Reflections: Ep 13

When Yesika Salgado shares her story it is full, inspiring, and moving. Her poetry moves the listener into action. It’s impossible to stay the same after you’ve heard her.

Yesika started off the interview by talking about how writing was her way of making sense of things. Growing up in a household where abuse was present and members of her family were undocumented, there was a shroud of fear that surrounded her voice and life.

When Yesika found slam poetry, she discovered people wanted to hear stories from people who looked, sounded, and spoke like her. Up until that point in life she felt scared of herself and her voice. Poetry taught her how to embrace her voice. The open mic stage taught her that she could be unfiltered, unhidden, and seen. She learned to believe in her work and her work helped her grow confidence in herself. 

After years of working service jobs that started early in the morning to fuel her passion of going to open mics in the evenings, Yesika faced the fear of leaving her job. She now fully supports herself and her migrant family through the art form of poetry. 

Yesika continues to be a mirror for her listeners, letting them know they are not alone. She advocates for her culture and reminds us that success looks different to all people and poetry should be accessible to all.

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Some reflective questions from this podcast episode: 

Are there any areas in your life you are afraid to be seen? What are they and when did you start hiding? Do you have the opportunity to share this part of yourself somehow?

What are you afraid of in moving forward with your art form? 

What does being a successful poet or creative look like to you? How can you be proud of yourself and the work you have put in this far?