She, The Poet's smile lit up the room as she approached the stage at "Passion N' Poetry" open mic night. After sharing two powerful poems, she informed the crowd that she started writing between the ages of 6 or 7. At that moment, I felt a nudge in my spirit to network with her. I knew she had a story to tell and I wanted to hear it.
We made arrangements to meet. Traffic was horrible as I was trying my best to make it there on time. Where we ended up was the perfect setting for this interview. We were fortunate to get a table outside, at First Watch restaurant in Newport, News, VA, to enjoy the beautiful weather. Just as her smile lit up the room for open mic night, the light that shines from within was shining bright as she shared her story with me.
"Her"story
Greymi "GG" Zapata was born in the Dominican Republic, where she lived in a three bedroom, 1 bath home with twelve other relatives. Her childhood home was filled with generations of love, respect, and a tight schedule that allowed everyone time to get dressed in the mornings. GG was raised in a closed knit, traditional Dominican household that valued spending time with family. Her great grandmother was the glue that held her family together. Family members would travel afar to spend time with the matriarch of her family. As she began getting older, GG's family realized that her great grandmother's health began to deteriorate. They believed that keeping the windows in their home closed at night would keep her great grandmother's spirit intact and not fly away through an open window. The night of her passing, unbeknownst, a window was left open. GG's great grandmother gained her wings at the age of 101. Her family then realized it was time they gain their wings and leave the nest. Her uncle was the first to leave and move to the United States. GG and her mother moved after her uncle was settled here.
Before moving to the states, GG was the only child in her home that was curious about everything. Her grandmother was a hardworking pathologist who, at times, brought her work home to prepare for the next day. GG thought this was the perfect time to ask her grandmother "why" questions. Being occupied with her work, GG's grandmother gave her a notebook with a pencil to keep her out of the way. GG was not allowed to do anything in her notebook except write. As instructed by her grandmother, GG could not scribble, doodle, or draw, she had to write. At the age of 6 or 7, GG began using the dictionary to find words to write that rhymed together. Her grandmother encouraged her to keep writing but to make her writings more understandable. That's when she began putting the words together to write poems. She filled notebook after notebook with her writings as her grandmother continued to buy her more. At the age of 10, she learned that her father's family was a family of writers. Her uncle is a published poet and the first, in her father's family, to publish a book.
GG moved to the states about 12 or 13 years ago. She attended Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. During her college years, she experienced some trauma that made her realize "emotions are something you can put on paper and make them dance beautifully with words". She started a blog, She, The Poet, to share her deepest thoughts and feelings in hopes of helping others. This was considered the first chapter of her life, titled "Rum & Heartache". She explained that during this time, she was drinking her emotions away. When she learned that her emotions never left, she found some good accountability partners, to help with sobriety, therapy in writing, as well as seeing a therapist for mental health. GG graduated from Chowan University with her bachelor's in criminal justice.
Though writing is therapeutic, GG explained that writing poetry is a passion that she does not want to monetize.
And, this is where I learned that her purpose is far greater than her passion.
"To Protect and Serve"
Currently, GG is a 24 year old police officer for the city of Newport News. Yes, you read that right. She has been a police officer for 2 years and she loves serving her community. GG patrols one of the toughest areas in Newport News, Virginia. She is not afraid to stand her ground and stand up for her community. GG stated that Newport News reminded her of her home in the Dominican Republic. Because of that, she is able to relate and connect to the community. GG is working in law enforcement because she believes this is her purpose. GG strives to represent women of color within law enforcement as she explained there is a need for women of color's experience with patience and being able to understand the population she serves. This is extremely important working in a career where her colleagues are predominantly caucasian men. GG was proudly the only woman to graduate from her police academy class. But, it does not stop there. GG is currently pursuing her master's in emergency preparedness and homeland security. She is striving to work on the federal level to better serve our community.
Healed and Confident
We ended our conversation talking about relationships. GG explained when she was healed enough, she was able to engage in a healthy relationship. Though her sexuality is not accepted in her Dominican culture, she is confident and comfortable with being homosexual. GG shared with me the keys to her current relationship are balance, appreciation, communication, respect, date nights, and buying each other flowers. I believe these are keys to a healthy relationship we all can use!
In Closing
Throughout our conversation, GG dropped so many nuggets that I will hold dear to my heart. This is one story that I am honored to share!
GG, as you continue to strive towards your purpose, I pray for your protection. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments. You are a great role model for the community! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your story. Much love, blessings, and success to you as you continue your journey! ♥️
GG can be found on the following platforms:
She, The Poet blog site:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Tiktok:
♥️Sincerely Eliza
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