We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carla Cherry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carla, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
An imposter pretends to be something they are not, and my life’s work is authenthic. It is hard to avoid comparing ourselves to other people in this capitalistic, materialistic culture, but I taught myself to stop. Instead, I am joyful about the accomplishments of family, friends, and people I admire. I set realistic, achievable goals for myself, reflect upon them periodically, and when I achieve those goals, I celebrate them with my support system. Additionally, I am striving to stop taking on more projects and responsibilities than I can handle. Those steps have helped me overcome imposter syndrome.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
During my twenty-eight years as an educator, my mission has been to help young people strengthen their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Over the last several years, I have been developing English courses around gender studies and Afro-Latino American history in resistance to this highly divisive American political climate and movement working to politically undermine the progress historically oppressed groups have achieved over the last several decades, and rewrite history in a way that erases the contributions and understates the struggles of those people. As a poet, my work illuminates the beauty and ugliness of the human condition, and challenges us to work for justice, equity, and peace. My poems have been published in various lit magazines and anthologies, full-length collections, and two chapbooks. I also have a small business, Sweet As A Simile LLC, where I sell merchandise that promotes positive poetic messages about self-image. I have been busy publicizing my newest book, May He Bless My Name (iiPublishing), which explores my motherhood journey and various issues, including mental health. I held a book release party for it in May of this year, and will be selling it at the New York City Poetry Festival this July, as well as other venues.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Self-awareness, a passion for learning, and openness have been the most impactful on my artistic journey. Poets have to be curious and life-long learners, be reflective about their lives and the world around them, be vulnerable enough to share their truths in their work, and open to receive feedback about that work. My advice to folks who are early in their journeys, regardless of their chosen mode of expression or ambitions, is to read often and widely, listen to and speak with other people from all walks of life, and let what they learn grow their work.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did is teach me how to read deeply and critically, and that skill has carried me throughout my formal education, teaching, and writing career. I am forever grateful to them and my ancestors, as I stand on their shoulders today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlacherrybxpoet1.com/
- Instagram: @carlabxpoet1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poeticchic/
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