By Sherri Blevins
North Jackson High School is home to many talented students and faculty members. Recently, while searching Facebook for interesting or newsworthy events, I found a post from North Jackson High School English Teacher Nia Stivers that contained several examples of students’ original poetry. The students read and evaluated the magazine article “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, and they were then tasked with writing an “I am from” poem. These poems are designed to let writers portray a literary snapshot of where they are from and highlight important sights, sounds, and memories from their past. The following are only a portion of the excellent examples from Ms. Stivers’ Dual-enrollment English class.
I am from the class of NJ ’24, with opportunities and dreams sitting at my door; just an ol’country girl about to give this world a twirl.
I am from the game of softball, a sport that I will always give my all. We celebrate victory and defeat, the State Championship I would so much like to repeat.
I am from a school of tradition and pride, thankful for all of you by my side. Bleed red and black till the day I die, a place that I love, I cannot lie.
I am from a farm in Russell Pike, a place that my family really does like. My parents work hard every day; so much to them I could never repay.
I am from a family who loves to cook; my Nannie feeds everyone in the book, the times I forever enjoy.
I am from the high standards of Mom, standards so high, no way to keep her calm. Her love for me steadily rings true; this ol’ girl loves her whole crew.
By Avery Wynne
I am from two grandparents, not four; from loud dinners and louder conversations, rooms so full of laughter you forget about the empty seats.
I am from big personalities, personalities so big there is barely room for mine, from laughing so hard, the tears can’t help but fall.
I am from vivid stories, a nostalgia for a past I wasn’t here for, but one I can see as clearly as if I was.
I am from quiet actions, Christmas gifts with no tags, gratitude waved off hugs quick, I love you’s unspoken but understood.
I am from homemade macaroni and cheese, Cokes by the twelve-pack, and swimming in the lake.
I am from mosquitos, beetles, and tiny snakes, eating worms, getting hit by footballs, and stepping on firecrackers.
It is far from perfect; I do not fail to see that, but I’m grateful that we prefer to laugh over all the pain. I am from a family, and that is enough.
By Breanna Robinson
I am from a one-red-light town where everyone works until sundown. No lying to your mama
‘cause she knows all the drama.
I am from Saturdays in the South, on a cool, crisp day. Wearing crimson red and yelling “Roll Tide,” screaming every word to “Dixieland Delight.”
I am from a daddy who teaches me how to take care of myself, change out, and fix a flat
“Do it right” and “Don’t talk back.”
I am from a mama who’s been through hell and back, generations of women who won’t take no slack.
I am from a family of five and have two sisters. We fight like crazy, but at the end of the day, we have each other’s back.
I am from church pews on Sunday, praying for my family, spending time confessing, and thanking God for blessings.
By Camryn Case
I’m from a dead-end road and an old tire swing, from my bare feet in the grass to my daddy’s callused hands. I am from cornmeal and cast iron skillets and old cars and beat-up trucks.
From “any unspoken’s” to “be safe I love you,” from Philippians 4:13 and fireflies in jars. I am from playing football on the field and cheering on the sidelines, from big pink dresses to little cowgirl boots.
From Memaw and Grundaddy and the days spent playing, working for what you want, and never letting anything be handed to you. From hard-headed and tough love to feeling invincible and making a way.
From not being quiet enough to hunt to learning how to bait a pole. To daddy’s helping hands not always being there and momma’s inspiring words from friends come and go, but family is forever.
By Alexis Turner
I am from riding bikes, swimming holes on the weekend, road rash, and band-aids.
Yes ma’am, no Ma’am, Yes Sir, and no Sir. I am from where manners matter, and respect gets you a long way.
I am from having what you need and knowing what you want, from saying “I love you” every time you leave.
I am from helping others in need and not asking for it back, from playing in the mud and washin’ off in the front yard.
I am from working hard and earning what we have, from please and thank you and giving everyone a chance.
By Nick Jernigan
I am from dirty feet out in the garden and early morning blackberry picking. From “Make cornbread not war!” and pine needle houses with Gran.
I am from days of picking okra and canning tomatoes every week. From stringing bings with my mother and endlessly shucking corn.
I am from homemade pie crusts and yeast rolls with all of Gran’s meals. From Sunday morning fellowship and daddy invoking the fear of God in me if I were too loud.
I am from the smell of silicone and feathers floating everywhere. From catching craw-daddies in Aunt Amy’s creek to “Trashcan and Mr. T.”
I am from hard work and stowing away with Gran when times were tough. From “Treat others how you want to be treated” to “Always be hospitable.”
By Reese Smith
I am from long practices and cozy nights at home. From “Hey buddy” and “Talk, Smile right.”
From “Bestest friend ever of life” and “5, 6, 7, and 8”. R.D. Hicks Stadium and midnight trips to Mapco.
I am from my nanny’s bedside and talking til the sun comes up. From Next Level to Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
From “Let’s go Chiefs!” to “Thug it out.” Horror movie marathons and Maury.
I am from many things, things that I hold dear to me. I’m from a loving family and all things in between.
By Talia Guess
I am from a big family tree, from being across the world to the small one-stop lighted town where reputation matters.
I am from tradition to celebrating every holiday, from acknowledging my heritage to thanking God for it all.
I am from living in mystery, from not knowing what’s to come to developing an idea for the future and cherishing every memory.
I am from respect, yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, thank you, and no thank you.
I am from never giving up to never backing down and working hard to only climbing up.
By Blake Matthews
I am from a long road in a small town, from hellos and goodbyes and family all around.
I am from the old oak tree in the front yard, from long drives in the car.
I am from slamming doors and long nights, from we’re back again, I think we will make it.
I am from “Brush your teeth” and “See you in the morning,” from my family saying “I love you” and “I’ll see you later.”
I am from a mom and dad who love me and an uncle and aunt who raised me. This is where I’m from.
By Brianna Garner
I am from the state where legends are made. Where green heads fly, and the good ol’ boys stay.
The Four-way’s biscuits are always hot. We go to work and work hard for what we’ve got.
I am from Jr. Rorex Field, dirt-stained socks, and Little Man in the Woods, where boys are made into men and known in the neighborhood.
I am from Nan’s homemade meals, Kailey’s crazy squeals, and my dad showing me how to shine my wheels.
I am from the kingdom of God, where my mom watches over me until it’s my time.
I am from hard work and hard times, knowing what is wrong and knowing what is right.
By Carson Smith
