This Poem Might Save You (Me)

Jesenia Chavez is a proud Chicana, public school teacher, writer, poet, and storyteller. She is a border-crossing, Spanglish-speaking, bachata-dancing, ukulele-playing human trying to make you laugh, cry and giggle at the absurdities and beauty in the world. Her writing is inspired by her parents' immigration from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, and the trips back and forth. Jesenia atteded the University of California, Santa Barbara, and majored in Chicano studies and socioloy with a minor in history. There, she solidified her love for performance and theater by participating in the Chicano theater group, Teatro Nopal. She found her poetic voice in Dr. Chela Sandoval's class, and through her work in the multicultural center, where she first saw performers of color making a living as artists. Jesenia then pursued her teaching credentials and master's degree in education from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing refelcts the sense of loss in the rapidly changing landscape of Los Angeles, and the stark inequalities one can observe on any given street. She relishes the small moments when she can catch her breath and put pen on paper. Jesenia also co-hosts Qué Me Cuentas (What Can You Tell Me), a storytelling podcast feautirng diverse experiences in the Lantix community. She believes in the healing powers of storytelling, poetry, dancing, nature, and hugs. Find her on Instagram @chabemucho or @quemecuentaspod.