Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysen Gutierrez.
Hi Alysen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am Alysen, but you know me as PRINCE ALI! on stage. I’m a 17-year-old girl born in Miami, Florida, who has made a way out through poetry. I’m the student president of the poetry club at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, FL, but I started on a rough patch. The day after I was born, my family’s house burned down, and ever since then, life has been a mix of living it to the fullest and just trying to make it to the next day, hoping I’d be able to get something to eat and have a roof over my head. I’m a poet. Award-winning one, actually, and I started writing poetry during my first year of high school. The founder of Exodus United, Simba Castaño, took me under her wing and molded me into a professional in only about a year. I started going to camps and studios for music and poetry, and my life hasn’t been the same since. I competed in Brave New Voices (an international poetry competition. One of the largest poetry festivals in the USA) this past summer and am now a senior in high school. Before I started writing poetry, I was homeless for most of my childhood and lost in purpose. There were so many things I grew up thinking I could do, but I didn’t know how I could do them because of my circumstances. I never lost hope, though. Hope is what kept me going. That’s why I started writing: the hope from writing out my emotions was the fuel to stay alive, and that is where I found my purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being homeless was a struggle for me growing up. I was always wondering if we would get kicked out of where we were staying and when I would get my next shower and meal. It was rough, but I stayed tough. I learned to be patient and have compassion through those times, and overall, it taught me to be grateful for where I am now. Through it all, I stayed educated and was a wise student, although my situation prevented me from going to school at a point in time. I grew up in Miami but had to move to Broward then to where I am now. After coming to Orlando, my main struggle was (and still is) transportation. As a young, determined woman, I don’t expect anyone to give me special treatment, but people have undermined what I can do because of that, and sometimes It feels like I have to figure it out on my own. If the community of Orlando gave the youth a voice, we would feel more included, and it’d be easier to make a change. The struggle is finding the right people with connections so you can make your way up. This community is friendly but needs to be more inclusive and supportive of artistry. We (the youth) need support from those who already have a voice and platform so we can build as a community and not figure it out on our own and be left to the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Poet of Exodus United Inc. in Orlando, FL, and a co-host for the first teen open mic in Orlando at Bynx cafe ( 420 E church St. 32801). I’m one of the few youths who got an opportunity to perform in front of the United Arts of Central Fl board meeting, which is a nonprofit organization (just like Exodus United) that gives out grants for artists in Florida and takes requests directly to Orange County board of commissioners (that’s the county I live in.) I also spoke in front of the mayor of Orlando and the mayor of Orange County, Buddy Dyer, and Jerry Demings, about the importance of arts.
Many speakers were there, but because of my work with Departure, I was the only youth to speak in front of Orlando’s mayor. Despite all the adversity, I’m still determined to be a voice for those who don’t have one. I’ll always find a way to get where I need to be. Although I may be young, I don’t let age determine the wisdom I can gain or undermine my experience. I don’t let being young discourage me. It’s my advantage. Despite the challenges, being as young and determined as I am makes people respect me. I have worked with Grammy-nominated/Grammy-winning engineers and multiple companies and nonprofits in Orlando [ex. Lovemoorestudios, Laconexion, Full Sail University, Bynx Cafe, Austin’s Coffee, Freeyourself LLC, and numerous recording arts studios in Florida, to name a few). Becoming a voice for the youth community and being as wise as I am is what sets me apart, but honestly, it’s my heart for God and will to seek him above all else that does it!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think risk needs to be calculated and addressed with God before anything else is implemented. I believe in Jesus Christ, and a big part of life is trusting in his plan, even if it may not look the best. That takes faith and trust, just as any risk does. Taking risks is a given in everyone’s life, but the main thing is how you do it. The thing about risks (to me, at least) is they need to be given to God before you possibly make an irrational decision, leading you to more destruction than before.
I am a risk taker, or at least I’d consider myself to be. However, I believe there is a time and place for everything. I don’t make decisions on a whim, but before I take a risk, I make sure I have faith in where the Lord is guiding me because then it will feel like I’m being thrown into a whirlwind, which isn’t fun.
I’m the president of the poetry club at Cypress Creek High School. So, my main priority/focus is leading these kids to realize that poetry and writing have life-changing opportunities instead of being only taught in school to pass English. I make sure I consider everyone I’m around before making any decisions that consist of my words, actions, and behavior outside of them. Any choice of action can be made a risk if the proper precautions aren’t taken. I stand on giving myself time to digest the choices at hand and waiting to make a hasty move because I’m eager to make the best choice, considering the people. I’m eager to take the best, most exalting risk that takes a lot of consideration and, above all, love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://exodusunitedorg.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/astransparent?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Image Credits
Lovemoorestudios, Kmosnaps, Orangeismedia
