Essential education reporting across America

This personal essay series features stories by high school students taking part in Chalkbeat’s fellowship program.

The backs of students as they walk through a hall at Adams City High School
From Chalkbeat New York Student Voices Fellowship
I’ve been code-switching since kindergarten
Changing my mannerisms and voice requires agility. It’s a skill and a burden.
By Enoch Naklen
 
Photo of a teenage boy wearing a blue button-down shirt and a tie. He sits at a desk in a classroom.
From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
What I want to be when I grow up often surprises people
By Dashawn Sheffield
 
A multicolored speech bubble made up of speech bubbles.
From Chalkbeat New York Chalkbeat En Español
Perder mi español es como perder parte de quien soy
By Ashally De La Cruz
 
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From Chalkbeat Chicago Student Voices Fellowship
Think my South Side high school is a ‘bad school’? Think again.
Here’s what I want you to know about Chicago’s Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
By Ajibola Elizabeth Junaid
 
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From Chalkbeat Philadelphia Student Voices Fellowship
There’s more than one way to write a college essay
I resented the expectation that I lead with my trauma. But trauma is not the only thing that defines me, and it’s not the only reason I deserve to go to college.
By Lin Lin
 
A felt depiction of two women talking
From Chalkbeat Philadelphia Student Voices Fellowship
Millions of children translate for their immigrant families. I am one of them.
Since coming to America, my parents have relied on me to navigate school conferences, doctors’ appointments, and even tax forms. Now I’m headed to college.
By Umme Orthy
 
A felt depiction of two women talking
From Chalkbeat Philadelphia Student Voices Fellowship
Millones de niños son intérpretes para sus familias inmigrantes. Yo soy una de ellos.
Desde que llegamos a Estados Unidos, mis padres han dependido de mi para entender conferencias en la escuela, citas médicas, y hasta formularios de impuestos. Ahora me voy a la universidad.
By Umme Orthy
 
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From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
Here’s what happened when my ‘no excuses’ school piloted a restorative justice program
I had advocated for new approaches to discipline. Then I benefitted from them.
By Chimdindu Okafor
 
Young woman in a black t-shirt and white cap sits at a table surrounded by promotional materials.
From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
Las familias como la mía necesitan más libros bilingües para niños
Mis papás hablan español; mi hermano de 8 años habla inglés. ¿Por qué no hay libros que ellos puedan disfrutar juntos?
By Daniela Palacios
 
Young woman in a black t-shirt and white cap sits at a table surrounded by promotional materials.
From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
Families like mine need more bilingual children’s books
My parents speak Spanish; my 8-year-old brother speaks English. Why aren’t there children’s books they can enjoy together?
By Daniela Palacios
 
A black background with text bubbles all around. In the middle are the words Student Voices Fellowship.
Student Voices Fellowship Student Voices Fellowship
Interested in becoming a Chalkbeat Student Voices Fellow? Here’s how to apply.
This paid essay-writing fellowship is open to students in NYC and Newark.
By Gabrielle Birkner
 
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From Chalkbeat Philadelphia Student Voices Fellowship
In America, I faced Islamophobia right from the start
On my first day of school, I wore a pink floral hijab. I didn’t realize it would make me a target.
By Umme Orthy
 
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From Chalkbeat Chicago Student Voices Fellowship
I’m in high school but already have big career plans. Here’s how I discovered a path that inspires me.
My English teacher and basketball blog pointed me toward my calling.
By Jeremiah Griffith
 
A young woman looks out of a bus window, wearing a black mask with long braided hair. She is wearing a grey track jacket with a school logo near the lapel.
From Chalkbeat Chicago Student Voices Fellowship
I expected the America I had seen on TV. But life on Chicago’s South Side is a struggle.
The realities of racism, poverty, food insecurity, and gun violence surprised me.
By Ajibola Elizabeth Junaid
 
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From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
In the IB track, I learned persistence, patience, and the power of community
I chose Science Park’s International Baccalaureate program for its rigorous academics. My classmates and teachers made it an experience I’ll cherish forever.
By Daniela Palacios
 
Two teens and an adult stand next to a statue. A colorful background is behind them.
From Chalkbeat Chicago Student Voices Fellowship
My aunt recognized my potential. That changed my life.
She invited me to live with her in Chicago, seizing the opportunity to change our family’s story.
By Jeremiah Griffith
 
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From Chalkbeat Philadelphia Student Voices Fellowship
Today I’ll sit in class and wonder, ‘Am I next?’
After the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, I dread going to school. When will our leaders act?
By Umme Orthy
 
A young man talks into a cell phone on the college campus of Howard University.
From Chalkbeat Newark Student Voices Fellowship
Why I see myself at an HBCU
While visiting historically Black campuses, I began to reimagine what my college experience could be.
By Chimdindu Okafor
 
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