New America - Lowry Speaks! Vol. 2 Cafe Cultura Community Speaks Project #46 Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
New America - Lowry Speaks! Vol. 2 Copyright Š 2017 by Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the intelligent and resilient students in our Spoken Word class: Use the power in your words and actions to create positive social change. #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you to the staff at New America School – Lowry for the opportunity to work with your new students as we create spaces for self-discovery and empowerment. Special thank you to the poets in our class for pushing yourself to be powerful. Remember: “It is our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!”
Foreword It was a privilege for Café Cultura to continue our partnership with New America School – Lowry. Now in our second year, we were able to use our “Telling Our Stories” curriculum to teach a Creative Cultural Communication class. Students showed their potential as we analyzed spoken word and current events. They created insightful poems that push our collective thinking. We know you will appreciate how they expressed their struggles and dreams. We look forward to staying connected, as they develop into the leaders we need. Enjoy and share their words! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and
youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. CafĂŠ Cultura partners with select organizations and schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, workshops, youth leadership program, and other programs: www.cafecultura.org info@cafecultura.org 720-460-9203
Table of Contents Our Unknown History by Ahkeisa......................................................1 Remembering My Cousin by Jose .......................................................2 Change the World by Nelly ..................................................................3 We Hold Success by Victor ..................................................................4 Consequences by Ashley V. ..................................................................5 The Strength Around Me by Genesis .................................................6 Power by Ociel .......................................................................................8 What I Need to Do by Denisse ...........................................................9 The Power Within by Rolando ......................................................... 10 Stand Up Against Bullying by Indira ................................................ 12 A Walk to the Future by Ashley M................................................... 13 Life Regrets by Jaqueline.................................................................... 14 My Motivation by Alexis .................................................................... 15 Drawing the Future by Llulisela ........................................................ 16 The Good Times by Teddy ............................................................... 18 Keep Moving by Jesus ........................................................................ 19 Jungle by Averee.................................................................................. 20 Anxiety by Heiven............................................................................... 22 Me by Brithany .................................................................................... 24 The Best Things of My Life by Alejandra ....................................... 26 My NFL Path by Jose ......................................................................... 28 How I Feel by Ahkeisa ....................................................................... 29 Road to Success by Victor ................................................................. 30
Stereotypes in Life by Nelly ............................................................... 31 My Life by Ashley V. .......................................................................... 32 Future by Genesis ................................................................................ 34 Ecstasy by Rolando ............................................................................. 35 Dear Me by Denisse ............................................................................ 37 Meaning by Ashley M. ........................................................................ 38 More to Come by Indira ..................................................................... 39 I Come From by Ociel........................................................................ 40 Driving Life by Jaqueline .................................................................... 41 A Realization by Alexis ....................................................................... 42 My World by Llulisela ......................................................................... 43 Joy by Jesus ........................................................................................... 44 Dear Future Me by Teddy .................................................................. 45 October by Averee .............................................................................. 46 Mexican Life of a Teenager by Nelly ................................................ 47 Track by Ahkeisa ................................................................................. 48 My Mexican Life by Jose .................................................................... 49 The Road by Ashley V. ....................................................................... 50 The Beauty Inside Me by Indira ........................................................ 51 Bumpy Road by Genesis .................................................................... 52 Life by Denisse .................................................................................... 53 Completing My Goal by Ashley M. .................................................. 55 Quests by Rolando .............................................................................. 56 Judgmental Ways by Ociel ................................................................. 57
Our Unknown History by Ahkeisa I could not break the ice, hitting it over and over, only for my hands to bleed. There was not one single crack. I could see that I was trying my hardest to get them out. My own color stood right in front of me, frozen. They were frozen from our unknown history and police brutality. I was still trying to find out why this was happening to us. Is it because they were jealous of how smart and hardworking we are? I cannot give up on them, not now. I have come too far. Then, I noticed they were scared to fight for what was right when something was wrong. That is what gave me strength and dignity to get them out of all the pain they were caused. The fire of knowledge within me starts to melt the fear. My strength helps them realize the power within themselves. Now, we are melting the ice.
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Remembering My Cousin by Jose I remember when I first met my cousin in his house. It felt like it was yesterday. He was a part of my childhood. He used to buy me Lucha Libre masks so we could play wrestle in his house. When I was living in Mexico, he and my tia would visit us every holiday. My mom talked to him privately, because he was taking bad steps. He was walking in one direction, picking up addiction off the floor. Then, he stepped in a puddle of alcohol. Now he was soaked up. He lit a cigarette, and started to inhale the problems. His death was a drug-filled mystery that my family saw right before their eyes. I miss him a lot. I used to see, watch how he struggled. He used to give me a lot of love and encouragement to be in school. I had many opportunities to follow my cousin’s path, but like my mom said, “Do not repeat the same story, live your own.” I have been walking on the road of success. I cannot turn back now. I have to keep going, finish my career. I must have a good ending
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to my story. Never let friends, addictions, stress, and depression discourage you. Never let your mindset crash. Always think before you make any decision in life. I know I will.
Change the World by Nelly I think the world needs a change, just like plants need water. We might have different ways to see our life on our shoulders. Sometimes we turn into a blind person who does not know where to go. We do not have to carry problems on our back alone. There are people around us who worry about us. They are in love with us. People will help, they will walk by our side. They will not let us down. Together, we can build a better world, where only love reigns. Our world will keep telling us when we need a change. Let us start by saying no more hate. Let us start loving our own home and especially our own reflection in the mirror.
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We Hold Success by Victor Our hands are full of success, but we do not see it. Others force hatred upon us. We sometimes allow it to cover the success we do not know exists. Sometimes we hold hate for motivation, but we need to learn how to let it go. We trust others, but we do not trust ourselves. We let others hold our hand, not knowing what they can do to us. Only we can decide, if we hold success or let it drop. We hold our future. We hold our lives. Only you can control what you see with your eyes. We need to trust ourselves and others, gathering our hands together to walk toward our dreams.
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Consequences by Ashley V. I should have put the razor down, and thought about my mom, should have kept my food inside my stomach, instead of in the toilet, should have talked to my mom to find help. But I know she would ask me why, if I always act happy. But she did not know the pain I felt seeing skinny girls, and then there was me. I hid the struggle of getting up to go to school, knowing they would call me names, pull my hair, and surround me. I was not even safe at home, because the girls would cyberbully me. But why did I disappoint my mom in that way? I still ask myself that every day. To the people going through this: think about how it will affect you and others. Just stop and ask for help.
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The Strength Around Me by Genesis I come from the pupusas my mom makes. They taste like love and smell like home. I will never forget my mother’s special pupusas made from chicharon and maseca. They make me feel amazing inside every time we eat them. They bring happiness to our home. Family always comes together and enjoys each other’s company. Pupusas come from where my mother was born. Her mother used to make them for her and her family. They are something special to remember. I will always remember the ring my mother gave me when I was young, a ring that has been passed on from mother to daughter, a silver ring with a small blue heart. It has been with me in every situation, bringing happiness into my life. It reminds me of my grandma and my amazing mother. I will never it take off as it holds a lot of meaning to me. I will never forget this ring. I come from a loving father, who always accomplishes everything he sets his mind to, a hard-working man who supports everything
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we do with our lives, a man who always makes sure everyone is happy, and has everything they need, a father who struggles in life, but is still successful. He gives the best advice reminding me, “Always do what you want to do even if nobody supports you.� My dark and strong father has experienced many tough times, but still smiles. I look to him as an example, a hard worker who is always there for everyone. You can never forget that amazing man. I am the young, strong woman who is full of positive and loving energy, someone who always accomplishes everything I dedicate my time and energy to. When I put my mind into something I believe, I always achieve my goals.
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Power by Ociel My life is like electricity. Without power, there is nothing you can do. Find opportunities, find different ways to get the power back on, to get back on track. There are times when a hurricane can really mess up the power in the whole city, like the time my mom had to go to the hospital because of how sick she was. My whole family completely lost it. We were all together as a family to support her, to get the flow of the power back to our family.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
What I Need to Do by Denisse I got told once that you have to make something of yourself or you can let life bring you down. It is up to you. Finishing school, making something of yourself, and pushing yourself will be the most wonderful feeling you can feel. True, you are not going to get along with some people. Some will annoy you and some will piss you off. But guess what, that is how life is. You need to push through all that because you are a successful person and that is all that matters. That is what I need to do.
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The Power Within by Rolando I come from a family who eats arroz with almost anything, but mainly with frijoles. That is what connects me to my past and my grandma, who would hand me my plate with the warmest smile. “Agarre tortillas, mijo,” she would say, while placing a stack of warm tortillas in a little towel. Then sitting down, she would give me a smile of approval, of pride, when she heard me talking about my future plans with school. I will never forget my dad, the man who gave me this life, who taught me that steady growth is about mistakes and learning from them. He always tells me, “Life should not be rushed.” I come from a man who has taught me how to live healthy, both mentally and physically. Even after dealing with an abusive mother, he has given me a life without regrets.
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I will never forget my dad’s red car. Although I do not remember the exact model, it became special to me because I grew up riding in it. I remember my dad taking us for a ride to my grandma’s house, where we ate the warm foods of our ancestors, like arroz and beans. I will always remember every single summer I spent at my dad’s pueblo, where he grew up. Although there has been more technology lately, there aren’t any grocery stores. So, to get food, you do it the old fashioned way, the best way to connect with my ancestors. I will keep Cinco de Mayo as an encouragement for the impossible, because my ancestors did the impossible. When the French tried to take over in the midst of a civil war, my people did not give up and ended up winning the battle. So never give up, even if things look bad. By giving up, you are admitting that you are powerless. You can get power by setting your mind on what you desire most.
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Stand Up Against Bullying by Indira When I was a freshman in high school, about 1 or 2 times a day, I would see freshmen getting bullied by the senior students. During those times, I did not stand for them When the same thing happened to me, I realized that we must stand for the people who are being bullied. Teachers should know that many students do not complain about being bullied, and if they do, no actions are taken most of the time. If you are a bully, listen up. It does not make you cool to hurt their feelings. How would you feel, if you were in their shoes. We need to stand up and spread the message. Kids should not feel this low and have marks to show. You do not have to accept the things you are not okay with. Stand for yourself if no one stands for you. Do not let other people control your life.
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Speak up, your voice will not let you down. You are important, you are special. Stop bullying.
A Walk to the Future by Ashley M. My destination is school. During that walk, there are a lot of obstacles. Many people do not want me to achieve my goals, but that will not stop me. While I walk on the sidewalk, the rain starts falling down my face and my makeup starts coming off. Every rain drop is a hateful word that comes towards me trying to stop me from being successful. I arrive to school with a positive attitude and I am determined to accomplish my goals.
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Life Regrets by Jaqueline I heard some noises coming from the bathroom. My mom and I ran to see what was going on. I see my father laying with a face of regret on the floor. We call the ambulance right away. As soon as I heard the ambulance, I wanted to run and tell them to hurry up. They came in. They put me and my two little brothers inside the room filled with tears and anger. I wanted to see what was happening, but they would not let me. I was devastated. I was scared. I just wanted to be with my dad, but that was impossible. The hours passed, and I still did not have news of him. It was 8:00pm. I got home and all I see is everyone crying. I start feeling bugs in my stomach, ugly bugs. I ask what was going on. My dad passed away. I started crying like have never cried before. That day,
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I realized that life can be taken away in a blink of an eye. You never know when you will get to see that person again.
My Motivation by Alexis Vengo de Veracruz, donde todo es bello. La comida es lo mĂĄs sabroso, y la playa es como el paraĂso de hermoso. I have the strongest mom in the world. She always tells me to never give up. Her words travel miles, reminding me how much she loves me even though she is far away. She makes me feel like she is right next to me. I am the picture that sits next to my tv. I see it every single day. It makes me feel like we are together on those dark and lonely days. My family is my motivation to grow as a man with honor.
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Drawing the Future by Llulisela When I have a pencil, and an idea to start drawing, it is like having a purpose and a goal to start my life. So I start drawing a gallery. Inside are all of the things I want to do in my future. Everything goes okay, but then my eyes and my hands get tired. So it is like in real life, when I get tired of doing the same things. So a painter always gets new ideas. We get a new purpose, the one that keeps you going after having no colors, no ideas, and motivations. You can compare something with your real life, and to keep at it without distractions. You have to really like what you are doing. Gather everything you need to be really good painter, a really good person, and be proud of who you are. Believe in who you want to be. Just stay focused on you and your goals. With perfect paint, and a perfect plan, you can get to the top
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of any goal you set out if you really want them. Every time you have what you want, you have a finished painting. You have your purpose. To finish it, you just need to show it to everybody. Let the colors of life mix up.
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The Good Times by Teddy I come from the memory of my uncle imprinted on a shirt, a man so loving and charming we get all the girls. We were chasing the sack like when the bullet chased his back. Tears came from my eyes, wondering why he had to die. When I think about him, I think about my shirt. I will never forget the moments we had. I am the man of my house. I come from my home, the place where I feel safe. There is no place like home. I will always remember the good times, like when my sister and I used to run around and play tag We would slide down the stairs or play hide and seek. I will never forget my home. It is the place that makes me happy, the place where I can relax. I come from chicken so good it would make you want to smack your mama. I like the chicken grease with the crunchiness, my mom makes it every day, and it tastes like heaven with some hot sauce on the side.
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Keep Moving by Jesus I am riding this bike called life. I keep pushing forward, so I can get to where I need to be. I steer straighten and try to keep control of my decisions. I am making it through the obstacles of life, making it through the struggles of riding a bike. I am tired but I keep going. I want to give up, but I tell myself to keep pushing to success. My body tells me to give up, but I am not going out without a fight. When I fall down, I get back up, and give it all I got. The faster I go, the better I feel. As I move through the streets, I keep my motivation in mind, and I keep moving.
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Jungle by Averee I come from the jungle where it is hard to survive. The jungle is the streets where we show no love, because it gets your feelings hurt. In the jungle, there are a lot of enemies and so called friends. When you are down, nobody is around, but when you are up, they are all in your face. From living in this environment, I learned how to face the world by my lonely. It showed me how to better myself and be careful when it comes to trusting people. I come from an almighty strong woman. She grew up where there was always drama around killing. It got worse and worse every day. It got so bad, my mom started to think about moving. She was stuck because we did not have travel money. It was very hard But we were able to make it. Still, I come from a money-making family. I grew up to get money all my life, and it all started at a young age .
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My uncle would pay me to iron his clothes. I am the young powerful black man that is positive. In my hands I am holding a tree, that represents culture. I come from the trenches where it is hard to survive. I am full of pain but I have the ability to make a change.
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Anxiety by Heiven Anxiety is forgetting to breath in the middle of class, because it is so stuffy. You feel like everyone is staring at the one piece of hair sticking out of your ponytail. You want to run and hide because you feel it is a big deal. In a room full of perfect people, you are the only different one. You over think your entire morning because of that one piece of hair. Anxiety is finding out you have a little cold and thinking you have something far worse. You need to stay in the house every day to avoid dying from breathing in the poisonous air that everyone else is used to. My bed is my best friend. Every day it calls me to it, singing how safe I would be in bed instead of going out into the chaotic world, where people judge you from the shoes on your feet to the shirt that you wear. As I go out into the world, I fidget my finger, or shake my leg at 100 miles per hour,
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all to keep me calm. One day, I want to overcome this anxiety and breath. I want to walk freely into the precious world everyone else lives in. I will look at life from a better, more positive point of view. All I need to do is breath.
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Me by Brithany I am a young powerful female, who most females look up to. I come from a place where I was taught to be my own person, to be independent, to fight for what I believe in. I will always remember when my mom said, “Nunca dejes que alguien te cambie la mente, mami.� Never let anyone change your mind, baby. I will never forget the few people I have met with almost the same mentality as mine. I am the seed that my beautiful mother carried inside her womb for nine months. I come from her. I come from an amazing household, where there was nothing but love. I will always remember the sacrifices and pain I put my mom through, the struggle she experienced to keep a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my mouth, and shoes on my feet. I will never forget the tears of pain that I caused to roll down her beautiful stunning face. She has taught me that no matter how hard life gets, you have to continue to push through it.
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I am from Colorado where you will find both solid and flip flopping people. I come from the “ghetto� as most people define the poor. I will always remember that to be in the streets, you have to be street smart. In all honesty, being both street smart and book smart comes in handy. I will never forget all the beautiful things that were here before society messed it all up. I will never forget the positivity you would once get out of this amazing yet so strange place. I am the delicious mole my mom makes. I come from the stove where my mom spends an hour making me. I will always remember that warm feeling you get when a bowl, served straight from the stove, is sitting in front of you, the steam hitting your face and making your glasses foggy. I will never forget the way my mom makes and hands down the most delicious mole ever. I am the comal that gets put on the stove to warm up the tortillas that go with the meal your beautiful mother has created for you. I will always remember the heat I get from underneath me.
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The Best Things of My Life by Alejandra I am the pillow that makes you happy and peaceful. I come from your most important person. I will always remember the best day of my life and the time you fell in love for the first time. I come from a father I never had. He makes us feel safe, protected, and loved. I will always remember all the sacrifices he made for us. Alongside my mom, we make a great family, a family that is always together and helps each other. You are the best Dad in the universe, inside and out. I am one of your life goals. I come from all of your hard work in high school, to be proud you are doing something great. I will always remember my mom and dad reminding me that when I graduate and become somebody successful, they will be proud of me. I am the delicious tostadas my mom and grandmother make with meat, tortillas, cheese,
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onion, tomato, lechuga, and consume. It smells like family day. I come from a recipe of all Mexicans now. I will always remember how tostadas smell, how happy they make my family. I will never forget the special day eating tostadas and bringing my family together. I am Mexico, filled with a lot of people. I come from where the language is Spanish and the food, delicious. All the people help each other. The beautiful places are filled with music and dance. I will always remember the bread and ponche they make. It reminds me of home. Mexico has the best tacos. I will never forget how the people are with you.
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My NFL Path by Jose In the field of life, you run with the football filled with accomplishments. The players are obstacles in my path as I run through the mud of mistakes. I have tackled many obstacles in my way. The end-zone is the finish line. I cannot see clearly because of the fogginess in the field. The clouds are too gray. My mindset was not encouraged enough. When I saw my friends and family cheering, my mindset changed. I now have the encouragement I need to finish the game that is my life. I run with the ball of success in my hands, sprinting through the grass of life. I will never give up on my path. I will get there. Like my father said, “Whatever you start, you finish it with pride.� I will never give up. I will accomplish my goals.
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How I Feel by Ahkeisa We are African Americans who came from a well-known past. Our color makes us powerful. We fought through slavery, segregation, and racism. So do not tell me African Americans are not powerful and strong for how we hold our heads high, how we speak with confidence. and how being brown is something we wear best. I am a part of a chain that represents family and happiness. Family has a bond that cannot be broken. A chain can be broken into pieces, but never family. My chain made me realize to not take anything for granted, because it can be taken from you. I will never forget seeing you in a casket. You left me just a year ago. The bullet wounds will never hurt as much as the pain I suffer. I will always remember all the love you showed me, and it is something we hold in our hearts. I miss seeing your smile that could catch anybody’s attention and your goofy personality that kept everyone laughing.
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You have always told me to never let anyone bring me down, and to stay true to myself. Antonio would sacrifice anything to keep loved ones feeling special.
Road to Success by Victor Stepping out of high school was difficult, but succeeding with hate is harder. I sometimes feel like rocks fall on me, but I always continue to succeed. Everyone tells me I will not be successful, but I am not letting that be hurtful. I believe in myself like I believe in others. I know everyone can do it with the help of their mother. When I graduate, the feeling will be nice, like a cup of water with ice! Everyone has encouraged me to do it right, but I have messed up more than twice. I want to be someone in life, and by succeeding I can reach the light ...of success! I want to be an architect, by finishing school, I can take that step.
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Stereotypes in Life by Nelly Sometimes life can be different, not the way we had visualized it or the way we thought in our colorful mind. Stereotypes are around the world. I hear voices in my head trying to keep me down and make me depressed. Black clouds might walk with you but a rainbow will appear at the end. I still hear a powerful voice inside me telling me, “Fight like if you are in war. Win the war! Remember bad choices you made and smile because it is your past. You reached the top. Be proud of scars. They remind us who we really are.�
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My Life by Ashley V. I come from a powerful leader who keeps going no matter what, a strong person who no matter how hard it is, always remains positive. She is someone who was the heart to help others, even when she has little. I come from a lady who helps me when my health is not good, but still sticks around. She is someone I can be around and feel love, more than with anyone else. That is the lady who gave me the privilege to be here today, my mom. I will always remember waking up in my favorite place. Grass is not always around, but mornings with family are. Safety is not always the best, but I feel safer with my whole family, than in a country I am not welcomed in. I hear barks, and the screams of children playing. To me, that is happiness. No matter what I have, I am happy, out playing at 12 am.
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I call that place Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. I come from the smell of fresh masa being baked. But wait! Smell the pork being cooked? The green chili is placed on the pork. Smell that? Nothing smells better than those three objects being placed together in a gordita. I will never forget the day of my quince, not only because it was a party, but because my mom shared that day with me. It was the joy of seeing my mom’s face full of happiness and love.
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Future by Genesis I see myself in the future many years from now helping people with their ups and downs. As a successful woman and a heart surgeon, with the passing of time, I am emerging. I want to make the people around me proud and come out, so I can be myself. I am passionate about hearts. They carry emotions and your life. Our brain sends messages of hope to our heart, which is a part of us. In my veins, I carry my emotions and dreams. As I continue to be successful, I look behind me and I am grateful. Being a heart surgeon can be hard, but as long as I have a positive attitude, I can continue on.
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Ecstasy by Rolando I understand your feelings, I really do. Do you want to feel differently, get rid of this repetitive feeling? You have been wanting, craving, expecting something to happen, something that rids you of this depressing feeling, this slow moving world living the same way for years. You do not expect change. You think that will do the trick? Sure you do. That blunt gives you energy, adrenaline, life, and gone. That feeling disappears. For a moment, you felt alive and there you are craving it, craving more and more of these drugs. Your mother is worried, but when asked, you just shrug. As if your mother’s words, filled with kindness, are not enough to keep you reminded that there is a better ecstasy than what you are looking for. But rather than paying attention to these words, you made your mother cry. So with these intense feelings of grief,
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regret, sadness, and anger at yourself, you take a good look at your mother. You notice that her tears carry disappointment, sadness, anger, but also a sense of relief because you are okay. Because of her fears, she could not sleep at night. Because of her tears, you felt like the greatest ecstasy is making her proud. It is having her say “good job,” with a smile. So you grab your feelings and with a pencil, you put it on a paper. There, you discover a whole other world, which is at your hand, the hand that knows the difference between sadness and happiness. Your hand can express the words your mouth cannot. Your hand now carries your life, hoping one day your accomplishments will lighten the weight on your mother’s shoulders. Her pride will shine at your graduation bringing both of you the ecstasy you wanted to experience.
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Dear Me by Denisse Dear past me (in 3rd grade), I really wish your actions different. I want you to stand your ground when some people push you around. I want you to speak your mind, not just in small groups. I want you to make more friends. Trust me, I know. Overall, you are smart and you can focus on what you want to do. You have a lot to say, so why not let others hear you. Sincerely, Denisse
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Meaning by Ashley M. I come from tacos al pastor that my mom makes with meat, pineapple, and tortillas. Every time I eat them, it reminds me of the good times in the rancho. I will always remember the day my mother gave me the ring that I wear on my finger. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of her. I feel protected at all times. I will always remember Mexico with all of its colorful adobe houses. I feel happy when I visit. I feel comfortable. I feel like that is where I belong. I come from this beautiful place that always brings family together. I love the feeling I get when I know I am going to see my mom. I come from a loving mother, a mother who makes all types of sacrifices to see me do well. She always encourages me even when I hesitate to do something. She always tells me that I do not need anyone to be happy. She makes me feel lucky to have her as a mother. I learn so many things from her. She is my favorite person in the whole world.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
I come from a loving, caring, and beautiful woman who protects me and is always with me no matter what. My beautiful mother gives my life meaning.
More to Come by Indira Everybody says that a difficult path often leads to a beautiful destination. Just like that, I hope that I will achieve whatever I want in my life, after going through lots of difficulties. Every difficulty that came across my path was not easy to overcome. One of them was losing my mom. We did not get enough time to spend with her. We felt empty, like nobody was home. But I did not stop there. I had goals to achieve, so I kept moving. I did not have anyone’s hand to hold or to tell me not to be afraid when I was scared. I had so much to achieve in my life. I turned my life normal, achieving my goals, slowly but surely. I have not given up yet. I know there is so much to come.
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I Come From by Ociel I come from a family that would do anything to have carne asada together. When we make it, everyone wants to be invited. It brings us together, just like during the holidays. I come from a place where you see people working hard, enough to help their family move forward. I am from a place where on the holidays, you see the whole city get together to have the biggest party. I come from a place where we want everything to be right and equal, a place where my people stand up to the bs that is not fair. I come from a place, where it would be hard to separate my family, not physically, not emotionally, but mentally. It is like if a lasso is holding us together. That is what makes us strong, what keeps us pushing forward. I come from a place, where the people before me and my family struggled the same way we are,
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
but they did something to change it. Or else, none of us would be here to this day. We would not be who we are: a people with the courage and power to keep moving forward.
Driving Life by Jaqueline I get in my car and start driving. I start letting certain people go, building my own path. When I am driving, I look at my mirrors and what is behind me. I see my past and all my mistakes. I want to remember them, so I will not make the same ones. When I look forward, I see my future and whatever it has for me. When there is traffic, I try to pass the cars in front of me, ignoring all the people who judge and say I will not be able to do it. I will not get to my destination until I become who I want to be.
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A Realization by Alexis I remember when I was in Mexico. I did not listen to my mom. I did a lot of things that upset my family. They wanted to send me to the USA with my uncle. I did not make my family happy. I saw my mom having a lot of dolores de cabeza y coraje. I was just a little kid. I did not know I was messing up. I thought moving to Denver was going to be a good choice, but now that I am here without my parents, it has been really bad and stressful. Ahora, valoro a mi mama, y nunca quisiera estar lejos de ella.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
My World by Llulisela In the world where I live, there are people whose aspects makes them different. I could be me by any way. You can be happy with, or without somebody. You do not really need someone to do what you want. My way, my happiness is with my nephew. My nephew is like a bomb full of sweet love and life. He makes me happy, like a cup of milk with cookies. My world is perfect, if I keep dreaming with what and who I want. Having all I want, there are no problems. I am not sad, not even mad. It is just happiness. It is just me, and my perfect world that does not exist. It is like something impossible, water with oil, the sun with the moon,
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the real world with the fantastic world, me with who I dream to be.
Joy by Jesus I am like a gordita, warm, good, and filled with my mother’s love. My presence brings joy to my family. I come together to enjoy a lifetime of gorditas. I bring out the Mexican roots in my family. When I am made, it is warm and tasty. And at the end of the day, I always seem to put a smile on their faces.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Dear Future Me by Teddy Dear future me, I was wondering what are you doing in the NBA. Then I thought you are older. So when I get to where you are, I need to make sure that I do what I have to do. But so far, what team do you play for? How many points do you average in a game? When you carry the ball, what does that mean? It means success and positivity in your life, having a good effect on you. I also want to know, what made you want to play? What does it really mean to you? How does it make your family feel? Good, I hope. I want you to keep something in mind. Never give up. Always be great. Follow your heart and your dreams.
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October by Averee I remember last October at the beginning of the month, my grandma wanted to have soul food Sunday. My grandma was very sick, and she wanted a family gathering. That was never normal. As the day came, she was getting sicker. The dinner was a success. No family problems. A couple days later, my grandma wanted to take me shopping. So the day comes, and I text my grandma early in the morning. I did not get a response. So I texted my dad, “What are you doing today?” He responds with the craziest words. “Son, your grandma passed this morning.” It hit me. I realized to love and be around your family before it gets too late.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Mexican Life of a Teenager by Nelly I am a small city located in a perfect spot in a perfect size with a lot of personalities. People will never forget the culture and diversity of the lovely place. I will never forget the times enchiladas have brought good memories, reminding us how proud we are of our Mexican food and culture. We love at the same time as we enjoy spicy food. I will always remember my mother’s powerful and soft voice. Her hair shines like diamonds in the dark. She is a strong woman who sacrifices for her people. You can see it in her dark eyes. I look forward to her saying, “Hija you did it.” I will see my mother’s eyes filled with tears of pride and joy, looking at the paper in my hand representing my hard work.
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Track by Ahkeisa I love track with everything in me. But I face a lot of obstacles. Sometimes, I feel like I am not fast enough and I want to give up. I will not because it is something I do with passion The same applies to life. In life, I face so many challenges, challenges that are so hard that I want to give up. I will not because I have come too far to quit. On the track, when I get ready in the blocks, I think to myself, “I am not ready” or “I cannot do it.” It is really hard to adjust to something you prepared for but now you are doubting yourself. “1...2...3...pow!” The gun goes off. I start running. Thoughts creep in saying I cannot do it. But it is too late to turn back. I run with every last breath in me,
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making me more comfortable with myself. After all, it was not that hard. Life is a struggle and it is not easy. You have to think about how far you have come and what you hope to accomplish.
My Mexican Life by Jose I am the dream catcher, representing Mexican culture and power. My sister has it tattooed on her leg, protecting her dreams. I came from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. I will always remember my special plant that is now a little tree, all grown up in my old house. I have a lot of memories of it. I used to kick it, punch it every time I got stressed out I used to hug it a lot, or give it water. I lived in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua for 6 years and loved it. It was very hard to remember the streets from there, because we used to move a lot. I have tried a lot of foods from Juarez and have visited plenty of places and cities. It is the Mexican community.
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The Road by Ashley V. In life, we are given two roads: we either take the right one or the wrong one. We always learn a lesson from that decision. In this life, we decide whether or not to allow drugs to control us. We decide if we allow negative comments into our lives. No matter what road you take, you can either get better or worse. It all depends on you. You decide what road to take. I am on the positive road, where I do not let anyone distract me. I was taught right and will accomplish what I set out for myself. I will not go wrong. My road to succeed in life and start a career will be completed.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
The Beauty Inside Me by Indira I am the delicious and spicy samosa my sister makes by hand, with potato, beans, and white bread. I come from a recipe hundreds of years old, reminding me of my grandparents and the hard work needed to create something very beautiful. I will always remember how the oily bite fills my heart with warmth and makes my mouth water. I will never forget the time when my family got back together, enjoying and eating samosas. I am the most beautiful looking place surrounded by mountains, Nepal. I come from North Asia, which is also known as Gorkhali, or the most highest Mount Everest. I will always remember how I spent my childhood, rolling in the mud with bare feet and getting beaten at school for not doing homework. I will never forget the beauty of Nepal, the history of Nepal, and the hope that I get from Nepal.
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Bumpy Road by Genesis Driving through a bumpy road on the way to California, there were a lot of obstacles like rain, snow, and big rocks. The rain is all the hate that people have for me. Their words become snow trying to stop me from getting to where I want to be. Big rocks fall behind the car like negativity thrown my way. I avoid every rock with my successful thoughts. I get to California. A lot of people tell me I have no future here, but I believe in myself. I will not let anything hold me back. My goal is to graduate and show those who doubted me that I could make it.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Life by Denisse I will always remember when I made my mom sad. I really did not want to, but stuff kinda happened. I saw sadness and frustration in her eyes. We were just arguing. We went from yelling, to saying words we did not mean. Now we are okay, but I really wish we never got in that argument. I am not proud of it, but it showed that she cared. In her eyes, I now see happiness and calmness. I will always remember the day I helped my grandmother make empanadas. She finally agreed to teach me after I annoyed her from asking too much all day, every day. They were not the best, but they were not that bad. I will always remember that day because it was a blast. Even when I made some mistakes, she was not mad. She just said, “Oh well,
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it happens. We can fix it.� We made a mess that day, but it was fun. I come from Juarez, Mexico. It is a somewhat of a hard place. There is a lot of stuff you need to have in mind. Do not talk to anyone you do not know. Always tell your mom, or dad where you are at, and just be careful. It is a beautiful place, but it can be a bad place. We have a lot of family there. They say that they see many bad things, but we stay together, we will all be okay. In my family, we have a blanket of the Virgin Mary, a blanket of when we got here, or when we go visit our families. We have had it for so long. If we lose any other blanket, we do not care, but if anything happens to that one, it would be a problem. I like to remember the day I took this picture with my three cousins when we were little. They sat us in this room
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
with a beautiful Christmas background. When we look at that picture, we make fun of it. It reminds us of when we were little and the fun we had together. This is my life.
Completing My Goal by Ashley M. I left my past behind and continue to be successful for my future. I see myself as a Pediatrician helping kids out and making them come out of their fear. As a kid, it can be hard to visit the doctor once or twice. But once they feel cured, they will be happy. My goal is to do that and not let anybody distract me.
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Quests by Rolando People think of life differently. I think of life as sort of a quest. When you complete something, you get rewarded. People say you should plan ahead because you can plan the easiest and fastest route to complete your goal. When I put my mind on getting good grades I did everything I could to raise it. Right now, I am trying to learn how to drive and to do that I have to read about the laws. I then have to complete the written test which will lead to another quest. The same goes for my braces. I have them with monthly check-ups. Although hard to maintain, when I am finished with them my teeth will be straight. Also, I have been studying a new language and when I can speak or at the very least understand it, I would open up a new world. Although these are nice, my main quest is living my life however I want, to make my parents proud, go to college, complete my parent’s dream of me succeeding, and to do what life is meant: enjoy it.
Students in Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Judgmental Ways by Ociel You should never judge book, or people, by the cover because you do not know what they have been through. A lot of people have their own story. Many overcome so many struggles. Some are mistaken for the same negative stereotypes. If an African American, Latino, Asian, or Middle Easterner commits a crime, then it is labeled as something negative towards the race. But when it is a white American, then it is not as bad, because they have a “mental illness,� which is ridiculous. I have nothing against Americans, but if somebody is white, that person has a 66% chance of having more opportunities than any other race. Yet other races are blamed for most of the things that happen. It is about time that we change these judgmental ways.
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