We recently collaborated with Spark SF Public Schools, which commissioned our student Unique Cooper, age 15, to write and perform an original poem for their annual event, aligned with the Superintendent’s 21st Century Scholarship Award. Unique delivered an original piece that reflected the complexity and beauty of growing up in San Francisco. “When I write, I feel like I’m the Ocean Beach tide washing up on shore, flowing with ideas,” she shared.
With tutor guidance and a safe, creative space for ideas, Unique’s performance was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are given the space and the stage to Write Out Loud. Spark sat down with Unique after her performance to chat about her writing journey. Check out Unique’s highlight in the Spark monthly newsletter here, and read her interview here!
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“What It Feels Like to Be Me in This City”
by Unique Cooper, age 15
The city sings to me in the voice of loud concerts that are cheers of joy.
Joy feels like a roller coaster, going up and down, all the way around,
Like at the Cow Palace Fair.
I carry stories in my backpack from 0 to 15 years ago.
about playing at Saint Mary’s Park, going to Pier 39 with my friends, and my family
game days at San Francisco parks and beaches.
When I write, I feel like I’m the ocean beach tide washing up on shore, flowing with ideas.
Wave after wave I experienced my feelings developing into something new, each wave rushing to my mind.
You might not know what it’s like in San Francisco but I can tell you this: San Francisco is energetic, chaotic, fun, and crazy.
My family wants to help keep SF beautiful and thriving.
My family gives out food, clothes, water, blessings.
I’ve learned to find beauty in nature, beaches, and the sky
like a beauty supply store filled with different colored lip gloss
I’m talking about beauty at 826 Valencia, a place where I have more opportunities to express myself and earn more money.
I wish you could see how I’ve grown through my eyes
It was a surprise
how confident I’ve become from earning money by learning
If you believe in young people like me,
You’re helping us see what more we can do in life
Now, my words are strong, my dreams are powerful, and my future is bright.
Right here in San Francisco, a proud SFUSD student
who is as creative as the sunset.
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Photo by Stefan Gruenwedel