Gratitude is good. It’s often the emotional caboose on our journey ahead, that shiny thing we recognize but don’t always remember. Eighth grader Franco L. reminds us of that golden kernel within, the one that burns steady and true in his poem titled “Thankful,” as part of our ongoing partnership with nonprofit organization 826CHI.

For over two years, Ace Hotel Chicago has worked with the organization to give a platform to their students by throwing birthday parties, collaborating on zines together, hosting art shows and even featuring some of their books in our guest rooms. Each month, we highlight a piece of writing from one of their students. 826CHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Their services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Thankful by Franco L., grade 8