We’re proud to share two incredible pieces of writing by Teens in Print journalists Hiwan Maru and Mariella Murillo, published by the Boston Globe’s “Out of a Crisis: The Voices of Our Students” series. These pieces were originally published in The Great Divide newsletter.

My name is Mariella Murillo, and I am struggling

An essay by Mariella Murillo (excerpted below)

I live with five other Boston Public School students: two young girls under the age of 10, a 12-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a 15-year-old. I’m 17. I’ve always been extremely self-sufficient. I’m studious, hardworking, and focused. No one ever feels the need to check up on me, because even though I am far from perfect, I almost always do what I’m supposed to.

I’ve always prided myself on my grades, despite whatever personal obstacles I’ve faced.

Now, in my “virtual” senior year, I’m floundering.

There's nothing like being a teenager during a pandemic

A poem by Hiwan Maru (excerpted below)

Wake up in the morning, and get myself cleaned
The only Joe I meet is my morning coffee
Two sugars, wait, no three sugars, or I’ll fall asleep
Cameras on, mics off, five days a week

Stay in the house, no need to take the bus
Hours reserved for hearing know-it-all adults talk, talk, talk
They know books, but do they know us?
If they miss the mark on reliability, who do we trust?