We were lucky to catch up with NuEra Sunshine recently and have shared our conversation below.
NuEra, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming? I think sometimes it’s a myth used as a bandaid to help us feel better; stay hopeful…that whatever struggles we experience will all be over one day; something to look back and laugh at. Though leveling up is possible, sometimes our struggles come back in different forms or intensity. One day you think you’re fine, over something; the next moment, day, year, decade…. sucker punch!…but it’s all apart of the discovery, right?
How do you learn to value yourself, your talents, and your roles and stand on it? Outside of finding people who’ve stoked my fire, I always knew I was never meant to be like anybody else and that sometimes feels like a curse; isolating even. However, no one can give you any validation if you don’t choose to exist as you are and as you want.
This wasn’t and isn’t easy, but I’m only me. Living in a world hellbent on destroying everything I am, it becomes sort of a rebellion to be free in my difference. I think thats what kills my imposter syndrome. To know that there are so many institutions that want to shut me up and make me complacent is what lets me know that I am important; that I matter and so does every form that I’ve been gifted to express it all with.
In the poetry community, you’ll find those that will try to gatekeep the craft or title of Poet based on their ideals of what it means to be one and/or their own struggles in becoming well-known. “If you don’t start memorizing your work, you’re not going to book too many shows.” “You need to do this many open mics before you should be able to be a featured artist./host.” “If you don’t participate in slams you’ll never be taken seriously!” Though those folks exist, there are far more people who simply and purely enjoy: artistry.
I didn’t start writing or doing open mic to receive accolades or notoriety, it’s always been a form of therapy. There was a point where I just felt absolutely astonished when anyone asked me to feature…”who me?” Like even after I would get compliments and applause after reading/singing something it didnt hit me that it was even close to those that I had put on the pedestal as “real” poets. Because I did it “just for fun” sort to speak, I lowered my own ranking and importance.
I had done a few features, (a feature is a main event performer, fyi), I didn’t truly recognize myself as a Poet until 2021/22 when I returned after a pandemic/pregnancy induced time off. I nervously accepted an invitation to come out to open mic. I wore my mask, still terrified, but I was beyond suffering from prolonged cabin fever. The host, someone I revere as one of Detroit’s most talented Spoken Word Artists, saw my name and estactically said into the mic: Oh wow! NuEra here?!?! SIs where you at?!?” I was so shocked that he even remembered me (even though he was the host at another venue for my first solo feature….it was still like…WHOA YOU KNOW ME?!? YOU MISSED ME?!?! ME?!
I’ve been writting and singing since I was small. Though I had been recognized and showcased throughout, I was also never popular and have always been shy thanks to teasing. Just last year, I was asked to be a feature roughly 20 times, I hosted 5 different series, took part in 7 different podcasts/radio shows So finally, I had to tell myself, like: “Damn right you’re a poet!” It definitely makes it easier to have folks around you that believe in you and your talent, but you definitely have to believe it yourself in order for it to be really real.
In my journey as an artist (educator, activist, mother, woman, person), more recently, I’ve been more adept at allowing things to happen and not allow anyone to tell me to simply get over it. I’ve had to learn(ing) to exist at my own pace and to ask and allow people who care about me to help…and to live in the moment in all its manisfestations, trying my best not to get stuck; just live.
That is my power. To exist and perform and mother is to inspire community, change and other art. That is refueling in moments that I feel alone or inferior. Even in my mistakes, there’s something worthwhile. I AM a Poet. I am an Artist. I am.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m and AfroLatina (Puerto Rican), single mom from Detroit, MI. I’m also a poet, singer, activist, an educator with a background in English Language Arts education and nonprofit administration and community engagement. I’m currently working on adding published author to the list by my next birthday (3/27).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being authentic, outspoken, and well-rounded both socially and education-wise are my three qualities. Cliche, but real…just be yourself. Your people will find you and you will find your people by being authentic.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My mom and grandmother have been most influential in my development.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thepoetnuerasunshine
- Facebook: Nuera Sunshine
