Student Work

From a SpeakTogether virtual workshop, University Heights High School, The Bronx, Fall 2020

This poem was composed during a six-week workshop conducted by poet Jubi Arriola-Headley, who introduced a class of 9th-grade students to myriad forms of poetry that exist. This workshop took place virtually during a global pandemic. Read more about the works in this collection, which demonstrates students’ efforts to find their voices and share them with their peers, teachers, and families.

My Mom Taught Me

by Laurencia

My mother is not only my mom but my best friend.
She is an unconditional lover.
Here are some of the things she taught me.
My mom taught me to be responsible always never to let anyone take responsibility for my action I must always do that myself
My mom taught me to Clean up after myself In her native language she said “soucoula sembe so mo teye da”
My mom taught me To be kind to everyone because being kind to others always feels good.
She is my best friend.

Laurencia is a freshman at University Heights High School in NYC, The Bronx.