How Poetry Saved My Life: From L.A. Gang Member to Poetry Teacher with JORGE NUNEZ

Today we have a very special episode with Jorge Nunez. Jorge's story is unique, eye opening and incredibly inspiring. Jorge shares how he emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. at age two, was raised on the streets of L.A., fell into the gang life at a young age and what that was like. He wrote his first poem while serving time in a probation camp for boys. Poetry, and Street Poets, the non-profit organization that introduced him to poetry, became the lifeline that would see him through four years of state prison, followed by deportation to Mexico.

 

Jorge shares how he worked hard to create his new life in Mexico and to get his education, and how this all came in steps along the way. He now serves as a guest poet and teaching artist in Street Poet's virtual workshops from his home in Tijuana, as well as teaching in the same prison he served his sentence. Jorge is a proud father of four with an A.A. degree in Mechatronic Engineering from Universidad Technologia de Tijuana. He has a passion for writing, and a deep hunger for life. 

 

Jorge is as humble as his story is incredible, and we're so grateful he took the time to share his experiences with us. We were extremely moved by how he explains poetry has influenced his life, the many people who believed in him along the way, and his determination to create a beautiful life for himself. We can't wait for you to listen to his story! 

 

Thank you so much Jorge for sharing with us and coming on Beautiful Shifts! 

 

Find & follow Jorge on Instagram @sr.jnunez

 

Find Street Poets, the non-profit organization Jorge works with, @streetpoetsinc & streetpoetsinc.com.

 

Thank you for listening!

 

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