Riquezas de Mis Raíces

In Partnership with Theodore Roosevelt High School

This book was written by the students of Theodore Roosevelt High in Spring of 2024.

The views expressed in this book are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of 826LA. We support student publishing and are thrilled you picked up this book.

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

Este libro fue escrito por los alumnos de Theodore Roosevelt High en primavera del 2024.

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 hayan recogido este libro.

Todos los derechos reservados. Prohibida la reproducción total o parcial de este libro sin autorización escrita del editor.

Editor(s):

Wendy Beltran

Brettany Valenzuela

America Melchor Leon

Cover Artwork:

Candace Sanders

Book Design:

Candace Sanders

Illustration by Loris Lora

In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, 826LA dedicates this publication to all of those who have helped make our community what it is, what it was, and what it will become.

Thank you to the students, volunteers, educators, donors, staff, community partners, and time-travelers who have filled the last 20 years with such creativity, joy, and hope.

We look forward to another 20 years in partnership!

Riquezas de Mis Raíces

In Partnership with Theodore Roosevelt High School

Introducción

The title of this book was given to me by my mom, Nely.

As I sat at the dinner table, brainstorming out loud—mis raíces son ricas, nuestras raíces ricas, nuestras riquezas—she called out from the kitchen, “Riquezas de Nuestras Raíces se oye mejor.” She was right of course, and how fitting that the woman who gave me life also helped bring this book to life.

Raíces means roots and a tree cannot grow without them. As the child of immigrants from El Salvador, my roots are young in this country but deeply enriched by the culture my parents carried with them to this country. Boyle Heights, a neighborhood with history woven into every street, stands as one of the strongest trees in Los Angeles—its roots stretching for blocks, running deep through generations of students, families, and stories. Because of this, the writing in this book seemingly spans time, reaching both into the past and toward the future.

With time however, change is inevitable, and when I conceptualized this book, I wanted students to capture messages to their future selves that would remind them of the people, places, dreams, love, and aspirations their younger selves treasured. These stories are priceless riquezas, embedded in the very seeds from which they grew. They are braided into their DNA, guiding them even when their path is uncertain.

As students of Roosevelt High School, these authors are part of a community abundant with culture and knowledge. As they grow and eventually move on, my hope is that this book will serve as a reminder that if they ever feel their branches breaking, they come from soil rich with a wealth greater than gold. They are seeds strong enough to break through concrete—capable of blooming wherever they choose to plant themselves.

Wendy Beltran

Senior Writers’ Room Program Coordinator, Roosevelt High School

La Revolución EmpiezaNosotroscon

Recognize Who You Are

D.C.

Who am I? Who are we? I find myself asking that question all the time. I have the skin color of a Latino but don’t speak any Spanish so does that not make me Latino?

I listen to my family all around me and they all speak Spanish and I’m the only one who doesn’t understand it, does that not make me Hispanic?

Just because I don’t speak the language of my people does not mean that I am not a part of my culture.

I can be a different color from the rest of my family and I am still a part of that culture.

It does not matter the color of my skin but the blood running through my veins.

The blood in your body makes you who you are, not the color of your skin but the blood that runs through you and your family.

I am a part of two ethnicities and I find myself asking the question of which one I’m more a part of.

I have the blood of a Latino but the skin color of a black person who doesn’t know what culture he should fully embrace.

My Latino culture is very different from my Black side of my culture. From different languages the way that we celebrate holidays or parties.

My Hispanic family throws me a big party with lots of food and loud music.

My Black family throws a little barbecue and we swim in the pool and I get lots of money.

In those situations where I am doing things differently like parties and holidays makes me think that I need to just pick a side and stick with that my whole life.

But who said you need to embrace only one side of your culture?

I have embraced both sides of my culture and turned it into my own big community with both sides of my family, Black and Hispanic.

Both sides of the family joined together as one, instead of me having to choose a side of my ethnicity to identify myself as a person.

Who am I? Who are we? Who are you?

Wake Up To Reality

Haley V.

Dear Haley V,

You are a tough fighter and you have been able to pull through with so much stuff happening in your life. You are 21 now-don’t let the past bring you down, you have such a long way to go. I promise if life is not the best for you, you will shine sooner than later if you keep on trying hard. I know you are not a little girl anymore, you are a full-on grown woman, don’t be scared to try new things. Try to meet new people and have the life that you always wanted. You don’t have to be scared of most things, just be yourself and keep shining no matter what. I know you experienced so much when you were just a little girl and you made a lot of mistakes but remember you can always learn and cope with those mistakes, pray for your sins, and have a change of heart.

You always loved listening to music and always ignored your surroundings. But doing this makes you ignore the beauty around you and never see the good things life has to give. You should be able to socialize with people. You try to escape reality through social media but life is more than just existing in an illusioned world, it’s about living in reality. I know you have been anti-social and tend to be nervous most of your life. I know you have been socializing and trying to explore the world more. You’re going to meet people with different personalities but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to see who they are.

Live life to the fullest and enjoy the moments with your friends. You have always kept them with you, don’t let them go, you know those are your real friends. I know some people will start changing up on you but as long as you keep the friends you know are the real ones you will be fine. But at the end of the day, people will change but hang on to the real friends you make.

Be happy with your parents and family, love them, and spend time with them while you can because as soon as you start making bank and you find your lifestyle you might not see them as much. Keep them close. Talk to your father and make plans like taking him to the casino. They were always there for you when things were going bad. I know you love your parents a

lot. They have shown you how to be strong and defend yourself when someone is trying to put you down. Your mother taught you responsibility and showed you how to earn someone’s respect. You are a mix of two of the best cultures, Salvadorian and Mexican. They taught you how to cook, clean, and much more of the things you will be doing in life. Your parents taught you how to take care of yourself by cooking your culture’s food and how to clean. You learned the beauty of the places your parents were born in and how they can also be dangerous. You always managed to annoy your mother and father because you were a talking parrot to them. They always told you to stop talking because you would always make a fool of yourself and you enjoyed making fun of them with your little jokes. Take your mother out, buy her things that she will love, and just be with her all the time. Your mother loves you so much and sometimes she can be hard on you but it’s just that she cares about you.

Haley trust me when I say you will fall in love with someone and want to be with them. Life will be good once you set your mind to the life you want. Once you meet that person just like your great grandma said, if you love them marry them and stay with them. You are a great person Haley, you just need to keep your mind up and straight and those wishes will be doing good for you in life once you have your mindset and goals. You will meet people and fall in love with someone you like; everything takes time, Haley.

Sincerely,

Haley V.

14 Years

I am 6 years old on the metro with my grandma while the man that sits across from me starts puckering his lips at me while winking and “thumbs upping” me. I am 7 years old when I wear a shoulder showing shirt, I get called a man and “Beauty and the beast” just without the beauty, I wear my friend’s sweater the rest of the potluck. I am 8 years olds when I get catcalled by an old man wearing Mickey ears at Disneyland, thinking how long until I get a turkey leg. Later on that day I sit next to a woman that takes up all the space in the roller coaster, I prayed not to fall out without a seatbelt. I’m 9 years old when I join a group chat with a bunch of weirdos asking me to spin for them and to “stop, wait no go, stay like that.” I am 10 years old when I get stopped at the bus stop by a woman who puts her hand on my back asking me to help her work her phone and looking around like if they’re waiting for someone, I just walk away as a man starts walking towards us. I am 11 years old walking to the gas station with baggy pjs on when I get catcalled by what looks like a 48-year-old. I start speed walking away as he yells insults at me for not dropping to my knees and praising a grown man of 48 for flirting with a minor.

I am 12 and I developed an eating disorder seeing all the beautiful girls saying “just drink salt water and chew gum for weeks, and you’ll look like me!” Hiding all their pills and tape while recording their fake videos. I am 13 years old still being told that I don’t fit the standards I am supposed to, I pick up a control, ready to play my game when “go back to the kitchen”, “make me a sandwich”, “go iron my shirt”… I don’t pick up the control again.

Finally, I am 14 years old, I don’t keep quiet anymore, though I do get called loud and rude, have people tell me how they actually feel about me, having more people talk about me now that I won’t be pushed around, I can’t help but to feel relieved finally being able to say say it to my face and what was that. 6-13 years old me would be proud and relieved that I will not stay silent anymore, and I hope future me will look back and be mesmerized.

Forced To Live

G.R.

It was morning, the sound of my alarm began blaring loudly in my ears. I sat up and opened my eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the light that was shining through the window. As I walked out of my room I said good morning to my roommate. “Hey Kayla, is there coffee ready?” I asked her, looking through the kitchen. “Yeah, it’s in the pot right over there behind the toaster,” she said, pointing at the counter top. I walked over to the kitchen looking around and finally found the pot. “Thanks,” I said, before grabbing the coffee pot and serving myself some in my favorite purple mug. The warmth of the cup comforted me as I sat down on the couch.

The cold plastic of the remote sent chills up my spine as I flipped through different channels. The first one was a man that looked like he was in his 50s talking about plants, a hard pass for me. The next was about a romance telenovela but honestly that bored me too. But as I came across this one channel I stopped to watch it play, people running and screaming, a building rushing into flames. I sat there thinking it was just another action movie playing. I sipped my hot coffee, watching as a plane struck the building, making it collapse and rush into more flames. But after ten minutes had gone by I looked closer and realized I was on a news channel.

I rushed to the remote and raised the volume and that’s when I realized it wasn’t a movie. “I’m standing here in front of the Twin Towers, here in New York City live, watching as it collapses after the American Airlines Flight 11 airplane hits the north tower. Wa-wait are those people jumping?!” a news reporter said, her voice shaking with disturbance and fear as my eyes filled with shocked tears. The air in my lungs felt like it had been sucked up and I began feeling my throat closing up. As I sat down, tears running down the sides of my face, I sat there frozen, as the second building was hit. I watched as dozens of people jumped, some praying to themselves before they did, as both buildings eventually collapsed, leaving only ash.

The heart stopping realization about my neighbor’s flight hit me. Mary was my favorite neighbor inside the entire apartment, an inspiring woman. She was a flight attendant and every day before work, she made the best Mexican food I ever tasted. I froze. As I caught my breath I got up, slammed my door open, and rushed next door.

I banged on her door, hoping that for some reason she’d stayed home. Even though we only talked casualties and had only made conversation some times, I cared for her like I did all my friends. As I knocked harder and harder hoping someone would answer the chilling feeling of her actually going to work that day stained the walls of my mind.

As the door creaked open and her face peaked from the side, she opened it a bit wider. “Mary, have you heard about everything going on with the Twin Towers in New York?” I said, my voice breaking still in disbelief as I let out a sigh. “Yes, all the flight attendants, along with me, got personal calls from the managers telling us not to come to work.” Mary said, her voice shaking with sorrow. She looked down at the carpet that covered the hallway for our apartment complex and shook her head. “Why is this happening, who could do something like this? Who could kill so many lives along with their own without remorse?” Mary said, her eyes flooding with tears of confusion and anguish. I hugged her as we both exchanged a similar feeling of pain and shock. But I was left unsure of what to feel. As I walked back to my apartment, Mary right behind me we walked through the door and walked to the couch. We all sat down and watched the news as we heard the shocked screams of those who walked over bodies that now covered the floors of New York.

As night came upon us I shook from the graphic memories that were left in my mind. The screams replaying. The thoughts of everyone who lost someone completely taking over. I was confused, angry, still in shock. As morning came, the day didn’t seem as bright as yesterday. The truth remained sewed into my mind and soul. I opened my eyes after not much rest and the sun didn’t feel so lively anymore. I felt the dread and sorrow of everything. I felt the pain and the feeling of not wanting to live. Not because of family issues, mental problems, or any physical abuse. But why would anyone want to live in such a cruel world? I got up, my eye bags darker than most days, almost like a night sky without any stars or a moon to light it up. I didn’t even have time for breakfast. I had to go to work. That was the life for any adult.

Despite the tragic events and losses, we were adults. We had to make a life for ourselves and go to our schools and jobs like if nothing had happened. No days off, no time to process everything that had happened. We had to wake up to the sound of the news forcing us to remember everything, we had to get dressed and go to work, even if we wanted to break, we had to listen to the loud and broken cries of

those who lost someone special, we had to live our lives like normal. As I made my way to work my entire body felt like it was unable to move. I was left unable to focus and could only think about how we had to act like everything was okay. But I had to focus.

Weeks passed on and even months and eventually when I saw how everyone had been affected, I realized that in life there’s no time to waste, no time to stop what you’re doing, whether you want to or don’t you have to find a way to move on. When you’re an adult or even a student, there’s no time for emotional crises, no time to process everything you felt when something tragic happens. All you have at that point is the need to move forward. I sat there, watching as my community was consumed by the sadness and despair day by day but realized that we couldn’t live if we didn’t try. We had to force ourselves to get up everyday and live, and eventually we realized how important the little things are.

After the attacks I realized that other things had changed too. People had already found it hard to get along with those different from them, but now it just became 100 times worse. Anyone who followed a religion that wore hijabs or face masks, things that followed their religion was criticized. Some harassed and forced to take off what they believed was needed. They became the center of racism for that period of time and couldn’t even walk outside without being called a terrorist.

I know that I won’t ever truly move on from something as devastating and silencing as that day but I also want others to learn about a first hand experience of that day to motivate them in life. I fought through a time that was unimaginable and fought to be where I am. I’m more than just a story teller, I’m someone who has the ability to share what I’ve gone through to inspire others. Don’t let yourself be broken down by small things or situations that can be dealt with, fight through the challenges that are thrown at you and continue to do what you need to live your life.

Cultura Familiar

Marely C.

It’s not just a person who has shown me my culture, it’s many and several people. It’s my amazing family. They have given me so much knowledge and many consejos sobre la vida.

Mis abuelos have taught me and still teach me about their lives in Mexico. La comida riquisima that my family has carried in the family for generations are being passed down to me which I plan to pass down to my children as well. They have taught me to always be proud de donde son mis raízes. My brother has always been there for me, helping me get through the toughest of times, y siempre me dice that he will always be here for me. He has shown me how not everything in this life is as good as it seems. My dad has always done his best and tried as much as he could to provide for my family and always put me and my family before him no matter what it took. My sisters are what make me want to always try my best and hardest to succeed in life because I know they look up to me and I love them so much and want to be the best role model for them. To my mom, she is always there for me, pushing my family to get ahead and become something in life, always being supportive and trying her hardest as well. She is like the pillar holding up our family, which I know at times is stressful but I greatly and deeply appreciate and love her.

If it weren’t for my family I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am doing now. They all have contributed to my life and helped create a great life for me. I know it’s turned out great because I feel loved and they have shown me my raízes. Today I am now culturally aware and proud of where I’m from, I know what to do so I can succeed and continue succeeding whether it’s in school or in life. In the future I want to be a lawyer or forensic scientist that is successful enough to take care of my parents and show them how grateful I am for them. With all that my family has shown me I have learned to have resilience, be humble and proud of who I am, y to siempre hecharle ganas. They showed me where I’m from, I am from Sinaloa and grew up around the cultura de Mexico. They also showed me how to be who I am today. I am a student with good grades, dedication to succeed, and grateful.

So for this I thank my familia.

I Am Mexican American

I.M.

We are Mexican American

We listen to stories of our great ancestors

We are from families striving to find a better life

We appreciate the sacrifices that they made to get us here

We are from hard workers who worked every day to support their families

We are Mexican American

With a culture like a vibrant tapestry

Our culture woven with traditions, flavors and history

We are a community rich in diversity and pride

We love being Mexican American

We love our fiestas with loud cumbias accompanied with people dancing

We love our culture of colorful papel picado and flowing folklórico dresses

We love our sombreros, serapes, and the huaraches we wear

We are Mexican American

We come from the savory taste of homemade tamales

From the smell of roasted poblano peppers that fills the air

From the warmths of family gatherings at my Mama Erendias home

And the love that we all share

We are Mexican American

We love the burning sensation from our spicy salsas

We enjoy the sizzling fajitas, the tasty enchiladas, and the green guacamole

Loving the tacos, pozole and menudo made with love by my Mama Erendia

We are Mexican American

Our love of mariachis with romantic tunes by Luis Miguel

The rhythm of cumbias that makes us get up and dance

The songs of rancheras that touch our hearts

With each note we reflect on who we are

We are Mexican American

We hate the prejudice and stereotypes plaguing us

The “you illegal immigrants” or the “you lazy criminals”

We hate the discrimination we face every day

The stares, the slurs, and the barriers in our way

We are Mexican American

We hate the violence in our community

The drugs and gangs

We hate the cycle that lacks opportunity

I am Mexican American

I will stand up to the oppression

I will keep enjoying mole with a side of arroz and pollo as well as dancing to the ritmo of cumbias

I will graduate high school with good grades making my family proud and continuing the path for my younger sisters

I will make a name in the world by becoming a surgeon showing that people in our community can be just as successful as anyone else

I will make sure my community will be seen as more than metiches that cause problems, but instead as valorosos that solve problems

I am tired of my community being targeted by prejudice We will fight back to stop this oppression and fight to be treated equally I Am Proud To Be Mexican American

In The Middle of Boyle Heights

M.A.

In the middle, I stand, between two sisters dear, In a firm household, where pains and fears adhere. Feeling lost in the chaos, overlooked and unseen, Struggling to find my place, in between.

I watch as my older sister bears the weight, Of responsibilities and burdens, of an unfair fate. While my younger sister seeks refuge in dreams, I carry the silence, the unheard screams.

Our home echoes with secrets untold, Hearts wounded, stories left cold.

But in the midst of the shattered, I find strength, In the bond we share, no matter the length.

As a Hispanic girl, familia is everything we hold dear, A thread that binds through laughter and tears. I draw from our heritage, our roots deep and strong, Finding solace in the melodies of our shared song.

As I grow I start to know what it means to be close. It’s not just about what shows in our appearance With families it’s about who knows you.

Though brokenness surrounds us I cling to hope That we’ll weather through the storms and learn to cope. For in the midst of darkness a light will shine Guiding us forward through the trials of time.

So here I am the middle child resilient and truly navigating the struggles Finding my breakthrough.

With my sisters by my side We’ll rise above

In our firm household bound by love.

Outside of that house I feel judged

The streets may be rough

The walls may be tall

But unity and strength will conquer all. In the face of hatred, we rise above With love and understanding. We spread our wings and soar like a dove

Boyle Heights, a place of resilience and pride

Where struggles are faced side by side. Discrimination may lurk in the shadows of fear

But we stand together, our vision clear. So let the world know, we will not be defined By the color of our skin or the labels assigned Boyle Heights shining beacon of hope Where unity and love will help us cope.

Still Turning

Andrea L.

Family

(a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit)

Friends (a state of mutual trust and support between allied nations)

Neighbors

(respectful, friendly, and open to making genuine friendships with those who live in your neighborhood)

Community

(a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals)

Oppression

(unjust treatment of, or exercise of power over, a group of individuals, often in the form of governmental authority or cultural opprobrium)

The world we live in

With family

With friends

Within a community

All united

All allied nations

But yet

United under Oppression

Prolonged cruel

Unjust treatment

All fighting life

All because life isn’t fair

Why can’t we make it fair

We’re all so different

But we’re also the same

All same interests

Same Goals in life

Same dreams

“American Dream”

Freedom and opportunity

Succeed

Attain a better life

But we’re still dreaming

Still fighting

Still the same

All same struggles

Same stereotypes just by our race

Same mistreatment just of our color

People kicking us out to the streets

Getting new people to move in

Different people

“Better People”

People without oppression

They call it the “land of the free”

And the home of the brave,

That there’s a “dream in our land

Like a flame that keeps burning

And the lantern of hope

From the harbor still shines

Those who seek freedom’s dream

To its light are still turning”

It’s almost like it’s in our national anthem

That not everyone is going to be free

That were all just delusional

Since “freedom’s dream

To its light are still turning”

That feeling of expectation

The desire

Were taking initiative

Making it happen

Achieve success

Prosperity

Through our hard work

Our determination

For something that should have been given

Earned

Deserved

A long time ago

Our Magnum Opus

L.C.A.

These unjust problems in a fire smoke

Not seeing things with a bit of hope

Standing with pride

Yet with lots of crimes you

Eat the skin that makes you feel alive

I’m stuck inside my mind

Waking up just to grind

Eating fries and unhealthy work lives

Like an orange peel

There must be something to reveal

Like the colors in the sky

To eating pumpkin pie

I don’t like the fact

That we get denied

From walking

And talking

And the way we dress

They think of us as less

And I have to address

Why do you want us out?

Why do you shut us out?

Why fill our noses with pollution?

Seems like you can’t

Find a real solution

So you need to dump it on

Colored skin dissolution

This reminds of the Industrial revolution

Where you left us with problems

Without a resolution

So we won’t just sit back

When you corrupt our institutions

We’re gonna fight back

And start a revolution

Cause for now we might be discriminated against

Limited to guess seen as a jest treated as a pest

But as I see it

We should stand up

And fight back

And not to lack

As for now

Let us take back

What was ours.

Letter of Hope

A.H.

Dear fellow teenager,

I am a fifteen year old girl, who lives in Los Angeles, California. As teenagers, we share similarities in our emotions, interests, experiences, etc. I’m writing this letter to you so you know that someone in the world is aware of the struggles you have to go through to survive the attacks Israel is doing to your country.

I understand that Israel is trying to take your land away and attack you guys by killing thousands of innocent Palestinians, including you and your relatives. When I first heard about this Palestinian genocide, Israel was limiting access to electricity, food, and water, necessities that are needed to survive. As time was ticking, I learned through social media and from others that your country and Israel have had conflict since the early 1900s. Jews migrating to settle themselves into your land, in the 1920’s-1930’s, caused violent events between the Arab community and the Jewish community. Plans that were suggested to create each community be its own state to make the communities at peace has failed by being declined by one country or both. When Israel became its own state in 1949, it forced the Arab community to flee their homes and villages.

For Palestinians to get their land back, they attacked Israel by raiding and bombing Israelis. As of now, Israel keeps attacking you guys and has caught a lot of people’s attention about this genocide but aren’t actively doing anything to about it. Are the people afraid that we will be attacked next? Huge companies like McDonalds and Starbucks are said to be sending money to Israel, supporting and encouraging the genocide.

As embarrassing as it is, the country I was born and raised in supports thousands of people getting killed by Israel because they want to live in their land, peacefully, and have a normal life. The only right thing to do as of now is to fight for what’s right. Creating an organization here in the United States can help all of us to come together to protest and boycott, peacefully, at places where we can get the government’s attention. As we do these actions, we need to make sure we are safe and not in danger, which is why we should wear bandanas and keffiyehs around our faces to hide our identity and represent our

support towards Palestine. Law enforcement will come by to “protect the public”. Is this true? Are they just including themselves because they also support genocide? Are they forced to support Palestinian genocide?

My deepest hope is that one day Israel will stop this genocide and come at peace with you and others in Palestine. Be able to find a path where both communities can thrive side by side in understanding. Let you and other Palestinians dream of a future where all individuals in Israel and Palestine can respect each other’s rights and differences. I send my thoughts and prayers for your safety and well-being during these challenging times in Palestine.

Sincerely,

A. H.

Tierra Fértil

Reflection On My Culture: The Story Of The Five Suns

S.E.

What does it mean to have a culture?

I believe that culture is ever-changing, being able to combine with other cultures yet still with bits and pieces of their own culture inside this new culture. Culture is majorly overlooked by people because they think it has no significance to their lives even though it does. But culture can be extremely important; it is the basis on which a community and a society is able to stand. Culture is made up of many things: language, country, and religion. They are the basis for a person’s culture. The history and culture of a nation amasses both their future and past and if a person is unable to understand this history they are doomed to repeat the good and the bad.

My father pushed me into history and the culture of the Aztecs and Mexico when I was in the beginning of my life. I was inspired to learn more about these stories through many sources learning more of these characters and more about the lands that were based upon these lands. I furthered my interest and knowledge as time went on but always went back to Mexico. The history was so annoying to me for not fully understanding it. I wanted to always know it but couldn’t fully reach it. I kept struggling with trying to find where I belonged in it. I moved away from it, away from the stories and history, and moved away from my culture but it annoys me to this day that I have not found my place in it whether good or bad. I want my place in this complicated and incomprehensible history that I have dared and tried to understand since I was a child. It is something that I seek daily and it may be something that you seek too.

The First Sun

The first four gods that created all the other Teōtl were Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli and Xipe Totec, from these first four Teōtls descended from all other Teōtls. In the time after Tlaltecuhtli formed the Tlalli there were giants created by the Teōtl to worship them but these giants needed light; they needed a god to become the sun and Tezcatlipoca was chosen. He was unable to form the sun and rather formed half of the necessary sun. As time went on a rivalry

started between Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca in which Quetzalcoatl knocked his brother from the sky using a stone club. After the people were eaten by Jaguars sent by the enraged Tezcatlipoca the era of the second sun began.

The Second Sun

The Teōtls created new humans who were much smaller than the giants before them. Quetzalcoatl served as the Teōtl of the sun. The humans as time went on drifted from the teachings and religious behaviors of the gods and embraced the greed and corruption of the world. Tezcatlipoca, a Teōtl of magic as well, transformed the humans into monkeys with Teōtl Quetzalcoatl sending the monkeys away in distress from losing worshipers.

The Third Sun

The era of the third sun began after the failure of the past two eras a third god was chosen; this Teōtl was Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility. The god Tezcatlipoca with hatred of the sun gods that came after him kidnapped the love of Tlaloc, Xochiquetzal Teōtl of beauty. Tlaloc consumed by grief was unable to perform his duties leading to famine and drought. In a fit of rage, Tlaloc released a rage of rain upon the people destroying the earth and drowning the people.

The Fourth Sun

The next sun was the new wife of Tlaloc, Chalchiuhtlicue. Chalchiuhtlicue was loving towards the people but Tezcatlipoca was not; he despised the fact that he was not the sun. He went to Chalchiuhtlicue and told her that the love she showed was fake and only for her selfish gain. After this she cried tears of blood for over fifty years causing the humans that were left to change into fish to survive.

The Fifth Sun

Quetzalcoatl was angered by the destruction of the people before him and went down to Mictlan, while there he stole their bones from the Teōtl of death, Mictlantecuhtli. He dipped the bones into

his own blood and resurrected his people to a sky illuminated by the god Huitzilopochtli. The Tzitzimimeh became jealous of their more important brother Huitzilopochtli. Their leader Teōtl of the moon, Coyolxauhqui attacked her brother every night coming close to victory as the moons and stars shine in the sky. To help Huitzilopochtli the Aztecs sacrifice humans as nourishments. They also offer to Tezcatlipoca in fear of his judgment and lastly sacrifice blood to Quetzalcoatl who opposes fatal sacrifices. The Aztecs also give offerings to many other gods for many purposes. Should these sacrifices stop the sun will turn a dark black and there will be an earthquake with the Tzitzimimeh killing Huitzilopochtli and all of Humanity as well.

I enjoy hearing and learning about the stories of my culture. The story shared does not belong to me nor is it credited to me in any way or form.

Boyle Heights=Home

A.J.M.

Dear Future AJ,

Remember Boyle Heights is your home, never leave your home behind.

I grew up in Boyle Heights and over time new buildings and new people have moved in. There have been stores shutting down and new stores opening. Experiences that I have had with these new changes include the increase in prices, because new buildings are being built, the prices of these apartments are overpriced. To add to this, my rent has also increased. Remember that I have been living in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, and small kitchen. All of this has affected me and my family because it’s four of us living in a tiny house. This causes a problem because my grandpa and sister help pay the rent. My grandpa is an immigrant and my sister is 18 and still in school. They stress about not being able to pay the rent or not being able to get food for our family. But even when we are stressed about not being able to pay rent or buy food, we always do a family gathering and have fun with the family. Family is all we have and our family is here in Boyle Heights. Boyle Heights is more than just a place. It is where people grew up and where they call home, where I call home. Maybe Boyle Heights isn’t your home because you live somewhere else or you moved from somewhere else to here. Maybe Boyle Heights is your home and you don’t know how to admire it, or you don’t really care about where you live, or don’t care about your culture. One thing I could say is Boyle Heights is open to anyone even if this isn’t your home, always treat anywhere you go with respect. Boyle Heights, My home, Our home, Your home as well. If future me did move somewhere else please don’t forget all of these memories you had in Boyle Heights, your home.

Family Wealth

L.C.

My mom always told me not to go outside when my hair was wet. After all, I would get sick.

She tells me not to go barefoot because I will get sick. She takes care of me.

She told me to do well in high school, to pass, so I could go to college just like my sister.

My mom motivates me. My mom speaks Spanish and I can speak both languages.

I translate for my mom sometimes when she needs help when she doesn’t understand what they are saying.

She makes me laugh because she does funny things like dancing. When we go somewhere with my mom she always makes jokes.

She thinks of others before her.

She also waits for everyone to eat first then she eats after.

She is very brave.

She helps people when she sees them needing help with something they can’t afford.

My mom is a reciter. She is fighting for her life to be with us.

Loss, Loneliness, and Acceptance

Miguel J.

I was born in April and grew up with 5 siblings in Los Angeles. My mother and father were both from Mexico, immigrants who had fled to America for a possible better future. My mother is a strong woman who worked hard in finding her purpose while my father was always a caring man who showed a rough but loving personality. He always showed that he cared for my well being and my future, making sure I stayed on track and would not slouch on parenting me. My relatives have all been large parts of my life. One thing that has been a constant is the need for community, friends, and family because nothing else is truly permanent.

Back when I was in high school and worked for my family owned meat company, I met many mentors, people who would help me strive for greatness. One of my mentors was named Esther. She taught me work ethic as she also showed me different job opportunities and I could feel my life become brighter with so many different opportunities. Another mentor was my professor Laura, she taught me about the economic development ecosystem that helped small businesses help communities in need. It taught me the need for help in the world and how you can help change be pushed in our communities even with small steps showing more job opportunities. This had me thinking about all these opportunities where and how we choose. But I soon learned it’s not always about what could’ve been chosen but understanding that we must sometimes take leaps and stop pondering on what ifs.

Another thing the meat company offered was being able to talk to my father because he would also work at our family’s meat company. We would talk about school and other things going around at home. I can remember his voice, his strong accent with his sometimes stern but joking voice. Working at the meat company gave me work experience like the importance of money and how to communicate with customers well. Though the meat company always felt eerie and the smell of meat really didn’t help that, the main thing that will always stick with me from the meat company is learning to take chances for change to learn and grow. I learned this from the constant involvement of socializing with my customers and fellow workers.

After high school, I had to decide between having to go to college or getting a job and what pushed my decision was a job offer. I decided to accept that offer and for a while worked for a label company and in management sitting at a desk. For a while things were great and at that point, I was even dating one of my old friends from high school Michael. After a while, we ended up growing quite close and we soon got married and had a baby on the way.

One July, my son was born though nothing stays good forever. You see, me and my husband had been having trouble with each other and soon we became distant. Being the caring mother that I was, having him around made me feel scared for my child’s future and how it would be with him. I took him to court for divorce and custody, and I was lucky and was found more fit for custody. And soon with the inclusion of my son’s inputthoughts on the matter he was cut from my life and I moved on from him. Sometimes I wonder if it was the right decision but when I look at how my son has grown I reassure myself knowing I made my choices.

When the 2020 lockdown hit my family was not ready for what would befall my father. My father had been having kidney problems. For a while my father’s safety was in the balance until one day.

It was dark. Me and some of my fellow siblings had entered the hospital to talk to his doctor, and with his expression, we already knew. He then told us our father wasn’t gonna make it. Anger, sadness, frustration, all words to express what we had in us but on the outside, we knew. That day we left that hospital knowing and bearing this sad news and soon came the funeral. We all made promises and we all decided what we would do for him and this left us stronger and more connected. We realized that in this life we have one chance and only one chance. We decided we would be together for that life.

You see the point of this story is to realize that even when having friends and family we must understand some must be cut off and some lost. Permanence is the word that represents the lasting state of something and from my life, I have learned that there really is no permanence and that everything shifts and changes, and some things you’ll miss other things you’ll be happy about.

Through it all I have experienced loss and I’ve gained. I’ve learned to accept the loss and to embrace the gain because in life you can live one of three ways: cling to everything; never accept anything new or be understanding; find out that things disappear, and other things appear.

The point of life is to embrace all the bad, the good, let things humble you, let others compliment you, it’s all part of your life. I do understand that you are the guard protecting your walls and whatever you let in or let out is your choice. Though my dad is dead I still remember him. I still love him and even though he’s not here he’s still with me.

With~Out You

Danna

C.

Some people think you only need your blood-related family to be there by your side, but I think they are wrong. I think all you need is someone who you trust and will be there for you and have shown that they are there for you. My name is Danna. I grew up feeling unwanted, even when people acted like they were “there” for me. I remember when I was younger I was always left out by my own family. Growing up, I’ve always tried fitting in and being more like my siblings, but the more and more I’ve tried fitting in the more my own family would distance themselves from me. My brother grew up basically being perfect, the grandchild anyone could ever ask for, the nephew anyone would want, and the son everyone prays for. He was the first grandchild, nephew, and son, in the family and my sister was the first niece, first daughter, first granddaughter, they found nothing wrong with my siblings.

I would try to act like my sister. I tried having her attitude, and her mindset, even if they were bad, like her back talking to my mom. She would get mad at me for the smallest reason, she would rather be out with her friends more than her family. I constantly kept hearing my mom and her argue, but nobody saw those things in my sister, they’ve only seen the parts where “she’s been through so much” but has she really? Or was that another excuse? My mom’s side of the family did not see that mindset and attitude but they did see it in mine, even though mine was less worse than hers. My siblings were basically perfect, but for me I was just there, someone who went wrong, someone who they wouldn’t even notice could go missing until they needed something, they only need me for my siblings.

Everyone was there for each other but I was just there, my aunts always told me “if you need anything, I am always here for you.” But no, they were only there when they needed something from me, like asking me to ask my brother to do them a favor, asking me to tell my sister something for them when she wasn’t answering them. Everyone in my family got the attention I’ve always wanted. I got jealous and started realizing I was bothering everyone and started detaching myself from my mom’s side of the family. One day my aunt texted me telling me if my cousin could use my boots that I used for my quinceanera which were special to me and I said yes because

I always end up letting everyone in my family use things that are special to me because I always wanted my aunts to like me. My aunts would go around starting conversations about me with my own sister, who was around and close to her and say things about me like how I’m “spoiled”, a “brat”, or even “brag” about things I have. I always wished I could have a conversation one on one with my cousin but I knew how it would turn out, her telling her mom about every little detail and adding more on my part and less on hers.

My mom and dad split up when I was younger, and my mom met my step dad. At first I lived with my dad but eventually I moved in with my mom and step dad and my dad moved to a smaller house after a while since I lived with my mom he did not need much space. One day, I decided to go to work with my step dad because where he worked there was an area me and my step cousin liked to play around. My step uncle introduced me to his “friend”, she had 2 kids, a boy and a girl. The girl was older, almost my age, when we met she was 6 years old, and I was 8 years old. After a while my step uncle and his “friend” did end up getting together, she introduced herself as “Ceci” a little nickname my family had. I got so close to her daughter Naylea. Me and Naylea would hang out as much as we could, after a while it was less awkward between me and Ceci. Ceci was always there for me, growing up she has always shown me love more than anyone I am related to. I always felt comfortable with her, I would go to her house at least once a week, every time me and Naylea would go out with Ceci she would always tell me small stories about her experience growing up, and how she went through so much. One story she told me was when she couldn’t go to college because she did not have enough money, but wished she did and started working right after highschool. Ceci and I have gotten closer day by day, I basically concluded her as my second mom. For my quinceanera I wanted Ceci to be the main madrina because she was always there for me and always complimented me on everything, she was like my guardian angel. She has shown me more love than my own mother has ever given me, she was everything to me, I could always count on her.

Ceci is special to me, she is someone I could count on, she is someone you would like to call “mom”. She has shown me places I’ve never been to, she brings joy to my life, more than my own “family” has, she is someone I would proudly call family. She has inspired me to believe in myself, even when I would constantly get brought down by my so called “family”, she treats me like her own.

She treats everyone like family, even if you were to do her dirty she would always be there for you. She has shown me that just because everyone needs love in the family does not mean you should not get none of it.

She lets everyone know they are unique, and everyone should show that to others as well. You don’t always need family or should wait for the love that you should have got since you were younger. You do not need to be related to someone to call them family, all they need to show you is how family should really treat one another. Everyone goes through stuff, and nobody should go through it alone.

Finding My Roots In The Mariachi

J.J. Salvador

Jason, you and your friends have a choice. Do you want to stay in Orchestra and join the Advanced Orchestra, or do you want to try something new, like Mariachi? Mr L. said. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but this would help me define myself as a person due to it being my first exposure to Mariachi. Mariachi is the sole reason I became someone who I’m proud of. We had a very strong connection with Mr. L and he seemed more like a close friend than just a teacher; in hindsight he is probably the reason I had such a positive experience with music. Summer was approaching and I knew I had to make a decision soon.

When it came to trying new things I always enjoyed it, however I enjoyed choosing one thing and sticking to it a little more. I was originally set on taking Advanced Orchestra, but some of my close friends were choosing Mariachi. I was invited by my friends who tried Mariachi early to come with them to after school practice, with nothing else to do I eventually budged. At first, it didn’t interest me. When I joined them I mostly inspected the room I’d grown accustomed to, the same black walls and instruments only this time, the sounds coming from this room felt different. I watched as they played their songs for weeks and although they were musically very interesting songs, nothing really clicked with me. One day however they played a song, a song so different it completely took my consciousness. I watched as they played their song but something was special this time… something about it connected with me, somewhere deeply rooted, my heritage and past, my Latino side woke up. The songs they played, I’d never heard them before and yet suddenly… they felt like home, a home I’d forgotten about. The song was “De Colores”, one of the most influential and famous songs of Mexico. The song made me realize I did care about where I came from, I just needed something to wake me up… and I finally did. After much thought I decided to choose Mariachi and after summer break we got used to our instruments again after a 2 month hiatus and we wasted no time working on new projects and songs in Mariachi. We began by learning simple songs like “Cielito Lindo” and “Hermoso Cariño” throughout the year. Although they were simple they were still famous songs the whole community loved.

I used to be what’s referred to as a no sabo kid, never exactly thinking or caring about my past, it never affected me so why should I care to relearn how to speak Spanish? It never bothered me when I was called a no sabo kid. Just because I couldn’t speak Spanish correctly didn’t mean I should be made fun of for it, so I never cared. I thought like this until I started learning about Spanish. I began learning the language when I was tasked with singing the chorus with my peers for one of our new songs, it’s what put me on the journey of finding myself. My Spanish wasn’t very good and jokes were made about how awful my Spanish sounded. But I realized, they didn’t laugh at me just because I couldn’t speak the language, they made fun of me because I was a Latino… who couldn’t speak the native tongue of my people. I walked into that classroom with a new goal: to learn my home’s language. When we started learning songs, some of them needed a lead singer. Everyone was shy about singing which I mean I guess makes sense, we’re a bunch of middle schoolers. But when we started learning El Rey, all my peers immediately pointed at me to sing it. I remember I asked my parents about the song as I knew nothing about it for backstory. My parents told me about the song’s meaning and the history behind it, allowing me to understand it. El Rey is a macho man who has convinced himself that this rough and difficult life doesn’t stop him from being a king despite being the underdog. After some back and forth I decided to flat-out say “Alright, I’m going to sing El Rey” which earned cheers from everyone.

I remember the countless times I would practice that song trying to memorize the lyrics and get the pitch right. Back then I didn’t have a strong ear for music yet. However, my mom reassured me she would make sure I’d say the words right before going out there. My mom has always supported me throughout Mariachi, she’s the reason I learned the songs and was able to stop sounding like I didn’t speak Spanish. I kept working and working, trying to learn without the ability to even roll my R’s. But finally one day the song just clicked for me, I began experimenting with the song and became more free. I started getting my accent and I finally felt confident enough to sing in front of my peers.

My entire life I never exactly thought about where my parents came from or what my family around me were saying in Spanish but as I learned these songs I started understanding my family at the gatherings and started getting the bigger picture and feeling more a part of them. With my mom’s help, I learned “El Rey” and the process of getting the hang of it ended up taking 2 months total. The Mariachi

practiced and practiced until finally, we were given the chance to show off what we’d learned to the people. We prepared and the day arrived when I needed to sing “El Rey” in front of a crowd…a crowd of the whole school and families. We started performing during winter and during my first ever show…that’s when I got sick with the flu. During the winter concert, I remember vividly the pain I felt. Walking or sitting would bring me the feeling of soreness as if I ran a marathon. Whenever I talked it felt as if a thousand needles pierced me at once, and as if I was stuck in the snow with nothing but shorts and a t-shirt. We were standing outside the auditorium with our instruments, nestled in between 2 buildings with a small path that was slightly elevated allowing us to sit. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to perform, eyes would watch everything on stage and it was also being recorded. I didn’t even know if I could lift my violin or my bow, but the time came, and we were called to perform. As we played our songs I felt worse and worse… but seeing the crowd cheer for us as we played and sang, it gave me enough motivation to continue running. My entire family was here for my first show, they even brought the camera, I needed to give them a show to remember. Finally, it was time for El Rey to be played. I felt the hundreds of eyes watching me, parents and students ready to judge whether or not I was worthy of singing this prideful song. Yet hearing them roar with excitement and seeing my parents cheer louder than the whole auditorium for me made me feel something deep inside. My doubts became louder than the crowd as I felt like something inside my own body was attempting to kill me. Despite feeling as if my throat was closing in on itself I listened to the crowd, ignoring my doubts but not my aching. I mustered the determination and sang the words

Yo sé bien que estoy afuera

Pero el día en que yo me muera

Sé que tendrás que llorar

When I sang those words I felt as if a thousand souls sang with me. In that moment, I sensed the history of the song and finally felt like the king who started from nothing. I felt the pride of my people within me giving me the confidence needed to completely forget the illness eating my body from the inside. Seeing all the connections I made in just one year singing there with me and cheering for me allowed me to take complete control for those 2 minutes. We finished our show and once I went home I became bedridden for 4 days because the flu finally caught up with me. I used up every single ounce of my energy

to pull off the performance, but it wasn’t in vain. Once I healed I began to realize what I really did. I sang “El Rey” at one of my lowest points and that gave me a new appreciation of the song.

When I returned, the whole school knew about me due to the show, which ended up giving me more popularity…I never really cared for popularity but it was a bonus I suppose. As the year progressed we started to learn more songs like “Arboles de La Barranca”, “La Feria de Las Flores”, and “Si Nos Dejan”. When I learned these songs I would bring them up to my family which allowed them to rediscover old music they hadn’t thought about since they were in their home countries. As they would tell me stories I would find more and more about my culture, my people, and my home. By the time I culminated from middle school I had learned to speak fluent Spanish, I learned the meaning behind many of these songs and their stories, and more importantly the Mariachi was able to connect me with a deeply rooted part of myself that had sprouted. I finally felt a part of the community and gained a new sense of pridefulness giving me a boost of confidence and allowing me to become wiser and more mature.

Nowadays I feel like I truly know who I am as a person, I understand the deeper meaning behind Mariachi, its songs, and the culture. I’ve sung a larger amount of songs and we have an even larger repertoire of songs now. The cultural wealth of my family has given me the chance to look at others in my community and my friends and family who had a better grasp of their culture than me and learn from them. Finding out I’m Salvadorian and Guatemalan gave me a deeper connection with my Latino side and eventually making Mariachi a core value in my heart. Mariachi truly helped me find myself and have pride in my community. I never thought I’d end up where I am today, but if it weren’t for Mariachi I would have never met my friends, given my family the chance to reconnect with a flame of their past or find my roots. I am truly proud of myself and I am so thankful for the chance to carry the torch of Mariachi and its culture with everyone else who’s a Mariachi.

Whether you realize it or not, even if you’re not Mexican when you put on those Trajes, you become family with everyone else who wears them

Every day I grow more and I still have so much to learn but those first few years in Hollenbeck were the stepping stones I needed to walk to launch the domino effect of reigniting a dead passion in my family. When I was first starting in Mariachi, I was so worried I would mess up

and lose my passion for this wonderful art. I was upset I might never truly feel Latino enough or feel connected to my people, but I broke past those doubts. I am so prideful and confident of who I am now, I’m sure of myself and am no longer afraid to try new things anymore. I have met so many amazing people and gone through so many different life changing experiences I would have never even dreamed of as a middle schooler. Now, here I am, singing the songs of my people, my community, and my culture, passing these stories to a new generation hopefully inspiring people to try and find themselves…like I did.

Maturing in My Mexican Family

J.C. Torres

My goal in life at the moment is attending school daily. Having good grades and being responsible is very important to me right now. I want to graduate high school and get accepted into a good college or university. My main goal is to finish college and not follow the routine that teenagers go through with the temptation of their surroundings to try bad things like drugs. I want to be seen as a role model with the determination to reach my goals for my younger sibling.

These are important life decisions to me because I want to be seen as a successful young man that made it through the life challenges. My goal is to find a good career that I’m interested in that brings the best out of me and brings wealth, and keeps me positive and humble. My mom has inspired me to make all these good choices since she didn’t have the opportunity to attend college and decided to not finish high school and chose her marriage with my dad instead.

In the 70s when El Salvador was in chaos full of war, my mom was born. Being born the only child, her life story was not as easy as I have it today. When she was 10 years old she moved to the United States because my grandmother wanted a better life full of opportunities for her. Finding the way to reach her destination to the United States, she had to go through a long journey taking a boat and even riding a train to the city of Los Angeles. They had found Hollywood to become her new home for 7 years until everything changed at the age of 15, when she met my dad and made him her main chambelan in her Quinceañera. Before she turned 16, she decided to take the next step and get married. She dropped out of sophomore year to start working to help my dad since they were planning to start a family. They had 2 boys and in 1999, they moved to Boyle Heights. They had two more daughters and then in 2008 I was born.

When my two older brothers were attending high school, one of them became a troublemaker while my other brother was less interested in school. My oldest brother had been kicked out of Roosevelt High School and got put into Esteban Torres High School the same year and later got kicked out of Torres and went to Boyle Heights Continuation High School. That was the same time my baby sister was born. My other brother dropped out his junior year since he didn’t

want to attend school anymore. Mymom told me that she didn’t want me to be like that and wanted me to be on a good path. I felt bad for Mom for everything that happened and I didn’t want to disappoint her. My goals really matter to me because I will be the first guy from my family to graduate high school and go to college, hopefully, and that makes me feel mature and proud. This is the way to show my love and my way to say thank you. After I finish high school or college, I want to follow my dad’s steps in running our small family party rental business. Me and my family help out our dad as much as he needs it and I enjoy spending time and working with him because I get to learn a lot of things from him and at the same time more about him too. As of right now, I have learned a few things like how to measure and use working tools but most importantly I learned the importance of communication and teamwork as a family. My dad’s job requires meeting new clients every week and I took that as an opportunity to invest my free time in helping him out since it’s been helping me get out of my comfort zone and talk to people more.

As the second to the youngest out of six siblings it has helped me understand the importance of understanding people’s points of view of different generations and how everyone goes through different situations. All this has helped me see the struggles of life and find myself and who I really want to be or can become.

En La Vida Soy Yo

I.E.

La familia es importante.

Everyday I hear echale ganas mija, keep going, be responsible, ponte las pillas, be a young lady, all these things circulating in my head.

Future is all I see.

I look forward every day thinking how this can benefit me going into college knowing that I can succeed but to be the first person to finish college in my family asking myself does this live up to be a legacy, to be an example in a Hispanic household.

As the oldest in a Hispanic household we have to set an example for our siblings, be the first to graduate from college, and look for a good future as a Hispanic young lady. Be strong for your siblings.

I look at myself and ask if this is an example for future generations of Mexican Americans.

As a 5’3 curly-haired güerita, I wonder as I look at my reflection in the mirror. Do I look prettier with my hair straightened, should I do my makeup, why is my nose like that, why isn’t my hair darker? Why can’t I be taller? Why can’t I wear certain clothes?

Then I remember why I think about this: these are my roots, the features of my ancestors, they have done so much for me. Coming from different parts of México. They have moved the sun and moon to give me all that I have now. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have my mom or my dad and I thank them. I am so grateful for the life that I have now. I thank my parents and my ancestors for all the hard work they put into my life. Now I will continue to cherish them and my culture.

We can all grow to be the person we want to be, we can all grow in our culture, we can explore new traditions, new clothing styles, and even more opportunities to understand ourselves. We can also grow in our identity. And I will continue to thrive in many ways. I want to live to the fullest in my culture, spicy foods sizzling in my mouth, the smell of red chilaquiles filling the air while sprinkling white queso fresco on top. I want to thrive in the many traditions we hold in our hearts, meeting up a couple days before a holiday just so we can be together knowing that day we won’t see each other. I want to keep

all these memories that I have from my childhood and pass them down to my children and the generations to come. I want them to keep their culture alive for many generations to come by teaching them Spanish and keeping that language alive in our family. I want the future generation to be proud of their heritage and to look back at the legacy that we left for them and they will continue that legacy. I am a proud Chicana girl who will continue to be proud of who she is.

Want it? Fight for it.

L.D.G.

I was born in August in Boyle Heights during a cold night. It was extremely cold...the stars shining brighter than the Fourth of July. The moonlight glowing like a star from a Christmas tree as there were no street lamps that shined brighter. I didn’t really live in the suburbs, I lived in the hood on the east side of Los Angeles. I was exposed to a world that most people wouldn’t be used to. Loud gunshots echoed through the alleys surrounding the apartments. Gangs ran away like mice whenever they heard the sounds of police sirens, the red and blue lights flickering brightly in the dark as the flickering lights hit the apartment, while everyone took a small peek or hid away acting as if they were asleep. Here, in Boyle Heights there wasn’t much protection from the gang violence, there wasn’t a day without something happening. Boyle Heights always had surprises that some people have never expected. I was one to stay away from those situations growing up, I wasn’t one to be scared or to freak out when we heard shootings.

Throughout it all, I had my family. I remember a time one July, it was a steaming hot summer. I walked out of my living room to the balcony and saw my six uncles, my baby sister, and my parents. My dad was out smoking a cigarette with three of my uncles. The scent of nicotine and tobacco lingering through the air mixing with the overpowering but pleasant colognes they wear as they’re talking about life and money. My mom was taking care of my baby sister cradling her and handing her some watermelon to eat. The sky was a beautiful rose pink to marigold orange fading to a dark midnight blue. I was looking at my mom’s flowers admiring them as she always had a green thumb. My Tio, Remy, walked up to me, that same exact day I saw a shimmer of hope in his eyes. My Tio Remy always had high expectations and dreams for me. He told me that day with pleading in his tone and desire for me to accomplish his goals for me. Mija… sé que la vida puede ser difícil a veces... Pero algún día espero que hagas algo grande con tu vida... ¡Siempre tuviste una pasión ardiente! Quién sabe, tal vez te conviertas en abogado. I saw the passion and I knew at that very moment that I was gonna do something great with my life…

My mom always wanted me to get a good education or at least pass

my classes with a C or above. She would beg for me to get good grades no matter what, she told me one time with pleading eyes No me importa si tienes C, solo quiero que te gradúes de la secundaria. My father just wanted for me to be the best version of myself throughout my life. He would give me advice on work life telling me to work hard, he would tell me that working hard could go a long way.

When I first entered high school I was intimidated by the kids around me. The kids were tall, intimidating, and a bit closed off on the first day. I was only 13 at the time, I was very mellow and calm. I didn’t want the kids to know that I was intimidated, and yet I had so many expectations piling on to me like a secretary with an overload of files. It felt like the weights were piling on me slowly. I was the first one to go to high school, I didn’t have an idol but I am the idol for my younger siblings. I didn’t want my siblings to follow in my footsteps, in fact, I wanted my siblings to be their own best versions of themselves, even better than me. I had a goal for myself, my goal was to get my high school diploma. I faced a lot of difficult obstacles that were weighing on my shoulders almost like sinking me into the sea. I had battles when sometimes I tried my best to get a good grade while having something going on within my personal life. I found a way to achieve my goal.

When I got out of high school I entered college. When I started everything went through smoothly in the first semester but everything didn’t go as I expected. I got continuously distracted with my job, making sure I was on point, dealing with customers, making sure that everything ran smoothly on the job, and started to struggle with my classes, but it didn’t stop me from completing my classes. I had people on my side like my counselor helping me. I had teachers helping me throughout my way making sure that I was getting the proper education needed. Even though I was trying to balance out my educational life with my work life, I was still able to make it work with the help that I got. I ended up getting an AA in general and social behavioral sciences and an AA-T in Sociology.

When I got my two AAs I transferred to University when the COVID pandemic started. Midway through 2020, on March 17, I was on my bed watching the TV with my sister Jackie…until…I had a call. The doctors told me I was diagnosed with cancer. I felt distraught, I felt devastated when I heard the news. I felt tears falling down my cheeks, I didn’t know what to feel at that moment. No one would ever want to hear that type of news from a doctor. My dad walked into my room and immediately comforted me by telling me No te preocupes,

Jasmin. Todo estará bien. Todo. Voluntad. Ser. Bueno. Tienes a tu familia contigo. I was so scared at the time. I felt like I was hurting the people around me, especially my mother. I felt like…I was causing her more pain than ever. I felt like I was the one making things better but ended up making it worse. Throughout the week I had the confidence to tell my family and when my family heard the news they went to immediately comfort me. Throughout my journey we were praying, praying, and hoping for me to get better, just waiting for a miracle to happen. I kept pushing through and tried to live my life the best life that I could. Throughout this tough moment I finished Cal State LA and graduated Magna Cum Laude and got my BA in Sociology with a minor in Chicana/o/x and latina/o/x studies.

When you want something, fight for it. Nothing comes for free. Keep pushing through even when it’s one of your toughest moments. There might be people or challenges that would try to break you down, but the only person that can break you down is you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Celeste and this is my life story that I shared.

Wealth Is the Answer To The Puzzle

Heidy G.

Dear future self,

Life is still a big puzzle waiting to be solved

Who I am is a chapter book waiting to be finished

But I’m just a kid

A kid who came from a marginalized group of people

I am a Latina with the ability to have big dreams

Living in a country that sees my people as criminals

Cultural wealth is making this life a bit easier

It has helped me find out who I am

Linguistic capital has unlocked a door to new connections

My ability to speak a bit of Español has gained a new definition

Speaking Spanish is embracing my heritage

Speaking Spanish means being able to tell my parents “Te amo mucho” I draw to express my feelings

It’s been a creative space for healing

For every line, shape, and color I use

It holds the bittersweet experiences of my life

It’s the love language I’ve been trying to speak to the world

Familial capital is a valuable life skill I’ve been learning since the beginning of my life

It is the warm hugs my mami would give me when I had a bad day

As warm as the taste of the cheesy, flavorful taste of her tamales con queso

Familial capital is the reason I’m writing this poem today

My family taught me manners and how to clean up after myself

They taught me how not to make mistakes they made when they were young

Social capital is a field of opportunities

Social capital is the new people I meet, who believe in my success

It’s the friendly smiles that appear when I enter the college center

The school used to be a boring place that took away hours of my sleep

At Roosevelt, school is a supportive environment that links you up with many career choices

Resistant capital lets my voice be heard

It taught me that I can stand my ground

That I should not let society push me around

Resistant capital is the screams of “Sí, se puede!”

Resistant capital is the realization that you are not the stereotypes that people see you as

I am slowly realizing that I am a strong, beautiful Latina

With a mind that is brighter than the stars at night

If I see injustice in my community, I will fight for what is right

I have hopes, dreams, and aspirations

I want to get good grades and graduate high school

I want to go to college, and make cartoons

But having a dream isn’t so easy

I’ve dealt with so many challenges

Fight self-doubt and anxiety on the side

Sometimes I wonder if I am gonna make it far

How will silly little drawings help me buy a house and car

I don’t only see art as an escape from reality

I love to be creative and I see it as a passion

I cannot help but feel down and beaten up in my darkest moments

The only things giving me sunlight in the dark are my parents

Their struggles influence my desire to succeed

But there is only one problem

I am not so sure if they would agree

I’ll let my parents see what art means to me

I want to remember myself as a person who wants to make a difference with their art

Please do not lose this knowledge in the long run

Do not lose the progress that you have made

Because of this wealth, look at all the things that you have done

You may not live in Boyle Heights anymore

I’m positive it will be alright

You grew up in a country that sees Latinos as low-life people

But you grew up in a community that is not afraid to embrace their culture

Where a golden California sun shines, while the sweet sounds of mariachi

music plays

People waving “Buenos días” while encountering scents of tacos and pupusas

You may not be monetarily wealthy

But you have community cultural wealth

You didn’t know much of your roots

But you have a culture

You know a bit of Español, You may be seen as a criminal,

But you have aspirations.

You want to work in art and animation, You may feel lonely,

But you have family.

You have your Mami and Papi who want you to have the best life

You have Ashley and Kimberly who are willing to support you

You may be young

But you know how to get from place to place

You have a voice and the right to resist

When you use cultural wealth it will guide you and take you to places

Please tell me that the puzzle was solved

Please tell me I am doing great in life

Tell me that I did graduate high school and went to college

Maybe even tell me that I will someday be a wife

Because I am slowly putting the puzzle pieces of my life together

Even if I’m still 14

The previous chapter has already been written I will be the author of who my future self will be.

Yours Truly,

14-year-old Heidy G

A View of Me

Amy L.

Boyle Heights

The Latino Culture

I appreciate the culture that I have

The culture that I grew up in

Being able to see it no matter where I am

To see the small business owners to street vendors

To smell the delicious tacos being made and to taste all the filling flavors

Flavors of the spicy chiles, salty and savory pozole, sweet conchas with bitter coffee

It’s a beautiful thing to see and to learn about

All the colorful and bright murals that represent the community and people

The images of the Virgen de Guadalupe, mariachi groups, Aztecs

The many meanings that you can interpret within the art pieces

The diverse people in the community of Boyle Heights

But what about the ugliness

What about the ugliness of stereotypes that come from society and the ways they express it

When it comes to your culture and its wealth, you have to understand what it is, and the importance it has on you and even people around you. Some people take for granted what they have in life compared to others and what they have in their life. Those who seem to have more privilege can use it against people because they want that power and they want to be seen as superior. Understanding that whatever kind of wealth you have and using it for good makes you a better person for yourself and a better role model to those around you.

Growing up I was taught, solo ganas lo que trabajas. My dad was a big part of my life and he taught me so much about working for what I want and how I can better myself and support myself to achieve my goals whether they are my present goals or my future ones. I like to think he was my biggest supporter and always will be even now that he is gone. He’s pushed me to work my hardest and words and advice follow me to guide me through life. This has helped me push for more and to challenge myself to show that I can do it. I was always closer to my dad but he’s now gone and I have gotten closer to my mom as time has passed. My mom has helped me recognize the

things that I have and to appreciate that I have it. She taught me, Solo puedes vivir tu mejor vida si trabajas por ello. I work for what I have and the amount of work goes into how much I have. I use this advice to keep me going, to keep me pushing for my goals and to be successful in my future career and overall my future self. Learning about myself and what makes me who I am plays a role in how I perceive myself and it’s something that I want to keep with me.

Antiguos

Unseen

Miguel R.

You’re walking into your new Algebra class on a Monday morning in mid-October. As soon as you enter you can see the rows of desks, some filled in with students and some empty. Students were looking out the windows at the view and the community pool. Others were talking to their friends or on their phones. Once the bell rings the Teacher goes to the front of the class and attempts to get the students to sit and quiet down. Although students sat down they continued speaking over him and were on their phones. Eventually, students put their phones away and began listening while the teacher started the first lesson. I noticed the students were being disrespectful and careless.

As the lessons continued the teacher had to continuously stop and tell students to sit in their seats, put their phones away, and stop speaking over him. Some students continued this behavior which led to him collecting phones, calling home, or sending students to the dean. He didn’t want to discipline his students but he had no choice. This would lead to students getting mad and insulting him and walking out of class. He’d stay silent and call the dean to let them know that students are being sent his way.

When I see this happening I feel bad because the teacher was just trying to do his job but students were taking advantage of his kindness and being careless. I know that it’s not right to insult the teacher and be disruptive in class because I was raised to respect my elders, be kind to others, and go to school to learn. When the teacher had to call the dean or home, the teacher would still get insulted and be disrespected by students. I always hear students tell him “I don’t care what you say” and this makes me think How could they be so careless and not care about their education?

After all, he’s just a chess master from the Midwest. He became a teacher for others to learn math and science. It’s his first year teaching here at Roosevelt High School, just like it’s my first year being a student here. He’s participated in the student, staff, and teacher basketball game since he also played basketball in college. He loves listening to Jazz music because it helps him focus. He also loves cheering others up: for example, a student was disappointed with their grade and told her she was able to pick it up and he was willing

to help her with work to raise it. Over the years he’s learned that he doesn’t have the patience he wishes he did. He tries to be a good teacher but at some point, students are too disruptive and he just gives up.

And I am just a freshman at Roosevelt High School who just moved to Boyle Heights. I like going out to play soccer with my friends. I enjoy spending time with my family. Conducting this interview has taught me that not everyone sees things the same way. Many kids my age tend to follow others to seem cool or try to fit in. I choose not to follow others because it doesn’t feel right to me. One thing that Mr.B has taught me is to be patient. Not every day will be good but that doesn’t mean the next day won’t be. Mr.B has a tough time with some of his students but that doesn’t discourage him from still wanting to teach to students who want to learn. I wouldn’t want him to get discouraged because some kids don’t value their learning. Mr.B should know that although he’s had a rough first year, I’ve seen his drive to become a better teacher. Sometimes, you don’t always feel seen and I want others to feel seen.

The Beginning of a Teacher

C.G.

I was born and raised in South Central LA. My name is Miguel A. When I was 6 months old, I lived in South Central LA until I was 25. Growing up in the apartments, we were packed like sardines with usually ten people living together and I could smell all the delicious food our neighbors were cooking. When I was growing up it was hard since we would rent small apartments in South Central and they would also have gangs running around the neighborhood. When I was younger I decided to chase a teaching degree. My sister motivated me since she was a teacher and helped students. I was nervous when I started teaching since it was my first time teaching in front of a class. The first time I taught in front of a class I didn’t understand what to do since I was in charge for the first time.

When I was younger my mom taught me to be a hard worker and have good work habits. The particular reason for this circumstance of being a teacher is to help students get comfortable with their classmates. In addition to this, my father was the only person who made income in my family. This was difficult for him since a lot of people told them they broke into their wallets with money but we knew we weren’t poor souls. My family helped me learn how life was going to be when I grew up and life lessons that would help me. I became a teacher because my sister, who was a teacher, had a learning disability and I wanted to help students too. This influenced me because anything is possible even if you have a disability. Because of this, I tried my hardest to achieve my goal of becoming a teacher and helping students get the education they deserve.

To me being a good teacher is having your students trust you and believe in you and helping every student the same. I get my students to trust me by explaining that I am here if they need anything or need help. If I didn’t become a teacher, the major I was studying was criminal justice and I was heading to work in juvenile probation. I knew I didn’t want to become a police officer due to the fact that it was too difficult for me to punish kids that I could have helped. I ended up being a teacher and still being able to work with juveniles. Now I can protect children from making wrong decisions and help them by keeping them out of the system and out of trouble.

I’m happy to be where I am and grateful for my sister for without my

sister I wouldn’t know where I would’ve been. I changed a lot since I was little because I developed a growth mindset. The experience I went through this time was getting the guilt of putting students I could’ve helped in the system.

Considering everything, this experience has helped me improve into the person I am today. This development helped me realize that anything is possible even if you have a disability. This actively demonstrates that my family has taught me life lessons that I will pass on to my kids. Everything that has been stated, explains all the lessons I’ve experienced and learned from my family or community. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading my short story.

Keep Your Head Up

Dereck O.

It was the morning of my first day working at my new job. Excitement rushed through my veins as I got up to make breakfast. As I poured the flour and mixed it in with the batter, I was ready to eat my breakfast, the smell of buttery pancakes filled the room. As soon as I finished I went to work and was thrilled to work. I’m a hard worker and I provide my family with whatever they need.

My name is Mr. A and I went to school to teach here at Roosevelt High School. It was a new experience. I was filled with excitement, and the hallways and classrooms were always crowded with students walking to class or just standing during class time, as crowded as a full stadium at a Dodgers game. As I walked in on the first day of my job, I felt thrilled to be able to serve and support students here in the Boyle Heights community.

There was a day that I was walking in the hallways and I saw kids getting bullied. One of the kids was dripping blood. I had to step in to talk to the kids. I faced a conflict when I first started teaching because I had seen bullying and I disagreed with it. I told the kids who were bullying the other students “Don’t put each other down but pick each other up.” The students listened to me and the bullies went their way. I had taken the student who was bleeding to the nurse’s office to get checked up. I learned that school isn’t just about teaching, you need to help students in all kinds of ways. I didn’t just want to be a bystander, so I got involved and learned that you need to get involved before it becomes worse.

It is up to us to take charge of our environment. I have learned that school is more than a place to learn, it’s a place to build community. Building a community is important because it’s better to have people together than against each other. A community that comes together should show mutual respect and feel welcomed by others. Where people do not feel threatened by physical or verbal abuse.

My School Experience As a Student And Teacher

Erick V.

I was born in General Hospital in Boyle Heights. I was raised in Boyle Heights and my childhood was great because I used to play basketball with my friends at the park when I was younger. I used to, and still do, like to play basketball. The basketball game with Power 106 radio station was an exhilarating experience. It reminded me of the many cool people that I met playing basketball. When I used to go to school I used to hang out with people who always made bad choices by always getting in trouble in school. My school experience during high school was excellent. My mom used to get mad at me for hanging out with not the best people. She always used to tell me to hang out with better people who make good choices. It didn’t matter how many times she told me, I never listened. I still used to hang out with my friends who made bad choices until I found a better friend that used to make better choices. One reason that influenced me to become a teacher when I was in my childhood was because I wanted to feel the experience of working as a teacher and what working with students feels like. My sister even influenced me to become a teacher because my sister needed special needs and when she used to go to school she wasn’t getting the right attention.

I enjoy working with kids because they are the young minds of the future. One reason I became a teacher is to help people find what they like so when they work they are doing something they like and they won’t find it as work. One struggle I had during my first year working as a teacher was in a hard class with emotional disturbance. One reason it was hard for me is that the students weren’t listening and the students kept on talking every time I needed to teach. I learned that taking deep breaths helps me by staying relaxed. This helped me evolve as a teacher.

One life lesson is always to find your rhythm for everything because if you get work that needs to do with people you need to find a way to talk to them. The reason you need to find a rhythm is that you won’t struggle if you have one. Many people can find a rhythm that can connect them to the world which can make people learn new skills. New skills can be unlocked with this rhythm by learning new stuff every day from other people who can teach you.

Clean In Space

Haydee H.

You never know where life will take you, there will always be good or bad in life but there will never be something too big you can’t get out of. My name is Caesar. I grew up in South Central LA and I started smoking at the age of ten in the 4th grade. I was given a cigarette by one of my friends that found it in their house and he asked me if I wanted some. At first I was a bit hesitant but I then took it and that’s where my journey began. From that day I would steal cigarettes and would take from 2 or 3 a week to slowly almost everyday. When I got to middle school I was introduced to new things, I stopped cigarettes and moved to weed and as I got older to vapes and then back to weed and then the worst drugs. I didn’t think one small cigarette I tried just for the fun of it would take me all the way to where I was two years ago.

I started realizing that I was in too deep when I started feeling anxious when I wouldn’t have drugs on me. Being at home would make me think too much of the feeling of loneliness without the drugs, I would smack my head thinking it would make the thoughts go away but it didn’t. Sometimes I would go on walks to try and help me calm down but that never worked since it would just make me look crazy in front of people. When I was invited to family gatherings, I had a group meeting or an important event, I would either show up late or just not show up at all. I knew I needed to stop but I couldn’t help it.

I would buy and buy mostly all the time until it got to the point where I started asking my family for money. I lied my way to get money just to satisfy my addiction, I would say things such as “I’m hungry” or “it’s for the gas”. If I didn’t get enough I would either steal from my family or start asking random people and make up excuses. These weren’t the only things I noticed but also that I could never eat well or not eat at all sometimes due to the uncomfortable feeling I got when I didn’t have anything on me. I would say this was one of the worst challenges I went through because even after I got sober I struggled eating and could only chew on ice or just drink water.

I remember getting sober for a bit after going to rehab many times and actually going to my meetings. When it had already been my second month being sober, my friends had invited me to a party. I know I should’ve declined and shouldn’t have been hanging out with

the same group of people that had influenced me into substances but I had to get out and distract myself. When I got to the party I already knew this was going to take me back, at first I was fine but the more I started seeing people take stuff it got harder, I was starting to feel anxious and the next thing you know I’m taking whatever people give me. I had mixed feelings of what I was doing, regret, guilt and honestly a bit mad at myself but at the same time I was feeling at ease, the feeling of regret slowly slipping away and not caring about anything anymore. Of course the feeling of regret came back the next day but also the feeling of emptiness, and that’s how I relapsed.

After that whole event I went back to my old habits but after a bit I lost control. I thought of it happening before but I never thought it would actually happen, I had gone a little too far and took more than I should’ve. I remember waking up to the smell of hand sanitizer, feeling the cold air hitting my body right away and the sounds of machines and people walking in the halls. I was in the hospital confused and dizzy but then remembering what had happened after trying to get up and almost collapsing to the feeling of weakness. I got help and my family had come in to see how I was doing, I knew that once I saw my siblings I had to stop, for them. After this I had gone back to rehab and had to stay for a year and a half, when I got out it felt different than all the other times knowing I wasn’t going back again.

Going through all of this has taught me that it’s not worth ruining your life for drugs, life is too short to be messing with your life like that. Overdosing really did put a scare on me and my family, since that day I hadn’t touched a single substance again even when I was tempted to. Not only was overdosing the reason why I stopped but because I noticed that not only did it affect me and my life but it also affected my family, especially my siblings. I never thought about it affecting them but once I saw them looking at me with sadness at the hospital I knew I needed to be a better brother, a better role model for them. Fortunately I did become better. I’m finally doing what I love, I have a good paying job and I have a loving girlfriend. Of course my life isn’t perfect but it’s better than before. Overall I’m really proud of myself for overcoming all these obstacles that have made me stronger, if someone you know is going through the same struggle just be there and let them know their worth.

Listening to my brother talk about this was a bit emotional but it did give me clarity of how hard it is for people that have had or are going through the same thing he went through. This took me back to when

I was completely oblivious to what was going on, why my brother never came to family gatherings or why he didn’t spend Christmas with us, or when I saw him in the hospital and I heard about how he ended up there. This taught me that not only do you learn from your mistakes but you also learn from the mistakes of others, why go through something you know will be hard and won’t end well when it didn’t for the other person. I now look up to my brother, he has made me a stronger and wiser person, he has taught me to not toss out my life like it was worth nothing. He also helped me learn that you should always help someone that you know is going through the same struggles instead of judging them or assuming bad things about them.

My Biggest Role Model

D.V.

If anyone were to ask me who my biggest role model is, I would say my sister. She is 5 years older than me and she’s the only person who understands me. She is my first friend and first hater but she has taught me so much about many different things. If I ever need help she is the first person I ask. She will probably read this paper and tell me what I’m doing wrong. She even gave me my middle name, Miranda because she had a friend with that name, and at the hospital when I was born, she told my mom, and my mom liked it and put it as my middle name. She’s older and wiser than me. During online Zoom classes during COVID-19 she would make me watch her classes with her and would teach me what she was learning. She still does this but with her current college classes, that’s probably why I’m smart. I credit her for my success right now and in the future. She’s taught me what programs will help me, for example, College Track and Jaime Escalante. She also has taught me that AP classes are easy. She recently told me about a program that will help me get college credits while I’m still in high school so that I can finish college faster and I want to do it to make my parents and siblings proud. I’ve seen a trend recently where high school and college graduates give their cords to the person who has helped them the most. When I’m older I am giving my cords to my sister. She wants me to be successful as I have more opportunities than her and the rest of my family. I have papers and that will help me go far. My sister has always told me that when I put my mind to something, I commit to it and complete it. For example,when I started All City Band, I wanted to quit but my sister said I couldn’t because I had already committed to spending my whole winter break practicing and performing. I did it for her and I realized how much I loved it. I now plan on doing it all my four years. I also have committed to going to college. I want to go to college. I don’t know what I will major in but once I figure out what it is I will commit to it and try my hardest to succeed.

I will succeed for my sister and brother who don’t have the same opportunities as me. My mom has always told me, Échale ganas porque tienes papeles and that’s always in my head and that is probably why I have such an urge to be the best and better than everyone, but my sister has always told me that her not having papers has never stopped her from her dreams and that she isn’t afraid because she leaves it up to god, again and again. She has shown me how to be responsible, how to fight, how to not fear, and how to succeed.

Mariana thanks for being strong and a very, very good sister, you are the best.

Mi Novia Se Me Esta Poniendo Vieja

John A.

Como se puede comenzar a hablar cuando no tienes las palabras perfectas o suficientes para dirigirte hacia una eminencia. Tanta sabiduría junta en una sola persona solo está al nivel de antiguos profetas o los más fascinantes dioses de la mitología griega, dicho de una mejor forma no hay comparación. No existe, no hay manera de saber amar tanto y ser amado, de la manera que amamos o al menos yo amo.

Me gustaría que abrieras tu mente por un instante y puedas imaginarte un mundo sin ese tipo de personas, las que siempre tienen una sonrisa en su rostro aunque muchos años estén ya en ellas, la que siempre tiene lo mejor reservado para ti, los mejores consejos, los más exquisitos platillos, incluso parte de sus ahorros para tus caprichos; es verdaderamente hermoso y tierno.

Permítanme presentar a Ramona Ventura, mi abuela, una mujer de pelo negro bien rizado, una piel perfecta, una sonrisa que hacia sentir bien a quienes la amaban y hacia rabaiar a quienes le envidiaban. Tan importante el brillo que en sus ojos hacía como su cuerpito de guitarra española robando miradas cuando entraba al baile. Sigue quedando belleza en su cuerpo, pero ya un antiguo cuerpo con una hermosa longevidad no es problema para que yo pueda admirar su ser cada día que pasa y considerarla la mujer más hermosa que existió. Creo poder recordar débilmente la primera vez que sentí amor verdadero, se sentía realmente como un éxtasis cada noche con un beso antes de irme a dormir y una oración a nuestro señor, acompañado de caricias en mis piececitos hasta quedarme completamente dormido.

Confieso que estoy completamente enamorado de esa mujer. Se puede decir que es mi heroína, conocedora de cada oscuro secreto que se guardaban las mujeres que han pasado por mi corta vida y su sonrisa burlesca acompañada de un “te lo advertí” cuando llegaba llorando porque me rompieron el corazon.

My Papa’Legacy

Rozanne V.

The person I’m writing about is my grandpa, but I know him as Papa. He was my dad’s dad. He left a very big legacy when he passed away. Though I wasn’t able to have many conversations with him in my lifetime, he really was the backbone of the family and truly taught me a lot.

When my Papa passed away he left all his responsibilities to my dad. My dad is genuinely keeping his legacy alive the best he can. My Papa owned properties and would rent them out, collecting the rent each month. Now my dad does that. In the future, I want to own properties and rent them out too because that’s what my Papa did. The house my family and I live in now is the same house my dad lived in with my Papa and all his family when he was my age. All because my Papa bought this house for his family, my dad doesn’t have to worry about paying rent for his family.

My last name holds a lot of meaning to me because it reminds me of my Papa. I’ve always said if I got married I’d never change it because it connects me to him. My Papa did everything for everyone. He was selfless and happy to do so. He raised my dad incredibly and I’ll forever be grateful for that. Sometimes I look at my dad and see my Papa, and I love that it works as a little reminder of him. I will continue to carry on my Papa’s legacy the best I know how, forever. My Papa taught me to be strong and live every day to its fullest.

I’d like to thank my Papa for everything he did for my family. He set us up to be successful, comfortable, and happy. So for that, I’ll forever thank him.

L.A.

Dear Apa,

I do not forgive you. I do not love you. I do not respect you.

Yes you taught me how to speak and yes you taught me how to fix cars and drive a 4-wheeler and how to build a house, but do you think that’s important information for a 6-year-old? I do thank you for teaching me self-defense, it was very useful against you.

Though you might’ve brainwashed others like your new wife and kid into thinking you’re a loving dad, me and my Anya will always remember the monster you are because unlike you, my Anya taught me how to care, cook, clean, and love. For who a man? Woman? Animal? Dog? Cat? Human? Alien? No, for me, myself. Something you tried taking away. Yes you taught me how to live but to what extent? Is it worth learning how to live when you kill my soul in the end? Well good for me you didn’t have a chance, you cannot lay a hand on me, you cannot hurt my Anya, you cannot hurt my pride nor my soul, so excuse me when I say you will not be with me in my 15. You will not be the one practicing with me, you’ll be alone. I know you apologized but I do not forgive you.

The World To Me

E. Rose

Dear Mom,

I’ll always be thankful for what you’ve done for my Tata, Nana, Aunts, Uncles, dad, brother and me. I always wonder why everyone in my family goes to you first. Always asking you for things, for advice and so much more. I started to understand the way they felt for you, they always felt safe with you. Trusting you is mostly the reason why they go to you, they believe you’re the most understanding person they have. They feel like they can tell you whatever you want because you support them. You tell them your opinion about the situation. You always tell them the truth. You know what to say to them to make them feel better. There is not one day where you don’t make someone smile. The way your smile brightens everybody’s days, the way you don’t care about what people say or think about you because you already know what you are worth.

You inspire me to become a better person, to always help my family members whenever they need it just like you did when one of my aunts or uncles needed something. I always feel like I can act myself with you. You make me feel like I can do anything, if I put my mind to it. Sometimes I can’t believe we have the same personality and the same thought process. It’s always funny when we both say the same thing in sync, it’s almost like we’re twins. There is no surprise when we go out together, there is always someone that asks “Is she your daughter?,” I mean at this point we’re just used to people telling us that I look exactly like you.

Anyways…I love the way you tell me the stories that happen when you’re working, and the drama that goes on around you. I love the way we like the same music (Usher, Keyshia Cole, My Chemical Romance, etc.) and movies (Rio, Elemental, The Greatest Showman, Book of Life, etc). The way you motivate me to keep on going when I feel like I can’t keep going. I want to be able to graduate high school, go to college just to make you proud of the daughter you created and raised. I always appreciate the way you help me to grow from my mistakes that I’ve made from my work. You always try to give me snacks and stuff animals to encourage me to succeed in school. I want to be able to study Law or Medicine in college, I still don’t know which one to decide on but whatever I choose I want to be able to

make you proud of the things I accomplish.

You mean the world to me mom, you always know how to make me laugh and smile. The times we spend together never fails to make me smile because just being with you makes everything better. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to have an amazing mom like you. Hoping my dreams come true, where I’m able to repay the things you’ve done for me. Mom, will you always be with me till the very end? Just like Donna from Mamma Mia, she was always there with Sophie. You’ve made me realize how much I am worth and how I am enough. Thank you, Mom. I hope you’re my mom in every universe. I love you.

Sincerely, E.

Rose

Thank you, Ane (Means mom in Turkiye) and Dad for everything

E. Panjoj

Dearest Mom,

Thank you for being there for me and my siblings. I appreciate it. I am also thankful for you. I know you work hard and get home tired. You always make sure we have a good hot meal, instead of you going to your room for the rest of the day and buying us fast food as an easier option. When you make us food like pollo encremado it shows me that you always put us first, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays when I have karate practice. You make sure I eat before I head to practice because you know we come home late and I still have homework to do. You make sure that I eat a nutritious meal since I don’t always eat lunch at school and go the whole day without eating. This shows me that you care that I eat and stay healthy.

You taught me how to clean, cook, and do laundry. You also taught me to keep going, never give up, and always try new things. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without you because you have always been there for me and never failed to support me. Since I was little you have always shown up to my elementary school dance performances and I always remember feeling happy and excited that she was there. I had a friend who’s parents couldn’t show up so my mom would record the both of us to make us both feel seen and special. I have always admired how thoughtful you are of others. Whenever something happens you are always there cheering me up and making me laugh. I also know you want us to have a better life than yours because you always tell me how you never were able to experience new things since you never had support from your parents. That’s why you always tell us to try new things and you will be there supporting us.

I will always remember when I was little, you got a call from my aunts saying how Grandpa passed away. I know even though he wasn’t your biological dad you admired him so much because he taught you many things and to this day you still talk about him and look up to him. Sometimes when we are eating you mention him. You’d always say that because of him you know to never depend on a man. You would tell us the advice he used to give you so that you can pass it on to me and my siblings. I can see how much you admire him and it makes me wish I

would’ve received advice from him as I’m growing. There’s even a song called “If I Would Have Known” by Kyle Hume that you dedicated to him. I love how you always bring him up in our talks and I enjoyed that because I learned things I didn’t know about before. I want to thank you again because you’re an amazing mom and I couldn’t ask for a better one. The talks we have and the moments I will cherish forever I Love you Ane and thank you again.

Dear Dad,

I am so grateful to have a dad like you and thankful for having a bond and relationship with you. I enjoy spending time with you when you tell me stories about when you were young. The stories you tell me and my sibling are always meaningful. A story I loved and cried about was when you told me if you could see my grandpa again. You never said bye to him since you and some of your other siblings came to the United States to live a better life. I remember you telling me that when my sister was 2 , I was 1, and my brother was some months old. You got a call from your sibling from Guatemala saying grandpa was sick and he didn’t have much time. I know you wanted to see him before he passed away but he told you to stay because you had a family and we needed you. I am so grateful for my grandpa saying that to you because I don’t know how my life would look without you. You have given me advice and you still do to this day.

I will always remember when you told me

Remember in the real world life isn’t going to be as easy as you think it is.

Recuerda que en el mundo real la vida no será tan fácil como crees.

That will forever stay in my mind and I will keep remembering that. Papá, gracias por todo lo que has hecho por mí, gracias otra vez te amo.

Overall, I am grateful for you both and I appreciate what you both have done for me. Also, I don’t know how my life would be without you since you both give me good advice and always tell me “Echale ganas” to motivate me to work hard. I know your life was hard when you were young and that’s why you both want me to get an education so I could have a better life than yours. Thank you again for everything you have done for me Ane and Dad.

Love your daughter

E.Panjoj

El Amor Del Sol

Our Pain Turns to Reality

Maddie

Dear….,

I just want to start off by saying that me and my family miss you. It was hard to see you go through all of that pain. It just hurts to see you go and see you in a position that I have never seen you before. It just hurts so much to see Grandma Brenda and my dad going through so much pain. My grandma was crying so much her face started to get red and looked so scared for what the doctors were gonna tell her. There’s this emptiness in Grandma Brenda’s home since you’ve been gone. Seeing my dad cry and hurt is something new that I’ve never seen before. It will be hard for all of us to accept that you are gone. I wish that I could have had a proper goodbye and tell you how much I miss you. I wish you would have never taken the wrong path. I’m still trying to understand what told you on the inside to take this wrong path. Seeing you try to get help gave me hope that you could get better, and have something good for your future. I always hoped that all my uncles would come together as a family and possibly create a family of their own. I know that we were not very close but it still hurts to see a family member passing away.

When I first saw you the reality was there, all I heard was beeping. There was a tube down your throat so you could breathe. I felt your cold hands and gave you a kiss on the forehead but it just did not feel right. I knew that your soul had left your body but it is so hard to believe it. I still had hope. I know that you are now with Dios and you are watching over us. Just know that I will miss you every single day of my life, not only me but my dad. Just know that I will achieve my goals for you. I want you to see me graduate from high school and also college from heaven. I saw that your eyes were closed shut and you were not able to open them anytime soon. I want to do things that you didn’t do. I want to be an occupational therapist to help people.

I wanna make you proud.

The day we bury you it is going to be so hard to say my proper forever goodbye. All of your pain has gone away and you will be in peace forever. I wish that you could be here for longer but God does everything for a reason. It might be hard to let you go but it will be best. It’s hard and sad to see you go in such a bad state. I just want to make you proud and do things that you didn’t get to do at such a young age

of 39. Seeing you for the first time, all I heard from my grandma Brenda was that you lost all of your brain activity. You did not get to live for a long time but I know you’re happy to be in heaven. I want to keep moving forward toward my goals and put this pain behind me. When I saw you with my grandma, I saw her wiping the drool off your mouth while she was crying, I just knew that you were gone for good.

Time will heal me and my family. It may be hard to let you go but I just know you’re smiling at me and looking over me. I will never forget you. I love you so much. Especially my dad and my grandma but I know you want the best for us and you want us to heal. I’m even more motivated to do good and be successful with you gone. Just know I will never forget you and I will always love you from the bottom of my heart.

In loving memory of Uncle Stewart. I wish you nothing but the best in heaven.

With Love, Maddie

A Different Way of Grieving?

Anahi T.H.

To meet someone twice in life is an odd thing,

It could be them in person starting, continuing, or ending a chapter of their lives,

But it could also be them within someone else, Well, not literally of course, Spiritually.

The reason I say this?

This is because I’ve met this one girl over and over within different people,

Not her in person,

Which is a shame but helps keep her memory alive.

The way we talked, laughed, joked…

It all comes back when it is not needed.

So it makes me think,

Why wouldn’t anyone love to meet their soulmate again?

Whether it be platonic or romantic,

Keep their memory alive,

Build “new” memories?

But replacing them and finding them within someone else wouldn’t be the same.

Wouldn’t bring back their looks, quirks, likes, or dislikes because after all,

We are human.

Our environment will affect our aspects.

Right?

So,

What if anyone could share someone else’s likes, dislikes, quirks, looks, fashion style, or more, right?

Learn to love them for them, not for reminding you of your favorite person.

The thing is,

I learned that the hard way no matter how much you want to bring someone back,

Someone who never really died you just can’t.

It won’t work the way you want it to,

You may find someone who resembles them, Could pass as their twin but you’ll lose the image they built for you.

You can go off and find someone who uses a similar or the same perfume, dresses the same, sounds the same, looks similar, and has her eyes.

But wait, Who is this you’re looking at? Is it her? Him? Them?

No, can’t be, won’t be.

So go off and try again, find that one person again. But then think to yourself for a second, a minute, an hour... All this for what?

Few hours of comfort and following weeks, months, years of guilt? Make it feel as if they’d appear out of the dark, Curse you out,

Look at you with disgust, Disdain, Or disguise what they feel.

Well,

Other than that.

It’d be like reading your favorite book for the first time, Listening to your favorite song for the first time, Doing that one thing that brought you an immense amount of joy for the first time.

All for the first time, What a pity,

You don’t get a “redo” no matter who you go and beg to, Whether it’s a god or your memories. Once again, Makes me think. How annoying right? What a hassle.

So rather than thinking, I’ll say it before it floats off, Wherever thoughts float off to that is…

To the future child, I’ll bear somewhere in the near future, Whether it’d be one, two, three, none?

Would she have found comfort in someone else’s arms? Would he have kept to himself?

Would they have done something different?

Have found a new, different way of grieving? The way I did?

Searching for an answer on every page,

Those I should have and should have not?

Then again,

Will I search for you within them?

Will they be you, Mom?

Will I hold them the way I wanted you to hold me?

Or will I be stuck searching for something I can never have?

Should I apologize for calling you a girl, a friend?

Should I apologize for searching for you in others?

Or should you?

For placing me second, For giving me conditional love?

For the way, I became a scholar just for you, All for you?

Stuck on You

Luz R.

This girl I once met changed my whole view on life

She was something I couldn’t acknowledge at the time

She was loud and talkative

She knew no boundaries for herself

Everywhere she went, she knew how to love and care for people

No questions asked.

Her sweet touch was enough to help a hurt soul

But her environment said otherwise.

She didn’t have a name anymore

They called her Flaca everywhere she’d go

She was left to wonder about the world and all its dangers

Back then in the city of East LA Alvani

It wasn’t always so secure and safe

People were locked up for having opinions

Schools discriminated against people of my ethnicity

My brown skin was seen as an opposing threat that was meant to be put down

There was no right or wrong, just what the white man believed.

Late nights with cold breezes and warm thick blankets

That’s something she had to fight for and it didn’t come so easy

Having to fight just to live.

This woman was my Mother, Cruzanta.

I met her at birth, something we both didn’t expect

I’m the youngest of four

She had me at a time she didn’t think she could have any more children

Especially with a man she didn’t love, but instead had as support

He was all she knew at the time, I guess

But her story shows me that I can do more, Be more.

Have more.

But as a kid, all I wanted was to be like my mommy

As strong and true as her

She shows me the strength within our struggles and inner problems

The strength all my ancestors pass down with their stories

I am proud to be an Aleman

But it weighs me down to have the last name of a man I hardly knew

Having to show myself as a Ramos

Having two last names, but people using one I do not believe in.

But she always kept my heart warm and fuzzy

Through all the fights and poorly pronounced arguments

We still stick together because we’re all we have for each other

I aspire to make my mother and ancestors proud

But learned that I don’t have to be like them

Because now I see, now I know,

We don’t have to go through the same struggles to show our strength.

I’ll be myself as I grow

I’ll be proud of me

I’ll love as me

I’ll grow as me

Every day we face a new story

A story that speaks of who we are.

And so I’ve come to the realization that I don’t always have to be

Stuck on you

Past Inspires Change

Daniela G.

From a young age I learned things don’t come easy. If you want something you have to put your mind to it and work hard for it. My name is Alejandro G. I am 55 years old and I was born in the most beautiful state, Oaxaca. My home, the place where I took my first breath, steps, and spoke my first words. Reminiscing about the mouth watering smells of the tortillas hechas a mano by my mom, the sweet smell of mole, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the streets. Back then my life was very difficult. Me and my family struggled financially and we didn’t have everything we needed to have a good life. But that made me think, I didn’t want my family living like that. I wanted to help them. Help them buy something as simple as shoes, clothes, and food, which was hard to come by. I needed to do something. I was about 19 years old when I took the chance to come to the U.S. to start working to send my family money. Especially my mom. The person who was always there for us, the person who would try her best to give me and my brothers everything when we had nothing.

There are some things I remember while I was growing up, like the times when we had to depend on the rain to be able to have food to eat, how we had two cows but instead of drinking the milk we would sell it to be able to buy school supplies for my younger siblings, and the days where me, my friends, and kids from the neighborhood would all play football with nothing but our bare feet because the shoes we were able to afford would fold easily. But thankfully now with lots of hard work I am able to provide for my wife and my three children. We have our cars, shoes, clothes, we get to go out shopping, watch a movie, eat out once in a while, but most importantly, there is never a day where we don’t have food at our table.

On my way to the United States for the first time the journey was unforgettable. I was faced with many challenges, experiences I would always remember. But I was grateful we got to pass the same day. There were 3 trucks and a small car, me and another young man about the same age as me. We were paired in the small car, meaning limited space. Our driver wasn’t 100% and was said to be a drunkie and a drug user, so that was unsettling. The feeling while I was in the trunk was bumpy, rough, and cruel, our heads having a mind of their own, the feeling like we were experiencing a strong earthquake. The men who

were taking me along with 23 other people left us hidden between trees saying they would come back but as the hours went on feeling like an eternity, me and the others began to feel discouraged and isolated in a place we were not familiar with. One day went by, then another; two days with no food or water. I was afraid. I was afraid if they did not come for us, we were going to die. When the sun was gone, when the stars were at its brightest we decided we were going to start walking but soon after they came back for us. We were all separated and I never saw them again. As me and the guy I was paired with continued with confined space in the truck we soon felt this nasty harsh hit, it was as loud as a roar, as strong as a storm, in the crowded trunk our heads banged together and afraid of what might have happened to us and if we were okay was concerning. We were closed in and confused, but then we heard the doors opening. Bystanders who witnessed the accident notified us that our driver ran like a drunk man after the collision, almost getting hit. One of the other drivers took us all the way to Santa Ana where I was able to call my aunt to pick me up. Despite all of that, after telling that traumatic story I will never forget, in the end I knew who I was doing it for. I was excited to be able to help my family, they were the ones helping push through, always in the back of my mind.

I thought getting a job might be difficult but thankfully I was able to find one in a sewing factory. I remember my first check being about $100 but as time went by I was able to improve and start making more money. I would save up money and send it to my mom. I was here in the US for about 2 years when I decided I wanted to go visit my mom, take a little vacation, but what I didn’t know, what I wasn’t told, was that she was sick. About 10 days before making my way back home, she didn’t make it. She passed away and my vacation turned into a funeral. Last time I ever saw her face again, she was gone. I was devastated. My mother was always the one who comforted us, who put a bandaid on our wounds, who wiped our tears when times were hard. But I knew I had to put on a strong face for my brothers. They needed me now more than ever. I decided to take initiative and slowly bring all my siblings with me to the U.S., starting with the youngest. I paid everything, rent, food, so I needed a better job to be able to support all of us. My best jobs were working in restaurants, first in an Italian restaurant for about 11 years and another one for about 22 years in a restaurant called Shoops. I taught myself English through reading, writing, and speaking. I made myself a citizen and later on met my future wife, the mother of my children.

There has always been something I had to fight hard for. I believe my main motivation has always been my family. I knew through it all I didn’t want to go back to when I spent nights wishing me and my family had more, but I’m still grateful. Through all these trials I had to face, I became stronger, seeing the struggles my family took on made me realize that things are never going to be handed to you no matter how much you wish for it. Being able to provide for the ones I loved gave me the motivation to work even harder and keep pushing forward even when things got hard, I never gave up. I thank God for all the blessing he has given me, but most importantly for my children. I am a father of 2 boys and 1 girl. I am dedicated to providing for my kids and trying my best to give them everything they couldn’t give me. I am proud to see my kids grow up here, I know I can be strict but atleast I know I did my best to be a good role model for them, showing them to always keep pushing through, even when it gets hard, if they have a dream, to go for it and actually try. But in the end, it all starts with you.

Gracias

Anthony

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you. I know that’s something I don’t say often to you but you deserve for me to say it more to you cause I’m thankful for everything that you’ve done for me. Always supporting me even in the smallest things like just finishing my food to being there for my soccer games and supporting me seeing you sitting down with all the other parents. I see you yell on the sidelines but can’t hear unless I’m right nearby. This makes me realize how much of what you do goes unnoticed.

You’ve both shown me what the world can offer starting with all the food. Mom, when I get home I see you cooking with your work uniform and hear the music coming from the little speaker. I annoy you by asking you if the food is ready and when you say no, I go to my room and smell the food as I wait and get hungry. Dad, you take me to restaurants wherever we go, from Georgia to Mexico to Oregon to Texas. When we go to new places, I never know what to pick but you tell me what to get and it’s always good.

When we drive around, I remember the places we go to together. To all the new places you showed me in Mexico, going year after year. All the different houses that you would take me to meet relatives made me realize how big the world is. It’s not only just L.A.

You introduced me to new people. In the school you put me in, I met new friends and teachers that have helped me. To the place that we moved from, all the way in Bandini, I felt like that was where I was going to grow up and leaving made my chest tighten up cause I didn’t wanna go but in the end, it was all for the good of meeting new people.

I can’t give anything back to you guys other than gifts when it’s your birthday or Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, but I’ll give you more when I get older. I want you to not worry about anything. You have provided a lot of things in my life. Everything I have.

Whenever you have a problem you figure it out no matter how long it takes, you get it done. I know that if you are able to do it, it makes me feel like I can do it too. Because of your company I have an opportunity in the future and it’s crazy how you’ve done that for me. Even if I don’t

take it, I know it’s there if I need it. I’m thankful for you doing that. You even taught me how to speak and understand Spanish too. I can’t understand it as well as other people that I know but it’s enough to get by with other family members.

You have motivated me more to do well in anything that I do in school and sports or any little small thing to try and repay everything you gave me. I kinda have an idea of what I wanna do in the future but I still haven’t thought about it as much. You guys have taught me to take care of myself and in the future and I think I can be successful in anything I put my mind to.

Thank you Mommy and Dada.

Sincerely, Anthony

To: The Person Who Brings The Best Out Of Me

A.

Dear D,

You may or may not know it but you have inspired me a lot, me has ayudado mucho and I can’t be more than grateful for that. Aunque seamos familia, you have helped me out a lot. You have always been my inspiration and the person I look up to the most. You have helped me out by helping me understand things and giving me advice that I might need as I grow up. Like the kind of person who I want to be in the future, someone humble and understanding. I want to be igual que tu in the future when I’m older. I know we don’t tell each other stuff like this in general because we’re always talking about other stuff or messing around siempre que estamos juntas but having to know that we are family, coming from the same bloodline, calling the same person our abuelita and abuelito or tia and tio and having the same culture, coming from the same tortillas that come out warm and handmade by our mamas, and celebrando the same holidays or our birthdays together with the same song from Cepillin makes me happy. Me has inspirado mucho y sin tu ayuda I wouldn’t have found a reason to write this letter for you.

There has been struggles in our family lately and I think you have noticed it too or at least I hope you have noticed but yet we still find a way to inspire, help and support each other. I’ve always called you “my best friend” or “mi mejor amiga” even though we are cousins. I call you that because I consider you as one. All my life growing up we have always been close since we practically grew up together. We were always inseparable, always told “siempre andan juntas” which is why I grew up admiring you even though you are only two years older than me. You are someone who I wanna be like in life when I grow up. Lately, I’ve seen you go through a lot of stress and you have been telling me your feelings of going to school again but you have managed to go. You have given me hope and support and I hope I can give you the same thing back. You have always given me advice and have found ways to cheer me up. I find out everytime you’re upset you come to me. I figure out that not only are you smart but you stress out because of how much you overthink stuff. You put too much pressure on yourself sometimes that you don’t give yourself

a break but at the same time you’re always able to manage and figure it out later on no matter how long it takes. You always find a solution for anything you do even if it’s hard.

Es por eso que a ti te admiro más, aunque no puedas darte cuenta, you have always inspired me. You inspire your feelings as well. For that I’m always grateful and thankful to have a prima like you. Without you I wouldn’t have as much courage as I have right now. Believing in me and hoping I do great and supporting me throughout every single decision I make. Siempre dandome the best advice better than anyone no matter if it’s dumb or intelligent over serious or non serious things. You believe that I can become someone importante en él futuro and for you I am willing to become someone importante.

From A.

Family and Friend Forever

Jason F.

Dear Dad and friends, Dad, I am very grateful for you and everything you do for me. I know I don’t show it but you mean a lot to me. I know that you are struggling as a single parent and trying your best to take care of me. The one thing that you always tell me is to try my best, not give up, and not do stupid things. You’re always hard on me, because you say that you want me to have a more successful life. You told me when you were a kid you messed around, did bad things, and you didn’t take things seriously, and so you’re not doing great in life. You always support me so that I may one day have my dream job. For that I want to say thank you for always supporting me. You taught me not to give up and try my best in life. You’re doing good for a single parent and I hope you continue to do better in the future.

To my friends, I am grateful for Hailey and David. I am grateful to both of you and for the things you do for me. I don’t really say thank you to you, but without you both, I don’t know what I would do because we’ve been friends since elementary and do everything together. When I’m feeling down, I know I can talk to both of you and you both take it seriously and make me feel better. David is like the brother I never had. You make my life a lot better, making my sad days feel good. My dad knows you and likes to spend time with you. You’re important to me because you’re always there for me, and you help me at my hardest times. You motivate me to keep going when I feel like giving up. Hailey you’re like the sister I never had. Every time we hang out you make my day

better. Every time we go out and I don’t have money you would pay for me. You listen to me talk about important things and you alway give me advice. Your mom likes me a lot and considers me your brother and she likes it when we hang out together. Your mom makes me feel great. You’re important to me because you’ve been my friend since elementary and you’re always there for me.You motivate me by telling me to focus on myself and not other people. Overall you make my life 10 times better and I hope we stay friends forever.

Sincerely,

Jason F.

Baseball Dreams

Vincent

Dear future me,

Did you accomplish your goal of playing for the Dodgers? I want to pitch for the Dodgers because the Dodgers are my favorite team and it is my dream to play with them so my family can watch me play.

Remember how you got started playing baseball? I was playing t-ball, and after my first game, I had fun playing with the dirt. Ever since then, I have never stopped playing. I remember in 2022 when I went to Branson, Missouri to play in a baseball tournament. This year, I went to a camp in Virginia. I had fun playing over there.

Don’t forget who helped you get there; my dad and mom. They helped me to get better so I could accomplish my goal. Since I was 10, they supported my training by getting me to practice pitching and batting. They sacrifice their time to take me to practices and games. They support the whole team by buying them food. And they tell me to play different sports like football to get out my aggression. When I have a bad game, they tell me, “Don’t worry about it, focus on the next game.”

If you didn’t make the Dodgers, I hope you have fun with whatever team you land on. I hope you are a good dad and that you support your kids just like our parents supported us.

Sincerely,

Vincent 2024

My Four Hearts

Joselin C.

We live in a world where our decisions can predict our future.

I’m a freshman at Roosevelt High School. Ever since I was a little girl my family has always built in habits for me to be independent. When I started pre-k my dad was working a job about 1-2 hours away and that’s when he started telling me that I have to work hard to be successful in life. My mom was working at a grocery store and was constantly changing her shifts to be able to pick me and my siblings up from school. I would see the sacrifices she would make just to spend time with us. Coming from a low income family, any money we would get was given to anything we needed, so her leaving early from work really made me reflect on how much I should appreciate her.

“Ponte las pilas”, my dad always said. He also told me to do good in school. I live in a community with lots of violence so it is very difficult to make it out of here. It’s not something new to see one of your friends join a gang and die the next day because they got shot, in the night bullets fill up the silence. Getting told something for wearing the wrong colors in certain parts of Boyle Heights. Ever since I first started high school, I found out that I only have a couple years until I am in adulthood. I never paid much attention when my dad told me that but I was constantly reminded and had a rude awakening when I started seeing how fast time slips. Being a student athlete is one of the biggest challenges I face today, so whenever my dad tells me “ponte las pilas” I make sure I go 110%. I wanna make sure I make him proud and continue to apply what he tells me every day to bring my best self to any given situation.

My brother has taught me one of the biggest lessons in life. I have seen how my older brother has struggled with putting on “the big brother role” and has always tried being the best role model for me and my sister. I think the biggest lesson my brother has taught me is perseverance. Being an immigrant and coming to a new country has its challenges alone. Although he did graduate high school, he did not complete college due to covid. He has always hustled to be successful and seeing him start his own business proves to me that anything is possible; although there are obstacles it can be done. Like he says “If you are struggling with something it’s okay because it is all a part of the journey of learning something new.”

My sister has had the most impact on me. My sister has always done well academically. I’ve seen her stay up late working on things ever since high school and now that she is in college I have seen how hard she works to become a doctor. She always tells me “Hard work pays off”, and that has definitely impacted how I do in school and changed my perspective on school.

Throughout this story, I hope you take the time and reflect about the qualities your family has taught you and how you should embrace them whenever they get mad at you. Because behind that anger, it’s all love to make you the best version of yourself.

En Mi Corazon Estas Tu

Maydeline G.

Para mi mamá y papá,

For giving me this life, tu sangre corriendo en la mía, for every breath I take every time my heart pumps it will always lead to you. You came from Huetamo, Michoacan, far from the city y ahora estás viviendo el sueño Americano.

Mi papá, que dejó ir sus sueños de ser doctor. My grandparents sent him to pick melons and grapes in the fields and he became a blue collar worker here in LA. He gave up his dreams in hopes of a better life for me and my sisters. “Echale ganas,” is what my dad always tells me. His words will run through my blood. For encouraging me to always give it my all, even when I’m going through a lot I will always remember his loving words.

Y mi mamá, who was an academic victim, never went to school because she knew the school system was changing them to be something they were not. Yet she knew what would be the best for her little girls. “Solo quiero que estudies,” is what my mom tells me. My mom’s words will run through my blood. For not pressuring me to be at the top of my class, only wanting me to get a good education. When I go to college, when I get my dream car, and when I raise my kids. I’ll remember who got me here, because you believed I could do it, because without you I’d be lost. Yo siempre recordaré tus palabras, incluso cuando no estés conmigo.

You will always be running through my veins, my blood, and in my heart.

De la mejor hija del mundo, Maydeline

Jardines de Esperanza

Did You Learn Your Lesson?

J.J.

Dear Future Jeimy,

Hi Jeimy! I hope you’re doing well now and you have been working on yourself like you said you would. Did you finally learn your lesson and let love find you? Or did you go back to a failed talking stage...Either way, I hope you’re okay and hopefully you found the one by the time you’re reading this. How was your quince? Did you have fun? I hope you enjoyed your day and had fun. Did Dalila ever end up texting her quince crush? Hopefully, you’re still friends with her, and she did end up texting him. Are you still friends with Roceanne, Kaylee, Mia, Yose, Alexa, David, Brandon, Aileen, and Julie? How is drill going? Did you quit or are you still in it? Did you make new friends or did you stick with the same people? Did you end up losing weight like you promised yourself you would? Did you finally take care of your hair and let your curls grow? Did you get into UCI? Have you made any new friends so far? How are you liking your new classes? I have many more questions but can’t think of anything else.

A little bit about me right now is that I quit the band in February and it made me feel free so I’m honestly glad I quit and now I’m in drill and I’m really happy. I’m honestly trying to work on myself right now and go out as much as possible to enjoy my teenage years. I’m also really looking forward to my quince so hopefully that goes well. My grades aren’t the best right now but at least I’m passing and I also got honor roll so I’m really proud of myself for that. I’m currently not talking to anyone and I’m trying to focus on myself and my studies because I’m trying to succeed in life. I’m finishing my first year of high school and it was honestly really fun and wasn’t stressful at all. Since I was in band I enjoyed going to the football games for free. The competitions were also really fun and it made me closer to a lot of people. Hopefully, next year’s drill will be the same but even better because band was honestly not for me. Currently, you want to be a therapist or a nail tech. Did you end up changing your mind or did you end up becoming one of them? Hopefully, I go out this whole summer and enjoy it and have as much fun as I can. A goal I have is to be successful in life and be rich one day to travel the world. I hope to keep being friends with everyone I’m currently friends with, and I’m grateful for everyone in my life right now. How is mom doing? What about Dad and Adrian? Adrian should be 25

now. I hope he’s okay by then, and tell him I love him so much. Even though we don’t really get along he’s still my brother and I’m really grateful for him. After all you’re his older sister and you should always set a good example for him no matter what you’re going through. Same with Mom and Dad, I hope they’re doing okay and let them know I love them so much. You and mom always had a close relationship. I hope you guys are still close and still have a strong bond. She’s always been there for you whenever you’re crying, angry, upset, happy, and she always finds a way to cheer you up. I trust her with everything and tell her everything that goes on in my life. She’s my best friend, sister, teacher, doctor, but most importantly, she’s your mom, and I’m forever grateful for her. How is dad doing? Me and him aren’t really close, I can’t tell him the stuff I tell my mom because if I did he would get mad if I ever told him I had a bf. I still love him very much though. He’s always buying you things whenever you ask, whether it’s food or something as small as a pencil. He works very hard to make your dreams come true and I’m really grateful for him. I’m grateful for all of them and I’m so happy to have a healthy relationship with my family. 15 years from now, you’ll be 30 which is honestly old but hopefully by now you’re either married or have one kid because I want to have a kid around 26. Did you end up having a 21st birthday like you wanted to? If you are married by now, I hope you’re happy in your relationship and I hope you’re getting the love you deserve because right now it hasn’t been going well. If you did end up going to college, how was it? Did you make new friends? Did you enjoy the experience? What college did you end up going to? Hopefully, it was UCI because as of right now I want to go to that school only because there’s an In n Out next to it. But more than anything I hope you made my dreams come true. I hope you’re doing okay. As a 15 year old right now, I think I’m doing good. I’ve been focusing on myself. I also hope you learned your lesson and stopped looking for love that was never there. At the end of the day, nothing is too serious so just enjoy life and don’t stress too much over anything.

The Real Tea About Me

Jaz S.

Dear future self, Today is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. That’s so cringe of me to say but I don’t know what else to put. But I do have some things that I want to ask. What are you doing right now at this very second in time? It better not be something boring or I’m going to be disappointed. My mom or I guess our mom is 8 months pregnant with baby Romeo. The baby shower was last Saturday. How is Romeo? Is he like Damien or Sebas when he was a baby? Hopefully Damien. What music quote is your favorite right now and also what song? Right now my favorite music quote is “When I die f*ck it I wanna go to hell cause I’m a piece of sh*t it ain’t hard to f*cking tell” by Biggie Smalls. But, my favorite song is Cancer by MCR.

How’s mom’s and your relationship? When was your guys last fight? Ours was this morning because I forgot my makeup bag and she got mad, while Carlos was in the car sooo embarrassing!

I really hope you and Don are still really close. Basically our bestie every time we fight with Mom, he will let you talk bad about Mom and secretly take your side because he knows you’re always right. Right now I think Don has taught us more about life and about where we came from. He taught me to value myself and my surroundings and to be in the moment, but also who to trust and that not everyone is your friend. He lets us talk as loud as we want because he says “You’re just a loud person that’s not your fault”. Another thing he taught me is, not everything is my fault, it’s everybody else’s!

To Be the Best

Kaylee R.

You are always expected to be the best, but why? Is it because you were always passing, straight A’s over and over? But what’s being smart when you’re not pretty? They always want more from you, but it’s still not enough. One time you fell over and now all your hard work is gone, what you achieve is nothing. All because of a simple boy?

I am held to a standard of perfection. The daughter who never complains, the one who succeeds at everything, the smart one, the teacher’s favorite. So why is it that when I want to live that teenage life, everyone sees me differently, saying “You’ve changed”. I´ve changed? How? Just because I want to live, because I go out more, because I want to be free. Too much freedom apparently means failing to make everyone happy. I’m the bad friend, the daughter who doesn’t do anything, the person who’s not successful anymore. Just because of a boy.

Being in love for a teenager is dangerous. Never knowing if it’s going to end with being high school sweethearts or just someone you used to date. High school is where most meet their first love, who they lose everything for. People hating, people wishing on your downfall, people who just don’t want you together but why? What did I do to hurt those people because I was in love with a boy who I just wanted to be with? Why was that so wrong? I didn’t have time for anyone anymore. I just always wanted to be with him, but I tried. Get straight A’s, hang out with friends, make people proud of you, and make time with your significant other. Not that hard right? But some aren’t happy that I’m not doing something right, not hanging out with my friends anymore, not giving enough attention to him, missing too many assignments to keep up, people looking at me in disappointment and sadness. Priorities, you need to set priorities. Instead of thinking that you are succeeding and going to be something big, all they think about is that it’s almost time for me to get pregnant at a young age, to get a job, and work as a single mother as a teenager. To be just like the rest of the girls in my family. To hear that they don’t believe I’m succeeding or have good grades, I fell off and never made it back, that’s all everyone thinks now.

As the oldest, we’re the ones who were supposed to be the role

models for our younger siblings. To show them how things will be, to help them with their homework, and to be someone they look up to. How am I supposed to be someone they look up to when I don’t even know what that looks like? Do I continue just being the best I can be?

“You’re gonna end up pregnant, and be just like mom.” I never knew how to take these words, obviously it wasn’t a good thing they were trying to say. But is being just like her bad? She’s the hardest working woman I know. Having three kids through the ages of 14-21 and yet that didn’t stop her. She works a night job and goes to college to become what she wants to be. Always making sure we have food on the table, somewhere to call home, and know we are always loved. Sometimes I feel like my siblings don’t know how many sacrifices my mom made for us, just take her for granted. I try to show my mom that what she lost for us wasn’t a waste as she’s the one who has always been there no matter what. She’s the one who took care of me at the end of the day. She’s the one whose words keep me going, who always believed me, and who never let me down. She is my biggest role model, to be just like her is the best thing I can ever become. Independent, hardworking, beautiful, and never letting anything stop her. I want her to live with no worries, and to let her live an easy life after I succeed is the thing I want most.

What I want to become when I grow up is something I constantly hear, whether from my tíos and tías, grandparents, or teachers. I say the same thing to make them happy, “a doctor or a lawyer”, something that earns money. I can’t disappoint, I have to get a good job to make my family proud. Why is that my first thought? Why can’t I just make myself proud? I do not know what I want to be yet I just want to make them proud. It’s not that making them proud is a bad thing, I want to be able for them to know that what they sacrificed for me was worth it, especially for my mom. I want her to know that what she did for me wasn’t for nothing.

To be traveling the world, to have no limits, to do and be who you want to, to do whatever you want. That’s the goal I want to reach, never stressing about money, work, or anything. I want you to live a peaceful life. Don’t let expectations hold you back. Show that you can also be the best to not be chained down and have your life planned out for you. Live your life as free as possible. Don’t think you have to be perfect for anyone else but yourself.

Dear Future Self

Dear Future Self,

How are you? How have you been? I hope you’re doing as well as I expect. Are you in college yet? You did say we would go to ELAC didn’t you? I’m sure you’re there right now, stressing and having fun. Remember when college seemed like the scariest concept in the world? I guess when you’re only 17, it is a lot to think about. How is the family doing? Are they doing well? Does mom still work at the hospital? Does she still talk about you getting into the FBI? Does dad still make ceviche? Does he still nag you about becoming a lawyer? What grade is your brother in now? Do you still play Bloodborne? Does your brother still encourage you to play it everyday? Have you even finished the game, or is Ludwig the Accursed keeping you stuck in one place?

Regardless, I suppose this letter is to remind you of who you were at 17, and everything you held dear. Still remember Ms. Parra, Ms. Carlos, and Ms. Casanova? I hope you do, they really did change your life for the better. Do you still remember all the encouraging words and the hopes for the future? Remember taking your first AP test? AP U.S. History was really challenging. It was so much work and effort- the AP test was nerve-wracking, but you still did it in the end. You were able to overcome it! I’m sure by now, you’ve faced greater challenges, more intimidating tests, classes, and personal trials, but you’ve overcome them all.

You have so much to be proud of, look at how far you’ve gotten. I am proud of you. I think that’s something you don’t tell yourself often enough, but it’s the truth. I know you have faced great adversity all your life, that is after all the burden of living to bear, but you have stared difficulty in the eye and risen triumphant. I hope you remember all of it. I hope you remember the good days, the smiles, the laughs, the victories, and the little things few and far between. I hope you remember the bad days, the sleepless nights, the tears shed, the impossibilities, the mistakes and regrets, and I hope you remember what they have taught you. Most important of all, I hope you remember that you are

loved, you are not alone, there’s so much more to life, and to never lose yourself, who you are and what you stand and fight for. You will always have me, yourself, in your corner through it all, and I hope you continue

to find whatever it is you are looking for. I hope you reach everything you have always dreamed of.

Until forever and whatever may lie beyond,

Mari R.

Remnants Of The Past

Roceanne M.

Dear Future Roce,

How old are you right now while reading this? I’m surprised you even lived this long to read this. Have you accomplished anything? Did you get to live that simple life you dreamed of? You know, like how I dreamed of attending college in a different state, living in an apartment, and then buying my own house. Did you ever find yourself? Right now I’m still currently trying to find myself. So many things happened last year and this year. I wonder if you’ve matured. Are you still as energetic as I am right now? Did we lose our spark completely? I don’t have much hope for the future if I’m being honest, I just hope I make it to live that simple life I want. I want to go to college and live in an apartment or in the dorm until I graduate. Once I get a good job and get enough money I’ll buy my own house in a country that snows. I’ll live with maybe a cat and a dog, and maybe have a kid of my own. Did you ever kill that solo for “It’s Been a Long Long Time”? I’m super nervous to do that solo, I’m not too confident. How was the band after Mr. Q left? Do you still have the same hairstyle? I think I’m going to have this hairstyle forever, I love my wolf cut. I hope you’re still fluent in Spanish, it’ll benefit you in jobs especially if they give bilingual pay! I hope you accomplished our goal of becoming a therapist if not, working somewhere in the psychology field. If you don’t remember what’s going on now I’ll tell you.

Right now I’m in 9th grade and in the band, I’m currently a second trumpet and the highest note I can play is a high B above the staff. I hope by the time you’re reading this I can play higher. I’m still in a rough spot but I’m better now. I thought that break up would be the end of me but I made it. I hope you look back and think, “This was such a silly breakup I was being overdramatic.” That breakup still affects me though, I lost my confidence and I’m still trying to love myself. I have a lot of amazing friends, well actually I’ve grown distant with many people and only have a few friends. I’m okay though, I feel lonely sometimes but other than that I’m okay. I hope your love life gets better. As of now I’m currently in a relationship. I hope that relationship makes it to when you’re reading this. Maybe you’re reading this with her, hello! I wonder if you’re still friends with my current friends. Are you still obsessed with Billie Eilish and XXXTENTACION? My current favorite album is “Hit Me Hard And Soft”. That album is so

so good. What Billie album is your favorite right now? I hope you still feel that connection with Billie Eilish like I do now. She has helped me through so many tough times and hopefully, she will help you too in the future. How many albums has she released since then? Anyways, how are you doing now, mentally? Are you okay now? I hope that you’ve had better experiences and met better people. I hope that you’ve made better memories since then. I also hope you stayed in touch with music. Music is a big part of me and I don’t want that to be forgotten so I hope you continue doing it. Creating music and producing sound is a big part of my happiness because it gives me that comfort and that sense of joy in what I do. Our dad is the same, he also loves music as much as I do. However, he didn’t continue with it because he had me and my sister, then work. I love my dad so much, are you still in contact with him?

A lot of things have happened since this page was written. I just want you to know that you are such a strong person. If I could, I would be friends with myself. Please don’t repeat the same mistakes that I made. Don’t rely so much on friends, remember what our mom said “En este mundo no hay amigos, solo son conocidos y compañeros.” Remember your self-worth. You are worth so much Roceanne and you shouldn’t give your all to people. In your relationships, give 50% of yourself to that person and reserve 50% of your love for yourself. Don’t ever settle for less or the bare minimum, you should receive the same amount of energy for your efforts. You may not think it but you are loved all around. Pay attention in class and stop procrastinating!! I hope you are doing well. Please love yourself. On the days you can’t love yourself or feel that connection with others or yourself, read this letter and remind yourself of the gifts you have and the people around you. Don’t let your world end over things that won’t even matter in 2-3 years. Please love yourself Roceanne.

Sincerely,

15-year-old Roceanne

The Dreamer In Me

Stephanie G.

Dear Steph,

Who knows when you will find this again. But if you ever look back on this, I hope this gives you motivation to continue to reach all your goals. I hope that we reach peak happiness. I hope many things for us that I do not even think I can fit it all into this letter. I hope we still have these aspirations. The aspirations to make people proud and to live life to the fullest. Aspiring to so many things is definitely a gift that I hope our future generations will continue to have.

Do we still worry about our looks? Does being older give us the freedom to do all the things we wanted to? Do we grow up to be tough and confident? Are we live, laugh, loving? Is life prettier than it seems now? I should stop overloading you with these questions. They are probably overwhelming. Even with these high hopes and dreams, I should not overestimate myself. Sometimes I do that and end up disappointing myself.

What I do know for sure though is that I want to give back to the ones who even allowed me to become who we are today. My parents. I would like to reward them and spoil them rotten because of all they have done for me. They passed down so much advice and have allowed us to make certain choices that opened opportunities for us. “¡Echale ganas!” they’d say. Ellos merecen todo bueno que les llegue.

Mis hermanos y hermanas lo merecen también. They have supported us as well. They were always there after I had a nasty argument with my parents. They gave amazing advice as well on my more personal issues. I hope we still have a good relationship with them. I also wish to pay back all of my friends and teachers who have supported me this whole time and have been there for me when times get tough.

Do we keep on going with our silly dreams? Maybe in the future we aren’t procrastinating on our work still. We are literally procrastinating on our future. We have a gift. We may not know what exactly we want to do in the future. But, we know that we can make it big in life. We just need to want it. What I know for sure is that I want to help and work with kids.

I am sure that as the years pass by, we will continue to strive for perfection. We strive for perfection for our parents. They made me

hungry for perfection. They push me and want me to be the best I can be. Though I hope we do not lose ourselves while doing this. Continue to love yourself. Ámate a ti misma. Even if it gets hard through times, think of why you even bother to keep going. Hazlos orgullosos. Do it for yourself, those you want to make proud, and those you want to prove wrong.

Please tell me you made it and have left some form of a legacy for our future generations. Make our younger selves proud. Make our inner child happy. The Steph that was so happy to start school and knew she wanted to make it big in life. The little Steph who only wanted love and support. Never forget why you keep going. Do not give up on anything. Remember your roots and stay humble. Do not ever give up on the little Hispanic girl that people gave hope to. All those days of failure, tears, and the feeling that no one cares will not matter in the end because it will all make sense when I am your age.

Con mucho amor, 15-year-old Steph <3

A Letter to Future You

Yaretzy M.

Hi,

¿Cómo estás ? Espero que bien, creo que en estos momentos haz de estar muy ocupada supongo. En algún momento estarás sentada frente a una vista hermosa viendo el atardecer recordando que a este punto estabas muy impresionada y con mucho miedo, todo fue tan rápido y de repente tu vida dio un giro de 180 grados y dijiste, ¿Que ha pasado aquí? ¿Qué hago aquí? ¿Cómo paso?

Te cuestionabas dia y noche que ibas hacer, que no ibas a poder seguir, que todo era difícil y cada dia que pasaba era tan triste y tu mirada desviada pensando en todo lo que pasó.

Ojala estes leyendo esto con una gran sonrisa y con orgullo ver como aquella niña de 16 años que llegó con miedo a otro país demasiado distinto a como vivía, haya logrado todo aquello que un dia anhelo y lo cumplio. Tu pasión por ser azafata se haya hecho realidad porque si no, es eso mejor ni te escribo nada.

Gracias por no rendirte nunca y sacar fuerzas de donde solo tu y yo sabemos y por permitirme estar con mamá juntas.

Recuerda siempre de donde vienes de todo aquello que te enseñaron tus padres que cuando sientas que tu mundo se viene abajo y te sientas perdida siempre hay una salida al final del túnel y todo tiene solución, que no hay nada imposible en esta vida, solo que debes poner dedicación, esfuerzo y sacrificio.

Que lleves siempre esa humildad que te caracteriza y te hace única no olvides lo que dijo mamá y primo Jose “las personas que son humildes de corazón al final tienen su recompensa”. Lleva siempre esa sonrisa que cautiva a las personas y esa esencia que sabes que a cualquier paso dejas huellas.

Y una cosa más importante “Nunca pero nunca que pase por tu cabeza cambiar como eres por encajar en un mundo al que no perteneces” y si lo haces hay no pues que decepción.

No olvides siempre apoyar a los tuyos, que primero es la familia.

Todo lo que por hoy lloras y te estresas en un momento espero que ya no sientas que no eres lo suficiente para eso y ahi donde te encuentres

sentada apreciando de lo hermoso y la gran paz mental digas.“ Pues mírame aquí estoy con todo lo que un dia soñamos y sí pude claro que puede un NOLASCO nunca se rinde”.

Y más que importante, pon siempre en manos de Dios tu vida que él es el camino a la verdad y la vida, no te avergüences de donde vienes y de las tradiciones y costumbres. Te confieso que ahora que estoy aquí en la USA lo que mas extrano es la comida y los bailes que se hacían las 3 noches de diciembre eso ere tu mero mole. Lo que más te gusta hacer es bailar pero no porque sabes si no porque así te expresas y sientes el control sobre ti. Mama siempre dijo “dejalos que se rían de ti por lo malo que lo haces pero ellos no sabrán disfrutar hasta que no dejen de buscar perfección.” No busques perfección, porque solo perderas tu tiempo intentalo si es necesario mil veces.

Por último quiero hacerte algunas preguntas, ¿cómo te va con la compañía de mamá? Como es nuestra casa, es tan bonita como me lo imagine? Estudiaste tu curso de estilista? ¿Cómo vas con tu trabajo? Enserio te casaste????? Tenemos hijos? Y lo más importante, ¿eres feliz?

Con esto me despido mi pequeña gran niña. Eres capaz, eres fuerte, eres inteligente, eres suficiente, y sobre todo hermosa. Espero ya hayas vivido muy bien nuestra vida he y como dice tu nombre “siempre seras amada”, besos, Dios te bendiga bye.

Para: Yaretzy del futuro.

Letter to Future Me (15 Years from Now)

A.B.

Dear Future Me,

Have you accomplished your dream by not giving up on life no matter how hard it gets?

Do you still carry our parents’ words? To always put effort into everything?

Have you finally become better at dancing and you didn’t give up no matter what happened?

Did you go to the university or college that you wanted to go to?

Are you finally happy with your life?

Remember you have support from your family.

Also remember you’re never a disappointment or failure. Did you finally learn how to love yourself and to not feel insecure about yourself?

Always remember you are loved by someone. Remember that you’re not weak even when you cry.

Always remember “if you hate your life your life will hate you back.” Remember to not “stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.” Also remember “Never give up on a dream that you’ve been chasing your whole life.”

Did you stop overthinking each night?

Do you still have the same safe place or did we change our safe place?

Are you finally where you wanted to be?

Did you get rid of your shyness for public speaking?

Are you able to control your sweaty palms and leg shaking? Did you continue to keep your problems to yourself or do you ask for help now?

Do you still smile through the pain or do I tell others about it?

I hope you didn’t find someone like him. I really hope you learned your lesson those two times. Another thing please tell me you stopped crying for him because he was not worth your time, you deserve someone so much better.

Don’t ever again cry for a guy like him, he was not worth those tears. I know you are strong, you just need to believe in yourself.

One quick little question: did you finally go to South Korea?

Did you ever go to a K-pop concert and go crazy over there just because you were noticed by one of the members?

Do you know how to speak Korean now?

Another question please tell me you still like K-culture stuff and K-pop. Please continue living your best life and remember to love yourself and to not change for anyone.

I love you, take care of yourself.

Where Are You Now?

Britney

Dear Eighteen-Year-Old Self,

I am curious to know if you still enjoy doing what you love most. Do you still like piercing yourself?

Do you still like doing your makeup and styling clothing pieces? Do you still write in your journal every time something impactful happens?

These things were a big part of you, you know. I wonder if you’ve downsized your septum or if you even have a septum at all!!

If you have then that means these elderly people have gotten to you.

Everywhere you’d go they would stare.

I remember one time on your way home on the bus from hanging out with your friends an old lady approached you.

She started saying prayers, and when she was done with the prayers she said “Que Dios te bendiga’’ then proceeded to give you a little bible.

I found it funny and random because who goes up to someone and says that?

What makes it funny is that I’m catholic. Por eso nunca juzgues por la apariencia. Are you still friends with Alisson?

You guys have been friends ever since middle school. She’s always been there for me and has helped me in ways she doesn’t even know.

We met each other in the seventh-grade PE class. At the time, we had just come back to school after COVID happened and I didn’t really know anyone.

We met through one of our friends who we barely talk to now named Kristelle.

Kristelle being the talkative person she is, approached Alisson and then later on approached me.

We all then became really good friends and enjoyed each other’s presence.

School came to an end, and it was time for Kristelle to graduate since she was one year older than us.

We were sad that she’d had to leave because we knew we wouldn’t talk to her as much.

As time passed, eighth grade eventually came and it wasn’t the same without Kristelle.

Maybe because we were used to her always being there it was a little awkward.

But then that awkwardness left and we started getting closer with each other.

We had gone from being awkward to hanging out outside school most of the time.

Though eighth grade was brutal she made it better.

Eighth grade came to an end and we were happy because we wouldn’t have to see the people we didn’t like next year but ended up seeing them.

Ninth grade came and we were happy to see Kristelle, it felt just like seventh grade again.

We would hang out every time but it wasn’t till Kristelle got so busy with a school club that we rarely talk to her now, we only talk during passing periods.

Without Alisson, I don’t know where I’d be.

She is the most honest, funny, and realest person I know.

She is 4’11 but always swears she’s taller than me even though I am 5’5.

She has straight black-brown hair, piel de miel, and dark eyes.

She loves music, has nice style, and is creative with her makeup.

We have many things in common.

She is often misunderstood.

Some see her as a mean person with a bad attitude.

But only if people were to see the way she’s been treated they’d understand.

Will you be graduating?

Though you don’t have bad grades right now, I hope you continue passing all your classes.

I wonder if you’ve gotten better at math?

You’ve never liked math.

Not because it is boring but because you just can’t understand it at all. Every time you’d understand a lesson, it was already too late because we’d be moving on to the next lesson.

I hope you have graduated or you’re about to graduate because that would make your parents really happy and proud.

All they’ve ever wanted from you was to graduate and go to college. They never asked for anything else other than that and to be polite to others.

Their consejos and stories of what they’ve gone through are your

motivation to have good grades and go to college. “Echale ganas, no quieres terminar como nosotros” my parents always tell me.

I’m still not sure what college I want to go to, but UCSD has always caught my attention.

Maybe it’s the campus that looks nice and peaceful. Maybe it’s the beach right across the street from the campus. Maybe it’s the view.

Maybe it’s the cute cafes nearby, who knows?

I may not know where I may be in three years from now

But I know I will care for my parents’ consejos and I will try my best to succeed in life.

Sincerely,

Britney

Y Esa Es La Vida Loca

Dali

Dear future self, I don’t know when you will be reading this, but whenever that is I hope you’re happy. Right now it’s May 28th, 2024 and I’m in Mr. Lopez’s class. I’m taking forever to write this even though it’s due today. Anyways, have you accomplished most of the goals you wanted to achieve during high school and after? Are you friends with the same people or what? Do you still love to draw and paint? Did you get closer to Dad? Do you still not know what you’re going to be when you’re older? Did you officially learn how to drive? Did you get your driving permit yet? Did you ever finish your part of the deal with Jeimy or no? Did you get Honor roll for the other 3 years left of high school? How is high school or was high school? Did you end up going to cosmetology school? Or did you go to tattooing school? Are you still playing sports? Are you still playing the trumpet?

As I am finishing my first year of high school, ahorita pues I’m fifteen and you celebrated your quince already. It was three months ago. I still miss it. I wish I could experience it all over again. I’m excited to go to Mexico in December. Nina is pregnant, she is 3 months right now. I hope she has a girl to have the duo of a little boy and a girl. I got honor roll. I have good grades right now just hoping they won’t drop. I still don’t know if I should join flag football. I dropped some friends I had since elementary pero it’s okay because todo pasa por una razón. High school is going good. But if I were to tell myself something for the beginning of my first year in highschool all I gotta tell you is that high school isn’t even that bad even though you have to sit in a classroom for like an hour and thirty. You didn’t have to stress about how the first day would be. It wasn’t that nerve-wracking you just over thought it. You made hella new friends. The teachers are alright but you still haven’t found someone like Ms. Guillen from Stevenson. You are still friends with some of the same people you made friends with over there. I hope my next few years here are good and that all the stress is worth it.

Wherever you are, all I want is for you just to remember where you came from. You come from two immigrant parents who settled here in Boyle Heights. Remember Mom, take her words with you. When she says que le eche ganas y hace tu trabajo para que puedas sacar

buenos grados porque todo es posible and she is right everything is possible if you put your work in, I had to learn that one the hard way. Even though we aren’t close with Dad, just take him too with you. You never know what could happen. Also, take your brother and sister with you too. They taught you a lot. Carlos, you have taught me a lot and I will forever be grateful and glad that God made you my older brother. You may be my brother but I will always see you as a father figure. Even though you didn’t have the best childhood you gave me the best childhood. The memories you tell me from when I was small like when I would bring out my toy piano to jam out with you and the ska band (which is a band that him and his friends made) or your favorite memory when I would fall asleep on your stomach, I can’t remember any of that happening but I’m glad I have those memories with you. Honestly, thanks to you I flipping understand math. Jasmine, having you as my older sister is also a blessing. Even though we are literally the opposite in personality we somehow get along. Pero you have taught me a lot, yeah we argue here and there and I start it half of the time but I’ll forever be here for you. You are my built in dancing partner, my best friend, and my chisme buddy. I will always love you guys.

Some advice I have for you is to stay humble. Nunca, let no one bring you down. Don’t forget to have fun like parents say disfruta tu juventud. Stay young at heart. Keep working hard. Always know your worth. Honestly YOLO. Stop overthinking because you never know where that decision can take you. Just be yourself and never change because at the end of the day, it’s your life and at some point, life comes to an end so just enjoy it while you can.

Sincerely,

The younger you, Dalila R

Becoming the Me of My Dreams

YaYa

Dear Future Me, Remember to set goals and stay mindful of your emotions. In middle school you know how we were doing bad? You influenced someone you really cared about and led him the wrong way. He started doing bad because of you and that hurt you, but it pushed you to become better. He was a good person and you wanted to change yourself for the better. For both you and him.

Once you changed he was still doing the same things he was doing. You pushed and pushed him over and over to become better not for you, but himself. In the end it was worth it, pushing a person you wanted the best for because you wanted him to be successful because you saw potential in him.

Have you learned self-control? I hope you have personal growth. If you haven’t please talk to someone and don’t keep it in, it isn’t good for me right now because I always lash out at the wrong person when they want help. Help isn’t bad okay? It’s good, they do it for your own good.

Are you working as an ultrasound tech now? It’s a career that you’ve been wanting to do since you’ve always wanted to help people because dad died from a heart condition and you wanted to work in the nursing industry. Then you found out about Ultrasound and you did a project about it in your Spanish class.

It may not help people in the ways you wanted to help them when you were younger, but you do get to have good relationships with pregnant ladies and get to see how much love they have for their unborn child. Keep honing your skills and make a difference in the well being of your community.

Always remember to not go down the wrong path or get influenced by the wrong people. Surround yourself with people who want to succeed in life and want to have a future for themselves. Later on, things will get more difficult and more expensive so make sure you get the degrees you need to get a good job.

You have made so much progress in self control, your achievements as an ultrasound tech, and your impact on community wealth. Keep

striving for personal growth, career success, and making a positive difference in the community.

Remember all those times you got in trouble? It was fun while it lasted in middle school, but you changed a little and started caring about school for someone you cared for. But it was a good change because I know by the time I’m your age I won’t be so stubborn.

Sincerely,

Yaya

Myself-Future

A.L.

Dear Alexander,

I hope you are doing well. I am a freshman at the moment and hope to accomplish many things here in high school. One of the goals that we had was to go to college and pursue that career that we wanted. Which is engineering and college basketball. I hope I was able to experience both at the same time. This must have been a challenge for me since I was straight out of high school.

I hope I made a bunch of friends and teammates that helped me along my journey. Also along the way, my parents would give me advice like “don’t give up” and “we are here if you need anything”. These pieces of advice were very helpful and encouraging. They helped me along my journey.

My motivation has and will always be my family and sister. They are always supporting me in everything I want to accomplish and want to pursue. Remember that everything I have done isn’t just for me but for my parents as well. I hope that so far I have made them proud of who I have become. I said that I was going to be the first person in the family that went to college and be successful in life, and I will accomplish that. I also want to prove that being raised in a Hispanic family is no obstacle to being successful and having all the money I want. In conclusion, I hope that I am not only wealthy but also happy in life.

Para Mi, Yo de Adelante

Cesar U.

Querido yo del futuro,

Espero que estés viviendo una vida plena y feliz.

Recuerda que el tiempo es valioso, así que asegúrate de invertir en aquello que realmente te haga feliz.

No olvides siempre ser agradecido por lo que tienes y por las oportunidades que se presentan en tu camino.

Sigue creciendo, aprendiendo y evolucionando. Confía en ti mismo y en tu capacidad para superar cualquier desafío que se te presente.

Siempre recuerda que eres capaz de lograr todo lo que te propongas.

¡Confía en ti y disfruta al máximo cada momento de tu vida!

Con Cariño,

Tu yo del pasado.

I Hope You Are Ok

Nat C.

To future me,

I am just a 15 year old girl

I am the shy and quiet girl

I am the sensitive girl

I am the girl everyone comes to for advice

I am the girl everyone trusts

I am the girl that lives off her music and airpods

I am the girl that puts her education first

I am the girl just trying to be perfect for her mom

I am the girl that has to go to college track

I am the girl that goes to school every day

I am the girl that never has missing assignments

I am the girl with straight A´s

I am the girl that goes to church on Sundays

I am the girl that will be taking Geometry in the summer

I am the girl that will be the first to go to college in her family

I am the girl that looks deeply into her future

I am the girl who has trouble sleeping every night

I am the girl that has trust issues

I am the girl who has bad anxiety and stress

I am the girl that puts on a fake smile everyday

I wipe my tears…

I cover my mouth to stop any noise from coming out

I don’t want them to hear their little girl falling apart

I am the girl that is just trying to make her parents proud

I want a mentally healthier life, a better life

Maybe 15 years from now everything will change

I hope you know that you are happier

I hope you know that you are stronger than you think

I hope you know that you are not misunderstood anymore

I hope you know that it’s okay to take things to heart

I hope you know that you are important to me

I hope you know you are independent

I hope you know you are mentally healthy

I hope you know that you have your bilingual words

I hope you know that those words help express who you are

I hope you know that you are never alone I hope you know that it’s ok to feel what you feel I hope you know that it will be over soon I hope you are ok.

Acknowledgments

826LA would like to thank the following for making this chapbook possible: Gracias!

Brettany Valenzuela

Juliana Michel

Guadalupe Ibarra

Estefani Ventura

America Melchor Leon

Angela Martinez Morales

Marco Beltran

Nely Beltran

Toño Beltran

Ariadne Madrakis Arroyo

Mateo Acosta

Tulsi Patel

Denise Hernandez

Nylah Smith

Fidel Cadena

About 826LA

Vision: 826LA envisions a Los Angeles where every child has access to quality writing education and is empowered to express themselves creatively through writing. We envision a Los Angeles where every teacher is supported in their writing-based educational objectives.

Mission: 826LA is dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students ages 6 to 18, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

How we advance our mission: A nonprofit organization, our services are structured around our understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

With this in mind, we provide after-school tutoring in all subjects, evening and weekend workshops, in-school programs, field trips, college access, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.

All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s ability to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in their own voice.

Core Values:

826LA values joy in the service of achieving educational goals. Our community norms value diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We therefore prioritize partnerships with Title 1 Schools, engagement with historically marginalized populations, and training and deploying communitybased volunteers in support of our mission. As a teaching approach, we value creativity, authenticity, empathy, and lively, rigorous, and studentcentered writing education. As an educational enrichment organization, we value supporting teachers, principals, and other school staff in the pursuit of excellence.

Programs

After-School Writing Programs

Mondays through Thursdays, students attend 826LA for after-school writing programs. Students participate in community building activities, work on homework or reading with trained tutors, and of course, write! Students submit their writing for inclusion in chapbooks, which 826LA publishes twice a 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.

Field Trips

During the week, 826LA invites teachers and their students to our writing labs to participate in a morning of collaboration, creativity, and writing. Whether Storytelling & Bookmaking, Well-Wishing & Poetry, Choose Your Own Adventure, or Memoir, 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—as well as a renewed confidence in their ability to tell their stories.

In-Schools Programs & Writers’ Rooms

Because not all students can come to us, 826LA brings specially trained volunteer tutors into classrooms throughout Los Angeles. 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 needs. In addition to visiting twenty schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District each year, 826LA has additional sites within Manual Arts High School, Roosevelt High School, and Venice High School 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 student creativity while strengthening writing skills. This program includes two long running partnerships with Paramount Pictures and the Hammer Museum.

Staff

Jaime Balboa

Executive Director

Diego Quevedo

Chief of Staff

Shani Foster

Director of Education

Christie Thomas

Director of Development

Pedro Estrada

Programs & Operations Manager, Echo Park

Mike Dunbar

Programs & Operations Manager, Mar Vista

Mateo Acosta

Associate Director of Community Engagement

Carinne Mangold

Store and General Operations Manager

Time Travel Marts in Echo Park & Mar Vista

Alma Carrillo

Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Communications

Trevor Crown

Ariadne Makridakis Arroyo

Senior Community Relations Coordinator

Katie Feige

Institutional Giving Manager

Maddie Silva Manager of Special Initiatives

Arisdeysi Cruz

Tutoring Program Coordinator

Marco Beltran

Writers’ Room Program Coordinator

Manual Arts High School

Wendy Beltran

Senior Writers’ Room Program Coordinator, Roosevelt High School

Cole Montgomery

Senior Development Coordinator

Ariana Ponce Olivares

Senior Civic Engagement Coordinator

Wilson Swain

Creative Engagement Specialist

Julia Malinow

In-Schools and Tutoring Program Coordinator

Caz Shen Store Associate

Senior Manager of Volunteer Innovation and Assessment

Board

Karen Van Kirk Board President

Customer Experience & Operations

Sarah Rosenwald Varet Board Vice President Governance Committee Chair

Attorney

David Ullendorff Board Treasurer Finance Committee Chair

Co-Founder, Mathnasium

Cisca Brouwer

Development Committee Chair Attorney/Writer

Ben Au Litigation Partner, Orrick

Jeff Boos Brokerage Operations & Services, Side

Scott Boxenbaum Comedian & Real Estate

Iman Farrior

Business Affairs Executive, Creative Artists Agency

Joe Ferencz

CEO/Founder, GameFam

Scott A. Ginsburg Real Estate, Boulevard Partners

Susan Ko

Clinical Psychology & Executive Leadership

Hon. Holly A. Thomas Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit

Dave Eggers Emeritus and 826 Founder

Advisory Board

J.J. Abrams

Judd Apatow

Miguel Arteta

Mac Barnett

Steve Barr

Joshuah Bearman

Father Gregory Boyle, S.J.

Amy Brooks

Stefan Bucher

Kathleen Caliento

Monique Demery

Mark Flanagan

Ben Goldhirsh

Rebecca Goldman

Ellen Goldsmith-Vein

DeAnna Gravillis

Terri Hernandez Rosales

Christine Jaroush

Spike Jonze

Miranda July

Catherine Keener

Keith Knight

Al Madrigal

R. Scott Mitchell

Lani Monos

B.J. Novak

Miwa Okumura

Amber Paasch

Jane Patterson

Keri Putnam

Sylvie Rabineau

Sonja Rasula

Will Reiser

Luis Rodriguez

Tara Roth

Brad Simpson

J. Ryan Stradal

Natalie Tran

Sarah Vowell

Sally Willcox

Julie Wiskirchen

Visit our Time Travel Mart storefronts in Echo Park and Mar Vista where you can shop for all your time traveling gears and gadgets. From Mammoth Chunks to Robot Milk to original student-authored books, we pride ourselves on being the only Los Angeles purveyor of quality goods from the past, present, and future. The proceeds from the store help to keep all programs free for our students. You can also visit the stores online at timetravelmart.com.

Echo Park 1714 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

Mar Vista 12515 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066