Dear Future Self

Dear Future Self,

Now that you are a successful prosecution lawyer, I hope you see why you had to work so hard to get where you are now. I know that you hated Social Studies, but you had to do the work in order to become a lawyer. Now, you help the community by winning cases to convict killers, robbers, rapists. It should make you feel good to have a job like this.

Sincerely,

Mariya

(Mariya Cummings, 9th Grade)

A Phone of My Own

I remember when I got my first phone. It was one of the happiest days of my young life.

My phone was a Motorola Razor. Having it meant that I could talk to people without using my brother's cheap device. My dark blue Motorola Razor was, to me, the best phone ever! Other people had "slide up" phones, because that's what was in back then. But mine could flip up, and I could lock applications. This was good enough for me.

I could talk to whomever I wanted without bothering my brother and having to ask him to borrow his. He would always get mad, and sometimes he wouldn't let me use it at all.

Another thing I loved about my phone was that my bill was so affordable that it didn't make any sense. I had unlimited talk time, texting and internet. My cell phone company was a real blessing!

Even though I have a different cell phone company now, I'll never forget my first Motorola phone.

(Mariya Cummings, 9th Grade)

Dear Ancestors

Dear Ancestors,

Thank you for the struggle to make a better way for me.

In this day and time I believe that we all have just lost sight and its just the blind leading the blind. Lessons and challenges I have been faced with would be the lack of love sometimes displayed by my own people. We can't seem to come together to talk about our problems. I plan to overcome this obstacle by not becoming another statistic, by not blaming my insecurities on the world and by helping the world as I see fit. I feel that people have lost hope and turned their backs on one another. I feel that we really need help as a nation to be able to reach out.

I don't want to think that all of your work was in vain, but it seems that a lot of your work is being forgotten. Still, I want to thank you. I will try to use your legacy to help encourage and nurture my people back to a stable place to the best of my ability.

Sincerely yours,

Mykia

(Mykia Robbins, 9th Grade)

I Remember Grandma Linda

A person who is very dear to me was my Grandma. She means a lot because she cared for me and believed in me even when no one else wanted to. She gave me strength, hope, comfort and love. I miss her a lot. She taught me things no one else could. She encouraged me even when I did not want to take this gift, but it was worth it. She always liked to sing, even though back then I thought it was annoying. Now, I miss her melodious voice. Grandma Linda died when I was about ten or eleven. Her passing left pain in the hearts of many. Mostly mine.

(Abigail Taylor, 9th Grade)

Note: The image above is not of the author's actual grandmother

Dear Ancestors

Dear Ancestors,

I just want to let you know that all of your hard work didn't go to waste. I feel like I am standing and walking along the road to success, a road that you paved. Although the farthest back that anyone can trace is to my great great grandmother, I feel like you guys are in my presence and in my soul. I really do not have much to say other than thank you. I say thank you because you guys fought to give me the things that you could not have in the past. You created the opportunities that I have today, that I take advantage of.

One thing that I will make sure of in the future is that my children will have the same values that I have today. They are values that you passed down through the generations to me. So, once again, I want to say thanks for everything. One day, far in the future, I will see you in Heaven.

Love,

Daquavius

(Daquavius Gilliam, 9th Grade)

Dear Future Son (from K. Austin)

Dear J.J.,

I will start off by saying that I love you more than anything. As your mother I will be here for you no matter what, and I want nothing but the best for you.

As you grow, I do expect for you to make mistakes in overcoming obstacles simply because you are human. I want you to grow into a successful young man, have a career and fulfill your dreams to the best of your abilities.

It will benefit you greatly if you listen to us, your parents. Do what you are told and be honest with yourself. Always remember that you can talk to me about anything, whether it brings discomfort or not. Stay true to yourself and follow your heart. Talk to God and stay loyal to Him. Innovate, develop your ideas and reach as far as you can. With all this said, I want most of all for you, Jordan Lawrence, Jr. to be happy!

Love,

Mommy

(KeAnda Austin, 11th Grade)

Life Is Real

Ayo is a European-African singer, songwriter and guitarist whose music mixes reggae, acoustic folk and R&B. In this song "Life is Real" she sings about her acceptance of herself and her joyful attitude towards life despite its ups and downs.