Middle & High School Student Writing with Curriculum
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Somalia's Forgotten Childrenby Sahnun Hassan MohamudSahnun writes about the challenges and uncertainty facing youth in Somalia. Following the strong example of his mother and other activists, Sahnun recently started his own NGO to build schools for children in a country ravaged by war and poverty. |
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The Cost of Healingby Jessica Yang
Jessica writes about two pressing current issues: the rising cost of higher education and the availability of healthcare in the United States. From her perspective as an aspiring pediatrician, Jessica examines the price of following her dreams and argues passionately for a systemic change in the insurance industry. |
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An Immigrant's Prideby David Zhang
David, a first generation American, writes about the appreciation he has for his status as a citizen of the United States and the responsibility it brings. David relates how his upbringing and family history has shaped his worldview and encouraged him to make the most of his education. |
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Battling AIDS in My Cityby Malcolm BerryMalcolm writes about his work as a peer educator devoted to ending the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. By thoughtfully presenting compelling statistics and personal experience, Malcolm focuses attention on an issue of both local and global significance. |
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My Syrian Cultureby Liyana IdoLiyana writes about the important traditions that reflect her family's Syrian culture. Through language and food, Liyana connects with both her family and her heritage. |
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The DC That I Seeby Nick EckenwilerNick writes about diversity in the United States by reflecting on his personal experiences in DC. He observes the unique identity shared by those living in DC, a city that marks the intersection of global and local communities. Read More | About the Author | Curriculum & Reviews |
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Wondering Which Is Homeby Melissa LinsaoMelissa writes about her upbringing as a Filipino-American raised in the United States. A visit to the Philippines gives her a new appreciation for her life and family, but also leaves her wondering where "home" really is. |
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Hoping Tomorrow is Safeby Shaneka SpeightAs a DC native, Shaneka provides a candid look at the issue of youth and gang violence in American cities. She writes about the devastating impact that youth violence can have on teens, families, and neighborhoods. Shaneka's strong voice urges all teens to help to stop the cycle of violence. Read More | About the Author| Curriculum & Reviews |
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Skies of Beijingby Victoria WangVictoria writes about the significant economic, environmental, and cultural changes she observed on her last visit to China. Through stories about her Grandfather, Victoria explores the connections between individuals and environment, putting forth a powerful call for international cooperation on an important global issue. Read More |About the Author | Curriculum & Reviews |
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From One Alexandria to Anotherby Salma MohamedA first generation American, Salma returned to her father’s homeland of Egypt when she was only 9 years old. In her Reflection, she describes modern Egyptian society, the landscape, the people and the educational system that she encountered. Throughout her Reflection, Salma shares the personal significance of her time in Egypt and the value she has come to place on discovering her family ancestry. |
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Mountains of Cerebral Palsyby Calvin KennedyCalvin is a teenager living with Cerebral Palsy. What begins as an exciting hike outdoors ends up being an even more important life lesson for Calvin. While he struggles with doubt and fear, in the end it’s Calvin’s inspiring strength and optimism that get him up the mountain |
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Tasting Culture in Mexicoby Talia HarrisTalia writes about her life-changing experience living with a Mexican host family during the summer before her Senior year. As she discovers new people and a new culture, she realizes that she might be learning even more about her own personal and cultural identity. Talia’s insights on race and privilege, offer a unique window into culture and global issues.
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The Other Franceby Anna FaginEleventh grader Anna read a lot about France and what her summer living abroad would be like. Over the course of the summer, Anna struggles with how her expectations differ from her actual experiences. Ultimately, lessons about perception and expectations are just a small part of her summer exploring "The Other France." |
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A View of Zambia from Withinby Isabel Isabel NampakwaIsabel, a 10th grade student from Lusaka, Zambia reflects on the beauty and culture of her African homeland as well as the challenges and misconceptions facing her nation and generation of teenagers. |
















