Pegasus 2026

“RISE” is based on the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou and is meant to convey the sense of growth and happiness despite judgment and hate from others.

This Life by Gabriel Mahecha Alvarado

I am strong and understanding

I wonder about my future

I hear the voice of Milo J

Mis valores me cubren la espalda*

I feel dragon’s wings,

touch the sun

I worry about arrogance

Que vea el alma, y no los ojos**

In my dreams, I see Midgar,

live only with my friends

complete the World cup album,

don’t need to cry over the America Cup

Go to the Milo J concert.

El cielo no es azul y el mundo no es rosa***

I understand your hate for me, but

I say my actions can change the future

I hope to make my dad and mom proud

I am strong and understanding.

Lines from Milo J songs translated to English:

*My values protect me

**Let the soul see, and not the eyes

***The sky is not blue and the world is not pink

The Present Within Reach by Jennifer Palaguachi

Some may never feel the material of a book,

Some may never step on this stage.

In silent chambers with sunlight streaming in,

We chase the vocal traces of the corridors.

The present we hold is always within reach -

Nourish with courage the hearts that are timid.

Hours of the night pass by eyes so weary,

Answers are sought under the darkened sky.

Every mistake exposes another lock,

Opening doors invisible before.

Learning sets up a quiet fire that spreads light,

A chance to rise and make our names known.

Even though not every road is easy or obvious,

The present we master is always within reach.

Every teacher, regardless of their approach,

Enriches the minds that seek and wonder.

Works in Progression by Jacob Cedeno

She Was Always There by Victoria Sophia Villamar

Our minds are powerful tools,

Powerful enough to create success,

Powerful enough to sabotage the one thing

that matters to it most: the love we have.

My chest hurt, but not because of the fight. Fights were usual these days. These stupid arguments had become commonplace. I hurt because I realized I was wrong, and had been wrong for a while. I realize now that I have prioritized writing this stupid script over the time I could spend with her. I hope it’s not too late.

I slept on the couch that night. I rolled over into the darkness praying for the rest that comes with night, but my brain couldn’t rest. I could only dream restlessly the same dream over and over again: The script was finished at last, and I sat front row at the premiere. Haillie wasn’t there; I was alone. The theater was packed with faceless cheers, glitching in and out like holograms.

Meaningless success. I hated the project for what it had taken.

When I woke up, the morning was foggy and suffocating. It felt as though the sandman had visited, and never left, making me wonder if I was truly awake. I looked around, trying to gather my surroundings as though I was in a foreign hotel instead of my own living room. I hoped Hailie would forgive me, but with every fight that became less likely.

CRASH.

A boom of thunder shook the house to its foundations, startling me off the couch. I could already feel the grasp of stress pulling at the back of my neck tightening like reigns. I had to finish today, yet all I could think about was the fight. My mind narrowed to a tunnel, restricted to one thing - the story - leaving Hailie in the dark periphery.

I want to be successful for her, but ‘success’ is what takes me away from her.

I finally gathered enough energy to stumble into the kitchen and power on the coffee maker.

While the machine groaned and sputtered the first few drips, I moved to the nearest window and waited. The storm had strengthened overnight and I could barely see out the window. The rain warped and twisted the view, obscuring any glimmer of the outside world.

BOOM.

The house shook again. Wait where’s Hailie? There's no way she could have gone to work in this storm, she had to be home. “Hailie! I'm making coffee. Do you want any?” I shouted into the dim hallway leading away from the kitchen.

The house was still and silent. My eyes moved around the kitchen for a moment looking for a sign of her, but it was exactly as I had left it the night before.

Except a letter?

There was a crumpled letter on the kitchen table. The handwriting, scratchy and erratic, there is no better word to describe it than forced.

Der Opal,

Yu ar driven mi mad. I mus goo.

Bie bie,

Hailie

My heart stopped, I didn’t take a breath, wasn’t sure I could. Was it the strained handwriting? the random accusations? unnatural spelling mistakes? I wasn’t scared because I thought she left. No, I was terrified because I knew she couldn’t have written this. She’d broken her arm a week before in a skiing accident.

Someone else is here, I thought. With a shaking hand, I grabbed the first object I could reach: Hailie’s letter. It seems stupid now, I certainly know better.

This is the moment in every horror movie where the audience screams for the protagonist to leave the house, grab a weapon, but they never do do they? Our minds are powerful tools, powerful enough to self destruct.

Holding the letter close to my chest, I crept into the hallway and eyed each doorway for Hailie. “Where are you?” I whispered, voice a vibrato.

To my horror a voice replied. “Oupull.” I stopped in my tracks. “Ohpall??” The voice intensified trying to sound more like Hailie. I edged closer to the entrance of the dark livingroom. “Oppal???” The tone changed again, sounding more right, more her.

I edged closer.

Even knee deep in hope, I knew it wasn’t her. There were brief intonations, glimpses of Hailie, but it was never quite her voice.

“Opal-” sharp this time, impatient.

“I’m coming!” A shot of regret ran through my body as the words escaped.

CRACK.

A flicker of lightening lit the room allowing me to see for just a moment. I saw it, the voice.

It was wearing her skin.

This thing had the body of Hailie, it wore her clothes, it wore her skin but wore it in such a way that it was twisted and bent, like a child growing out of their clothes. The arms contorted into odd angles, the legs splayed unnaturally. Hair slipped sideways like a worn out wig.

It didn’t wear her face.

Instead, there was a puckered hole where her face should have been, as though the void itself were open in a consuming scream.

“Opal.” The voice no longer bothered with mimicry; it fully revealed its alien echo.

“I’m sorry!” I screamed, “I WAS WRONG! -

I can tell you don’t believe me Dr Philip. You aren’t making eye contact and I know that means you’re going to lie again. I miss her every day and I won’t fall for it. Don’t open the door, don’t leave me here alone!

Who are you talking to? Wait! -

Don’t! -

No! -

Don’t let it in!

Best Friend by Luis Lopez-Vazquez

We don’t talk every day but

when we do, it’s like nothing else.

He knows too much about me;

that's how I know it’s real.

Untitled by Cynthia Lopez-Vazquez

Like the 8 planets that orbit the sun

that’s how my soul orbits your heart.

Polished Neglect by Vianna Belicia

Artist's Statement

This digital composition, designed with a mobile drawing software, reimagines the fine dining of romance as a stage for a fractured heart. Here, love is presented not as nourishment, but as a performance of preservation. The moldy bread and the lone fly represent the steady decay of a relationship that has lost its vitality, yet its silver serving platter conveys a poignant metaphor for a love where genuine healing is replaced by the cold comfort of luxury.

In this relationship, every emotional wound is treated with a bribe rather than a conversation. The fancy plate and knife act as a gilded bandage, attempting to wrap the scars of toxicity in a layer of status and wealth. It captures the tragic beauty of a love that looks exquisite from a distance, but reveals that below the surface, no amount of material opulence can truly sweeten a bond that has turned bitter at its core.

Madre by María Florez

sandpaper down scorched throat

a hand shoos sweaty bangs away from burning skin

chapped lips kiss fevered forehead

¿Estás muy caliente, necesitas algo?

hair frizzing more the longer she stays,

her roots have grown into the chair by my night stand

she whispers stories from her homeland,

ahí no te sientes sola.

She writes my name with the tilde on the “i”, always

“I named you something special, something holy”

I am her regalo de Dios

she says

I cry for days, words slurring between languages

She makes my favorite food when I manage to leave my room

She hugs me tight

She is not a good teacher, but her grip is strong

I grasp onto her history, her lessons like

flores en las manos de un niño.

All I need is….A Poem by Cercillia

Love isn't something I search for anymore

Not because I think it's a closed door

It's because I experienced it once, too

Her love was something beautiful, tender, and true

The sound of her sweet voice calling my name

The warmth of her gentle hugs always felt the same

The soft caressing of her warm hands

That is the love that stays with me, as life goes on and expands.

My life changed, but I never lost her love

I push through hard times with her love from above

I never thought I'd lose her so easily

Yet she is the sun who leads me freely

All I need is her

Her love and warmth will never blur

As I grow and life takes its shape

It is she who raised and made me

Forever, she is my home

Still my mom,

Still my love.

Untitled by Kelly Guevara

Self by Selvin Yool

Luciana by Luciana Vanegas Carmona

It means kind, creative, funny

It is the number 1

It is like the color of sunset

It is my family's laughter.

It is the memory of my grandma who taught me kindness and strength

Luciana means being yourself and treating people with love matters more than perfection.

Maternal Instinct by Hanyi Quevedo Balan

Lingering all around me,

Your nurturing care.

Since the day you brought me here,

You’ve fed me well.

And you’ve given to me,

What I cannot replace.

You’ve left me grateful

for all the mountains I could not climb,

too scared to leave you behind,

anxious, on the ground.

Your love,

like pouring rain in April

I’ve always known;

it’s second nature.

Your eyes,

careful and kind,

always guide me right.

You make me thankful,

For a love so easy.

Various Pieces by Rudy Garcia

All the Ways Life Saves Me by Marcia Larios-Us

I honor the smallest of miracles,

Wind passing in greeting to me,

Rain tapping out secret songs,

Only Earth can hear

Trees breathing quietly.

Even the smallest breeze against my cheek,

Reminds me:

Life is happening

and I am lucky enough to feel it.

I wake, watching Earth sew its final stitches of night,

morning pours through my body.

She is a promise given, but not expected.

These steady, patient, walls

watch every tear and smile,

hold memories of laughter and anger.

In the background I hear my family’s footsteps,

a gentle reminder of their love and warmth.

Their presence is constant in my heart and mind

even if this chaotic place does not allow me to listen.

Somewhere in a quiet, soft between,

lies another heart walking with mine,

always caring,

always gentle,

always loving.

Another reason to be grateful:

an unexpected kindness

this universe handed me.

What a miracle

simply to exist and

find beauty!

Today and every day

I thank the world

for its gentle care:

for the love that raised me,

the breath that fuels me,

the chances that shape me,

the sky and earth that steady me,

And the roof that keeps me dry.

All the subtle, sacred ways,

Life proves its beauty,

over and over again.

Found Poetry on the Road Less Traveled

What is a found poem?

According to Poets.org: Found poems take existing texts and refashion them, reorder them, and present them as poems. The literary equivalent of a collage, found poetry is often made from newspaper articles, street signs, graffiti, speeches, letters, or even other poems.

A pure found poem consists exclusively of outside texts: the words of the poem remain as they were found, with few additions or omissions.

Sketch by Roselyn Guarcax

Love in 49 Forms by Maria Flores

I spent a while thinking of how I could physically convey all the ways love impacts people and I realized as I looked around my room that I had kept hundreds of little things connected to the people I care about. Our relationships have been preserved in these seemingly meaningless objects. I thought about how a lot of people probably keep stuff like that and I wanted to demonstrate that photographically.

Alaskan Bear stuffed animal given to my mother by her best friend - Valentine’s Day in 1998
Silver jewelry tray, a gift from my grandmother to my mother, a welcome to the United States.
Earrings, my favorite color, given to me on my seventeenth birthday.
Gold leaf bracelet I inherited from my aunt when I was fifteen.
Friend’s bracelet given to me because “it matches my style”.
Lace ribbon used in a bouquet of flowers my father sent me for my birthday.
My first photo: a sonogram of my mother’s only successful pregnancy.
Eraser my friend saved me from his job.
Gum from another friend.
Dried flower, a gift from my dad the day he found out I was on the way.
Kiwi my mother brought me after I mentioned I liked them once.
Chocolate from a valentine.
Tea my mother brews whenever I lose my voice.
A piece of fine china my mother’s student presented as thanks for being an important teacher.
Pumice stone an elementary school friend brought from Greece.
Hand drawn card of a seal, my favorite animal, from a favorite person.
Drawing of my family (created: age 6) which still hangs on our fridge.
Congratulations written in Korean that I found on the sidewalk in the rain.
Envelope from the card my old best friend gave me thanking me.
My mother’s family on film in their home country.
Shells from a beach my mom brought back for me when I was too scared of the sea to go with her.
Copper wire star, memory of a friend after she graduated.
Charm from a bracelet my aunt gave me.
Hand crafted wooden house my mother’s father gave her to carry home to America.
Perfume a student’s mother gave my mom for Christmas.
The brooch my mother used to keep my Quinceñera dress properly fixed.
Amethyst earrings my Abuela had madefor my mother in 18kt gold.
Hand-bleached seashell, gifted from a family friend, a favorite part of my beach collection.
Needle-felted bee my best friend gave me for my fifteenth birthday.
My mother’s Cumbiambera doll her friend mailed her to treat her homesickness.
Small peasant doll my father found and gave me.
Pendant in my favorite color that my mom used to quiet my crying.
Best friend charm from a necklace with an old friend.
Portrait of my dog my best friend painted.
Baby shoes from my Abuela for when I was born.
Shirt my best friend gave me inspired by my love of stars.
My mother’s promise ring to my father.
Pencil case with a surprise “I love you” waiting for me inside.
Colombian Bracelet (broken) my aunt brought when she visited.
Origami heart my best friend struggled to make; they have since renounced this art form that I still love.
Miniature crab my bestie’s sister gave me because she knew I was weirdly obsessed with them.
Dollar with "Congratulations on your new life!!” and a scribbled heart received as change.
Mini Jesus figure my aunt brought from Bogotá for my mother.
Hair bandana in a protective fabric my Abuela gave me in a cab right after I arrived in Colombia.
Amethyst heart necklace my father gave my mother after they got married.
My aunt’s ring that I carried around my neck for a year after her death.
Love letter my dad mailed from America to my mom in Columbia when they missed a call back in 1996.
A detailed magnet my uncle bought for my mother during one of his military tours.
Full bed, fully crocheted quilt made by my mother’s loving hands.

Once, a young man said to himself by Atila Page

Impervious is he who moves beyond what shaped him

for he believed not in living in the past,

but rather the present, where thoughts turned to action,

where memory ceased to exist in his vessel of pride,

and where he could escape from history and try,

try to rummage through the hell that is this world

with all its secrets and mysteries beyond.

He eventually stumbled and fell upon his knees

and why? Why, he would ask.

Why does the road rise to bruise those who walk it?

Why must winds blow cold before they turn kind?

Why do the very lessons that cradled him arrive

wearing the face of anguish and pain?

In his doubt, he found a stillness,

a low yet brutal truth humming beneath the noise;

the past was not an abandoned verdict,

but a lesson confined in shadows,

waiting to be revealed.

As he rose, his sight cleared before him:

he started counting not victorious ends,

but the hands that raised him when he stumbled,

the hands that harbored hope,

the hands that could withstand

bruising and bleeding and the brink of death.

He learned to respect and appreciate those

who dulled the sword of doubt,

who eased the burden of pain,

and recognize those hands, seen and unseen

and they had forever been.

Could he still be the ungrateful boy

That understood not the value

Of his dear friends?

Sucely by Sucely Olmedo

Friendly, helpful, introverted, respectful

Sibling of three

Loves the roses, loves the animals

Feeds the need to care for homeless children

Needs more love in her life and more smiles

Gives everything to brothers, to friends

Fears losing her mother and siblings

Wishes there were more love and less violence.

Even Now by Elizabeth Soto Alvarado

The stillness feels heavier than it should.

Even though we don’t talk now,

I still carry the things you taught me—

subtle lessons wrapped inside moments

I didn’t think mattered then. You taught me

how to stand on my own. How to

keep going when things get hard. How to

think for myself when life feels messy.

I can’t pretend our past didn’t shape me.

You are miles away in more ways than one,

I am thankful for the honesty you taught

even without these words we won’t say,

I am still grateful, Dad.

The Meaning Behind My Name by Alejandro Trujillo Santos

It means funny, loyal, creative

It is the number 29

It is like blood 🩸

It is the sound of laughter during

family dinners at Christmas ☃︎🎅🎄❄️☃️🎁🦌

It is the memory of my grandfather, Eddy 🕊️🤍,

who taught us resilience and kindness

when he helped our neighbors repair their home after the storm ⛈️

My name is Alejandro,

it means that every person has the power

to make a positive impact on the world

through small, daily acts of compassion 🦸‍♂

Mi Tierra Querida by Adriana Altagracia Torres

My dear Dominican Republic,

I miss you with all my heart.

Thank you for everything,

for the warm hug the air gives

the second I get off the plane,

the music in the streets,

the bachata, the merengue,

the loud voices, the full laughter.

Thank you for the beaches of soft sand,

for the sunsets that paint the whole sky,

for the ocean where half of my memories live.

Thank you for being my home, for being part of me.

Sit, Friends by Tshering Sherpa

I painted the table next to the library with acrylic paint and finished the background digitally. The table is where my friends and I usually hang out after school. I enjoyed painting this spot that reminds me of all the fun memories we have made together. We play games, talk loudly, laugh, and make jokes.

I am very thankful to have such caring people as friends. Each one of them makes me smile, and I’m very thankful that they tolerate my childlike energy.

To My Parents by Faziya Amin

Thank you for all that you’ve done. Really, I mean it. You’ve always done your best to keep both my brother and me happy, and you never let financial burdens affect our young lives. You never expected an overwhelming amount from us; you just wanted us to complete our education and get well-paying jobs. You truly wanted us to have the childhood and the life that you never had.

I remember even the smallest moments we shared. Mom, I remember when I would help you cook in the kitchen, and everything you taught me. You’d help me light the stove until I finally got the courage to do it myself. I still laugh when I remember how you’d always call dad “your father,” and we’d joke that you made it sound like you two were divorced!

Dad, I remember all of our movie nights—we’d watch movies until there were none left to watch. And anytime I saw a bug when you were home, you were the first person I’d call. Even when your teasing was truly annoying, I still enjoyed every single moment of it.

I admit that you both could be overprotective at times, like not letting us hang out with friends outside of school. But I know now that it came from a place of wanting to protect us, you are so often right.

I love you both so much, and I am incredibly grateful for the ways you used to take care of me and still do. I promise to return the favor when you're both old and unable to do so yourselves.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter

Water Dragon by Hannah Jung

Penance by Chloe Nunez

A slight hue emanates from a greatly dim room.

A darkened door, insignificant—except

the person inside feels more than alive.

Alert to what they hear within the night:

a cheery voice, forever steady becomes

the sun in the hollow space.

refreshing, unique, ever so captivating;

it keeps the light from truly dissipating.

Sometimes, when the void of night increases its size,

words, once cool, turn rocky and rough,

igniting a flame too strong to snuff out.

It blazes the fury of a thousand militia

that only attacks the most vulnerable.

The flame seems permanent in its burn;

its only counter is a tiny, tired heart.

A heart alone, so lonely, so hurt

has no choice but to continue.

Its song echoes across the scorched earth

Flourishes within their life, beyond their rebirth.

Dear Gabriel, from your sister, Alisson Yunga

Even though you're just a year old, and you can’t understand now, but one day I hope that you will. I hope you can feel the love behind everything I'm saying. I want you to know how thankful I am for you to be in my life, and how grateful I am to be your big sister. There are many things in this world that I'm thankful for experiencing. However, I'm most thankful that in this lifetime I got to experience being your sister.

You hugely changed my life, impacting how I am as a person today. The day you were born felt so unreal. I never thought I would have a sibling. Life felt different knowing there's going to be a tiny person at home soon. The moment I saw you arrive, I couldn't take my eyes off you. Touching your tiny hands made my heart melt, knowing that you would make our lives brighter. I would have never thought a person could take up that much space in my heart so fast, but you did. I found myself wanting to be better for you.

You became the reason for me to grow, to learn, and to become someone you could look up to one day. You have taught me so much already without you knowing. You have taught me patience, the kind you learn from a baby who doesn't understand what's right or wrong. Having you in my life made me want to protect you from everything negative. Most importantly, you have taught me to love in a way I thought I could never love. I love you unconditionally, simply because you exist.

When I hear you laugh, I feel myself soften. I can never stay upset when you start to fill the room with giggles. You don't understand how much you have helped me through some of my darkest days without even being aware. Sometimes there have been moments I've felt overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of myself, but then I see your smile, and suddenly nothing feels as heavy anymore. Your presence has become a reminder that life still has simple joys, reasons to keep going, keep loving. I'm thankful for the way you look into my eyes with full trust. I want to be someone you feel safe with, someone who protects you, guides you, and gives you full support. Being your big sister is one of the greatest privileges in life I've ever had.

Even when you become moody, vibrating with energy, and refuse to listen, I'm still grateful to experience your chaos. It makes you who you are, the person I adore with my whole heart.

Hearing every new word you speak feels like little puzzle pieces forming who you are.

Before you, I never considered who I wanted to become in the future, now I do.

I want to be someone who can guide you, someone who can love you the right way, Someone who shows you that you deserve every good thing in life. I am thankful for every kiss on the cheek you have given me, for the way you say my name, even if it is your own way. Every memory we build together is a home I will keep safe. You have been loved from the very beginning.

Thank you for bringing joy into my world and for giving me purpose. You are a gift to our family and to me, too. I promise you this: no matter how old you get, no matter where life takes us, I will always be grateful that you are my baby brother.

With all my love,

Alisson

At Sea: Sketch by Melvin Estrada

The Power Behind Small Acts of Kindness by Meghri Kassardjian

Everyone has their own life, their own story, and their own struggle. You never truly know what someone is going through, so stay positive, even on your hardest days. One thing people often forget is how meaningful the smallest acts of kindness can be. Little things can completely change someone’s day and remind them that they aren’t alone. Take the time to notice these gestures and use their power to motivate you.

Small acts of kindness can come from anyone; it doesn't have to be from someone you know. Something as simple as holding the door or a quick check-in message often means more than one realizes. These actions only take a few seconds, yet they show genuine care. Even if you hesitate to reach out, do it anyway. A simple compliment can be exactly what someone needs.

The best part about kindness is that you expect nothing in return. It just makes someone happy and highlights their value. They also create an emotional impact; a few words of encouragement can completely shift someone's mood. Maybe it’s the motivation they were searching for, or the reassurance they were looking for. People struggle with stress, worry, or insecurity, but no one truly knows until they can communicate their concerns. Kindness has the power to replace negative thoughts with warmth and comfort. This emotional shift can inspire them to pay kindness forward, allowing them to create a bigger impact on others’ lives.

Showing kindness also teaches gratitude. Slow down and look around; realize that supporting people can make a huge difference and show appreciation for the kindnesses bestowed on you. Be thankful for the people around us. These tiny reassurances can turn someone's entire world around. Instead of worrying about what’s wrong, focus on graces that have been granted to you already.

Every day is a new chance to be kind. If you don’t do it today, you can always do it tomorrow. It’s okay to take care of yourself, but sometimes reaching out to someone else helps you to step out of your comfort zone, connect with people, and remember that kindness costs nothing. Small gestures can change someone's world, and you never know how much a person needs them.

Smile at someone today.

Make somebody happy.

You have more power than you think you do.

All I need is... by Arlynn Gonzalez

I created a piece that is dedicated to one of the important people in my life: my mother. It was created using a mechanical pencil and colored pencils to add color and shade. This work represents her love for me. She is a strong, brave woman who has survived many journeys - even breast cancer. This drawing is meant to highlight her grace. I wanted to capture the depth and warmth of her spirit, and intend for this to serve as a heartfelt tribute to her strength and the bond we share.

Hardcore World by Erisa Koroveshi

A player doesn’t realize the beauty of what they’ve created before it’s too late.

Before the sharp hiss and a boom shouts throughout the blocky cave.

Levels of experience and layers of caves come clashing far down,

all the way until it reaches bedrock to the point your material is unattainable.

Rage quit then reflect on your base.

Those birch walls you planned to hang with shelves and paintings,

the basement with a storage system you never quite finished,

and your potato farm that you harvest every other hour

These plans dull your day- it’s all what could have been before that creeper came along.

Your friends were always wandering pesky griefers.

They left marks on meaningless statues around your base

and toyed with your amateur redstone mechanics,

they have more meaning than you realize.

Initial annoyances shift to smirks.

Perfection was never guaranteed.

You were destined to one day end your hardcore world,

but never planned to take it for granted.

Enchanted swords and trees full of beehives

seemed mundane.

But, not until you’re forced to spectate will you see

you can always start a new game.

And that feeling of wonder and exploration

won’t die with this character.

Melting Point by Logan Haye

Artist's Statement:

“Melting point” is a display of my personal artistic burnout through the metaphor of melting candles. After creating art back to back for the past few months, somewhere along the way, I felt tired and drained when it came to creating due to the expense of it all. So, through this piece, I wanted to channel how I was feeling, while also finding the simple joy of creating something beautiful again.

Built With Love by Shahd Bakri

There are many important people in my life, but my mom is one of the most important. She is a person I am very thankful for. My mom is someone out of a fairytale to me. From the day I was born to now, my mom has been a mother, a best friend, and a role model.

From the moment I was conscious enough to remember, my mom has always been there. She never fails to show me love and care from the time I wake up to the moment I go to bed. She does little things to show me how much she cares for me, in many different ways, but to me, they are not little at all, and these things are unforgettable. She packs my lunch when I forget, calls me every morning to make sure I am awake in time for school, cleans my room before I get home, and cooks me a heartfelt meal every day. These couple of things ease the heaviness of my shoulders every day and make my day easier.

My appreciation for my mom is endless; I couldn’t imagine juggling all the things she does for me in a day. She continues to spoil me in ways you couldn’t imagine and shows me love in every way. Although she shows me endless love, this isn’t the only thing I have learned from her.

She’s also taught me many valuable lessons. She helps me turn every mistake into a lesson. I learned a lot from these lessons, including to be myself, be kind to others, and never judge anyone. As a kid, whenever something went wrong, she always knew the answer and how to fix it. She never scolded me, made me feel bad, or made me feel dumb.

I want to be just like her and know exactly what to do in every situation. I admire her strength and perseverance, even in the most difficult situations. The love and strength she has shown me pushes me to be the best version of myself. I still have a lot to learn from her, but what she has taught me so far will never be forgotten.

My mother is one of the biggest blessings in my life, and that’s why she is someone I am very grateful for.

Ashido by Melissa Santos

This image shows a colored sketch of the character Mina Ashido, otherwise known as "Pinky" from the anime series My Hero Academia.

La Mente by Chloe Nunez

Artist's note:

Covi is consumed by her addiction. Here, she is depicted as potentially drowning in it. While she wallows, she grips her alcohol instead of hope or relationships that ought to save her. The writing comes from the song "Youngest Daughter" by Superheaven and functions as a signal that she is losing her mind while her family slips away from her. Without support and community, she self-treats with unhealthy coping mechanisms and falls further away from herself. The quotes below highlight the inspiration for Covi to heal, to grow and to reconnect to the people in her life.

“We only live once. Not everyone gets the same stuff to succeed fast in life, nor can we expect to breeze through the inconveniences life pushes us into. However, we can tread through the murky waters, fight against the poisons that cripple us, and stand up to our largest fears...Not everything has a happy ending, but we’ll make one ourselves.” - Kori, a close friend

“Nothing is easy, but, even if it ain’t much to you, we’ve got each other.” - Dallas, Covi's brother

Floating by Julian Gianotti

Sometime between morning and night, between decision to fly and roller coaster harness. Between who I was at 6:15 and with whom I was walking out of those gates, something in me stretched open, shifted, changed shape. A whole life was detoured by one unexpected curve.

At 6:15, the sky was barely a thought.

I had no thoughts whatsoever.

I was moving, breathing, but not awake,

Going through the motions of morning.

School felt inevitable as gravity

I held on like a parachutist grasping a plane’s wing.

And then, the shift, a slow, deliberate curve

onto the Turnpike, as if it were nothing:

actors following a script.

I stood backstage, listening to our plot unfurling.

Hours drew out,

The long road, yet so familiar from previous trips.

But somehow… new,

Like it was leading me to a horizon

I didn't even know I wanted.

Six Flags Great Adventure.

Loud, bright, & buzzing;

the air felt ten times… better…

thick with screams and laughter

layered. Humming coasters rolling

By in the heat.

First ride: Superman.

My stomach slipped

as the seats, went up?

Carried into the sky

flying,.

My heart beat rhythms against ribs

My breath returned as a laugh

I didn't even know I had.

The day went on-a blur of lines,

sun, and shadows under trees

The smell of the pavement

of popcorn, and of the metal

My voice turned hoarse from screaming;

it felt good to feel so big.

By 7, the edges of the park softened.

Occasional lights flickered, small promises.

I was tired-the kind of tired that feels

earned. It settled into my bones

like lingering memories.

The Beauty of Cats Alike by Selin Tin

Soft

Warm

Fuzzy,

Cute,

Beauty that can’t be captured in just one look.

Poise

Demeanor

Loyalty,

And charisma.

Elegant enough to quiet a room.

Tuxedo,

Calico,

Ginger,

And white

All patterns and shades,

Shared by cats alike.

The beauty and uniqueness of these cats,

Shows the need to take a stand

One,

Two,

Three,

Four,

Let’s be thankful for these animals.

And advocate more.

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