YCTeen: True Stories by teens

YCT Story of the Week

The Secret I Let Slip

My gender identity is complex—that’s a problem for my parents, but I’m learning to accept my identity day by day.

by Jorja Jackson

Some names have been changed. Sometimes, there’s a secret that pushes hard against my throat. And in the quiet, unsuspecting moments—when the air sits heavy, and vulnerability surges—I’m tempted to spill it. It did spill out in the car with my mom on a random, uneventful Sunday—the Lord’s day, as she likes to call it.

Recent Stories

These Are the Good Old Days

By Jasmine Huang

I’ll start my senior year in the fall, and I’m already worried about losing my friends when we go off to college.
Humanizing Helena

By Evangeline Mujica

Acting helps me better understand myself and others.
At War With My Phone

By W.I.

Scrolling TikTok depletes and desensitizes me; I take back my mind and my empathy by looking up from my phone.

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play ball! stories about soccer

Highlighted Stories

MY FIRST TIME: Playing Soccer

I proved that a brainy girl can also be a jock.
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By Farhana Hussain
Leaving El Salvador Forever

I crossed borders, deserts, and rivers to reunite with my parents.
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By U.S.
More Than Just a Game

After giving up on my childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player, I’ve found other ways to fulfill my love of the sport.
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By Ayah Al-Masyabi

More Stories

Chatbot Comfort

By Lylagrace M.

I was stuck in a loop seeking reassurance and validation from AI. Opening up with friends helped me escape.
Being Creative, Getting Paid

By Anonymous

My love of art, style, and planning events led me to major in advertising at Fashion Institute of Technology.
I Don’t Want AI to Do My Thinking

By Maggie Crary

Two teachers have shown me what we may lose by introducing AI into education.
Minding My Own Businesses

By Orris Roper

The quest to ease my mom’s burden helped me discover my potential.
“Yeah, That’s Where I Live”

By M.K.

Permitting myself to take up space in an exclusive boarding school let me find my place there.
Navigating the Gray

By Anonymous

I had a harmful relationship with my teacher when I was 12 and 13 years old, but it’s not black and white.
Looking for My Groove

By Zaria Nyah Lowe

Therapy wasn’t a simple fix for my OCD, but it’s helped—especially by leading me to music.
Because I Spoke Up

By Yeshaya Benknockee

Theater helped me find my voice

Emphasis is on the yellow-shirted writer holding a pencil and another person holding a pen reading the laptop screen

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