Since February is Black History Month, I’m recommending some of my favorite books by black authors this week. Specifically, my favorite books with both black authors that also have black main characters....

I have to imagine that nearly every teacher has, at some point, gotten the question, “When are we going to use this in the real world?” The answer may vary from teacher to teacher. Some will try to...

The bell rings dismissing everybody to their first period. I walk to class passing by the senior graduation countdown by the counselor's office. It’s now less than 40 days away. As each day comes to...

I wake up to my 6:30 alarm that tempts me to stay in the comfort of my warm bed, but I somehow muster the motivation to get up to get ready for school. But, I’m exhausted.  I wake up feeling like...

I walk into the building. The smell of overused grease and cheap cleaning supplies linger throughout the room. I clock in, barely on time. I put on the necessities, gloves, hair tie, a meager smile. Although...

I dreaded it every time it came around. You would think that it was something I would have grown used to at this point, but no... the same emotion evoked from me every single time...dread. The...

Baking a pie crust is easy, flour, sugar, salt, butter, and water. That’s all there is to it. I rolled out 3/4ths of the dough and placed it skillfully on the tray. I then used my fingers to crimp it...

I sat at a crumb-filled table. I could hear a crying baby in the background and the loud explosions coming from the living room television. I sighed, frustrated.  I had to face the undeniable fact...

Editor’s note: This photo was named an honorable mention personal column in the 2022 TAJE Best of Texas contest.  I love you, mija. Those words seemed to travel through thick and thin, quite literally....

Saturday, March 24. It was a humid day. I walked outside and was met with a slight touch of warmth. Standing in front of my school, I took a deep breath. I was nervous. Walking into the library, I noticed...