We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophia Rodriquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophia below.

Alright, Sophia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

6.24.2022 is a poem I wrote on the supreme courts decision to overturn roe v. wade. Poetry for me is always meaningful but when I can add a voice to woman, especially in the midst of one of the greatest impacts to woman’s reproductive rights i’ve seen in my life time, it gives me hope into the possibility that a man can begin to empathize with our experience.

Sophia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into poetry very young. I grew up in the central valley where our educational systems were not the greatest, I struggled in every subject. The only time I felt any kind of proficiency was in 5th grade when creative writing became the focus. I fell in love with creating and more importantly expressing myself through word. For years I wrote for myself thinking that there was no benefit for others. I realized while attending DeAnza that some people could relate to my poetry, which made poetry that much more powerful to me. I began to share my poetry to family and friends, and any open spaces I could. Poetry is unique because when you ask “what sets you apart” , I hope nothing…or not much. I hope that my writing is something that people can find solidarity in. At the same time I hope I can influence others to express themselves as well. Working in the mental health field I am constantly telling my clients to find a coping skill that works for them. If I can practice what I preach, not only do I ground myself, but I model to others how to ground themselves in a (in my opinion) powerful way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative goal currently is to publish a book of my poetry. I’m working on one that highlights breaking generational trauma and building self love and health relationships.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My biggest block has been that nobody wants to hear a certain topic, or if not everyone can relate than I shouldn’t post it. What has helped me to unlearn this is I really only write about what I am moved to write about. Which means I am someone and that has become enough for me. I’ve never posted a poem and haven’t had someone message me that they relate, thankfully, so that confirmation has really reassured me and pushed me to post the poems I am unsure about.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sr_poetry_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sophia.Rose.Poetry