YCTeen: True Stories by teens

YCT Story of the Week

I Don’t Want AI to Do My Thinking

Two teachers have shown me what we may lose by introducing AI into education.

by Maggie Crary

It’s been only two years since I first heard a teacher warn students not to cheat using AI. Since then, as I’ve learned more, it seems so obviously wrong and contrary to education itself. It strikes me as an attack on thinking, because AI can read the book for you and then write your essay about it.

Recent Stories

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.
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.

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more stories from the summer workshop

Highlighted Stories

Finding My Place

Going into care in a brand-new city was hard, but I’m gathering the help I need to prepare myself for independence.
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By Ariyana Dixon
Crossing Lines: What School Integration Taught Me

Going from one segregated school to another was difficult, but worth it.
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By Elena C.
Political Anxiety

Volunteering for Zohran Mamdani’s campaign helped me be less apprehensive.
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By Jonathan Mansell Jr.

More Stories

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.
The Secret I Let Slip

By Jorja Jackson

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

By Yeshaya Benknockee

Theater helped me find my voice
College in High School

By Arina Limarieva

Halfway through 11th grade, I’m finding out what makes a college class a college class.
Gotta Be Me

By Elizabeth Castro

An older student’s coolness and kindness put me on the path to self-acceptance.

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

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