 The first piece that she wanted me to read is called When I Take Off My Mask, and this is by a ninth grader from June Jordan School for Equity. When I take off my mask, you'd think I'd feel free. Free to act how I want with no insecurities. But I've tried. Tried to slowly rip off this mask. But I've realized in this world, I can't. I can't afford to get hurt once more. Especially not by the people I love and adore. That's why I wear this mask. I'm afraid they'll ask why. Why I chose to stay silent and hide. All I can say is, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lie. So that was When I Take Off My Mask.