#12 Barrio Writers Workshop at KIPP Austin

Before the holiday break, BW Founder Sarah Rafael García taught 1-class period workshops at KIPP in Austin, Texas. She was hosted by an empowering high school teacher (and poet) whose goal was to influence her students through creative writing—Yay for Ms. Minde!

For the next few weeks we will be featuring Ms. Minde's students on our blog! During the workshops the youth read, wrote and shared as a community (60 mins: 20-reading, 20-writing, 20-sharing). They read and discussed works by Tim Z. Hernandez, Jasminne Mendez, Rene S. Perez II and Barrio Writer Jesse Castillo!

After reading, they were asked to respond to a writer by doing "blackout poetry" or writing their own poem/story in similar style as the writers read in the workshop.

After writing, all the students were offered the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback from their peers. They were also invited to share on our blog!


Today's piece is by Jordan Vela, he created his own poem through freewriting!

Freewriting: often done on a daily basis as a part of the writer's daily routine, usually for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Write without worrying about spelling, grammar, or making corrections (revisions or editing). It’s one way to reduce writer’s block and develop a natural voice. If you reach a point where you can’t think of anything to write, then write that you can’t think of anything, until you think of something else to write.

What makes Jordan's words empowering is that he uses his own life routine to create thought and give us insight on a youth's perspective. He helps us relate to him, while we think of our own days. Here is Jordan's poem:

Getting Ready

Everyday I get up at 5:55

I eat, shower, and put on my

Polo and khaki pants. Then when

I leave at 7:00 or 7:10 I

always ask myself, "Will it be a good day or a bad one?"

I also pass by my church and pray that it will be a good day.
I get on the bus telling my mom I got here safely.
Everyday she tells me be careful
and to behave and that she loves me.
But I still question myself will be a good one or a bad one.

—Jordan Vela

Check out Jordan's submission to Barrio Writers! Great poem Jordan, keep writing and sharing!