use it all. Who knew my life would change the moment I touched my pen to the paper. The words just flowed out of me. The ink stained the paper in the writing action that was out of my control. Something was off. I just knew it. But I was too amazed at the work I was creating. As soon as I finished a page, I found that I couldn’t just stop my hand to take it away. The wind carried it from my grasp taking it to who knows where. My mind was still too focused on the pages to even care. Out of my peripheral vision, I could see everything change around me; the sun moving through the sky, changing the day to night, the woodland creatures running about on the crunchy fall leaves to get back to their homes to sleep. I thought to myself that I should do the same. My parents must be worrying. But I wasn’t tired. I didn’t want to leave. I could barely see what I was writing but my hand just continued moving as if it knew where every letter needed to be placed, where every sentence began and ended even without me being able to see if I was making a mistake. It all seemed odd but that didn’t make me stop. Nothing did. Before I knew it, the night had passed and day came once again. I knew I had to leave. I needed to go home. I willed my wrist to stop but it kept twisting with my hand, proceeding to write a story and I had no idea what it was about. As I thought about this confusing and strange happening, I realized that I hadn’t the need for any basic human need. I wasn’t hungry. I didn’t have to use the bathroom. I wasn’t tired even after staying up all night. This wasn’t normal. The pages continued to be released into the wind as they were finished, disappearing from my sight. I felt a slight sting in my back and a few orange and red leaves fell from the tree above me. I felt one land on my head. A normal reaction would have been to get the leaf out of my hair. However, this didn’t faze me. Not my body at least, but my subconscious was screaming to just get it off, to move it. My body refused to listen. I was scared out of my mind by now. Nothing was working. I couldn’t do anything. My eyes could only follow the pen but I could see that the paper stack hadn’t moved that much. At this rate, I knew I was going to run out soon despite my previous doubt. I felt a bit of relief at this. Maybe after the stack is gone, this will be over. Yeah. That’s all that needed to be done. Once the papers ran out, the story was done, right? Wrong. Hours passed and I was down to my final few papers. Small

beads of sweat formed on my forehead. It wasn’t because I was hot but my body felt nervous or scared. This furthered my confusion. The last word that could fit on the last page was written and the paper left my hand. My mind sighed in relief but nothing was different. My hand continued to write into the air, my other hand, moving on its own scavenging for the dead leaves to write on. Realization hit. The body was nervous and scared because it knew it needed more paper. And so it was improvising, letting the leaves go when it was full just like the pages before. Fear struck my very core. It wasn’t going to stop. In the distance I could hear my name being called. My family. They were looking for me. ‘I’m here!’ I wanted to shout. ‘Help me!’ My mouth remained shut. My facial muscles didn’t move an inch. I heard them still before they grew further and further away. They didn’t find me. They won’t find me. I knew they wouldn’t. I could just feel it. The days went by and no one came. Squirrels jumped on me on their way to store food. They didn’t seem to notice me. As winter came near I noticed that my body slowed with its writing. When snow came down, I wasn’t cold though my back was numb. My body eventually stopped as if sleeping for the winter while my mind stayed awake through the whole thing. Watching the days go by, not being able to do anything but watch from the corners of my eyes as life went on without me. I remained frozen for the rest of winter only to start the writing once the leaves returned to the tree that held me prisoner. I couldn’t tell what was worse. Being fused with this tree or being conscious through it all. Spring turned to summer and the sun shined on me, but my days were far from bright. I could feel myself slipping away. I just wanted to detach my mind from my body. I wanted to be free from this captivity. I wasn’t going to get that. I gave up as the months turned into years. My arms grew stiff as well as my neck. From what I could see, bark covered my arms and I’m guessing it covered my neck too. I was growing with the tree as time went on. Everything was on repeat. I froze every winter. The scenery was the same with every season. Nothing new. Still no one came. My mind was numb. I couldn’t do it anymore. I accepted the fact that this was my fate. I would forever be sitting here, writing into eternity. Shelby Jakubik | Grade 10 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Two Sides

K Pru Moo Grade 12 Lafayette High School

The Blue Jay Song Paranoia creeps up my spine. Marine dances of corpses all falling in line. Reality has no hold on you, no more chains; this entangled mind let free. Like a flock of birds sinking into the depths of a thousand seas, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be because nowhere is the place for me Music is what music does, soothes my soul and mind because it’s life’s emotion perfected in song, and darling you know you want to sing along I guess you supposed this was a happy song, but the blue jay has left and gone, just fly into the night and be free, grow into your skin and live happily, cause when everything’s said and done, gone, I’ll sing to you the blue jay song It’s a pain that just won’t go away It’s a pain that just won’t go away… In the clouds, where winter roses grow the jealous let us know, It’s time to stand up to your deepest fears, let them run out and no more broken tears. Look through this kaleidoscope, tell me what you see? Why am I not surprised what you see is me? Music is what music does, soothes my soul and mind because it’s life’s emotion perfected in song, and darling you know you want to sing along I guess you supposed this was a happy song, but the blue jay has left and gone, just fly into the night and be free, grow into your skin and live happily, cause when everything’s said and done, gone, I’ll sing to you the blue jay song It’s a pain that just won’t go away It’s a pain that just won’t go away… Shane Smith | Grade 12 McKinley High School

Sing It Softly These songs replay in my head over and over again. Lyrics I know as well as the back of my hand remind me of a place I’ve never been before. The soundtrack to a life of stained glass perfection. Music gives you a world where a walk on the beach with the boy next door is real. Or a kiss on the cheek from the daughter you’ve never seen is tangible. Where you are free. It soothes the beast inside from a beat within the heart. Those lost find their way with harmonies. And those who barely manage to contain the anger inside them are calmed by the sweet sweet melodies in lullabies. To those suicide is the voice of reason. Perhaps the only voice that doesn’t shout or throw names but says it’s okay. My darling you are okay. I who am filled with longing so mysterious to even myself it seems as if God wouldn’t know for what. The harmonies. Oh how they bring me hope. The harmonies they sing. Don’t string it along. Say you’ll love me anyway. Hope that one day I will find what I am longing for. And that I too can change lives with the lyrics you know like the back of your hands. Blaise Miranda | Grade 10 Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

Guitars

Brandon McMillan Grade 11 McKinley High School

Untitled

Shawna Stalikas Grade 12 City Honors High School

Unfaithful Protection I took the conscious risk of running on air I took the plea of always being on your side The childhood memories that we behold which will never get old Unfaithful Protection Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched you fall to your lowest point Rise with damage and crippled spoken words But still return with laughter and spirit of heaven Unfaithful Protection Shay Livingston | Grade 9 WNY Maritime Charter School

Zee

Arealia Spates Grade 12 McKinley High School

Mother and Child Sarah Brown Grade 12 Burgard High School

My Way

Isnino Iftin Grade 11 Riverside High School

Remember My Words When I am gone, Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cry for me. Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid To accept the reality. Remember my words. My dear, Please remember the words That I always have said to you. The words that inspired you. When you feel lonely, Think that I am happy. I will be watching you. I will live in you. So please live a nice life. When you feel sad, My dear, Please remember my words. Dilruba Sofia | Grade 12 Riverside High School

Graffiti

Louis Washington Grade 11 McKinley High School

The Two Colliding Sun Zakia Samia Grade 9 Leonardo DaVinci High School

Animated path; Paradox Collision What does it take for the sun to rise? Oh how the fortune be swept from your eyes. These senses numb, my body set back and all worries run off my shoulders The sun may shine and the rain does fall. That wandering past…oh if it would just last! How many roads must I walk to be called a man? I know it’s hard to be alone, but I will try my best to guide you home Attempt to reconstruct your broken heart, and ignite your wildest dreams Reality holds no bounds on your charade, no more chains, and this entangled mind…let free There’s so much you can see, just by opening your eyes, all of this you can do, if you’d just realize… We all walk down the hazy road, in the brilliant moonlight We caress all the living nature; sand running through my fingers, such a wonderful feeling This all seems too unreal, but I know it’s not a dream This journey heals our pain, wherever we go, whatever we do, doesn’t really matter much to me Shooting stars don’t travel forever; there’s no existence of everlasting light! When the day gets bitter and the storm clouds do reside I have my words to keep you calm, this humor to keep your smile and my love to keep you warm So, let this all wear thin and let all your secrets out When the sun rises in the morning and when the sun sets in the night… we’ll do it all again… Shane Smith | Grade 12 McKinley High School

student editor bios My name is Luley Abdi.

I go to Leonardo DaVinci High School. I like hanging out with friends and my mom, and going on the internet. After high school, I would like to go to college. I like Speak Your Mind because I like being around people and hearing their thoughts about art and literature.

My name is Ilhan Noor .

I go to Riverside High School. I like watching Hindi movies. My favorite Hindi actor is Salman Khan. I like food, purses, shoes and clothes. I like Speak Your Mind because it’s fun and I like to read poetry.

My name is Isnino Iftin.

I go to Riverside High School. I am Muslim. I love to read the Qur’an and unlike many people, I do not like television. I love math and science. Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World is awesome. It helps enhance your understanding of the different types of art BPS students are capable of making.

My name is Asli Ali.

I go to Riverside High School. I am 17 years old. I have a Pretty Little Liars fan blog. I am also a big fan of Tyler Posey. After high school, I want to go to college. I like Speak Your Mind because I am a writer and I like to read other student’s poetry.

Student Editor Bios My name is Aniyah Brown.

I am a senior at City Honors High School. I will be attending Brockport this Fall. I write poetry and create art which is one of the reasons why I joined the Student Editorial Board. Being on the editorial board was a great experience. I think SYM gives students opportunities to share opinions and thoughts visually and verbally so they can feel understood.

My name is Babita Mainali.

I go to Riverside High School where I participate in Entrepreneurship Club and Speak Your Mind. After high school, I want to go to college to be a doctor. When I first joined Speak Your Mind, I told everyone that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to write a poem. Now, I think I have a better idea.

My name is Vianca Morales.

I am a junior at Riverside High School. This is my second year as an editor for Speak Your Mind. I am best known for my coffee addiction and short stature. I love writing, making music, and adventuring with good friends.

For more information on how to submit to Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World or how to become a student editor,

visit symsyw.org

or email us at speakyomind@gmail.com