I Survived 20 Days in Solitary Confinement—Here’s How I Got Through "Solitude never frightened me. In fact, I welcomed it. When I was a girl, I would envision myself in a cabin in the woods, or a house with a view of a lake or river, doing what I love to do most: writing. I never dreamed I’d be forced into a small enclosure with cold concrete floors and walls made of cinder blocks, where the … [Read more...] about Jacqueline Velez, Bard Microcollege Holyoke 2020 graduate, published in Oprah Magazine
Student Writing
New Year by Natasha Torres
(After Lucille Clifton’s “i am running into a new year”) I am running into a new year and the old years flew away like the air I throw out my nose like the love that broke my heart and it will be hard to let go of the memories of what I said about myself when I promised myself to stick alone and focus on myself but I am running into a new year and I beg … [Read more...] about New Year by Natasha Torres
Someday It Will Be Worth It by Jenniffer Gonzalez
(After Ocean Vuong’s “Someday I’ll love Ocean Vuong”) Jenniffer. Don’t give up. It might be raining now but it won’t rain forever. Everything will be okay. You are your own motivation and always have been. But now, Aleah, you will be my motivation too. No matter how many times we may struggle, we will always keep moving forward. Are you listening, Jenniffer? Are … [Read more...] about Someday It Will Be Worth It by Jenniffer Gonzalez
Superhero by Sylvia Torres
My superpower is being the best mom I could be. My villains would have to be any One who would try to take my daughter Away from me. I do everything for my daughter Feed, bathe, clothe, take care, buy stuff And love her always. I will always tell my daughter Who’s bad and who’s not, Who to trust and who not to. Who will always be there and Who will not. My … [Read more...] about Superhero by Sylvia Torres