Erika L. Sánchez


#### Poet, Author, Educator

Full Name and Common Aliases
Erika L. Sánchez is a Mexican-American poet, author, and educator known for her powerful and evocative writing.

Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 2, 1987, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Erika L. Sánchez currently resides in the United States.

Nationality and Profession(s)
Erika L. Sánchez identifies as a Mexican-American poet, author, and educator. Her work spans multiple genres, including poetry, prose, and essays.

Early Life

Growing up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Erika L. Sánchez was exposed to the rich cultural heritage of her Mexican roots. Her family later relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she began writing as a way to navigate the complexities of her new environment. This early experience laid the foundation for her future work, which often explores themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

Major Accomplishments

Erika L. Sánchez's accomplishments are numerous and impressive:

Published her debut collection of poetry, "Lupe Must Die," in 2017, which explores the complexities of love, family, and identity through a series of personas.
Released her second poetry collection, "Canto Muerto," in 2022, which delves into themes of grief, loss, and resilience.
Erika has taught creative writing at various institutions, including Arizona State University and the University of Texas.

Notable Works or Actions

Some notable works by Erika L. Sánchez include:

"Lupe Must Die," a collection of poetry that explores themes of love, family, and identity.
"Canto Muerto," her second poetry collection, which delves into the complexities of grief and loss.
Her work has been featured in various publications, including _The New Yorker_, _Poetry Magazine_, and _Rumpus_.

Impact and Legacy

Erika L. Sánchez's impact on literature extends far beyond her own writing. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring aspiring writers has inspired a new generation of poets and authors:

Through her work, she challenges readers to confront the complexities of identity, culture, and social justice.
Erika's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices has created a ripple effect in the literary world, paving the way for others to follow.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Erika L. Sánchez is widely quoted and remembered due to her:

Powerful and evocative writing style, which captures the complexities of identity, culture, and social justice.
Unwavering dedication to teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, inspiring a new generation of poets and authors.
* Courageous commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, creating a ripple effect in the literary world.

Quotes by Erika L. Sánchez

That’s what everyone says about Olga. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I never know what to say. Is thank you the right answer?
"
That’s what everyone says about Olga. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I never know what to say. Is thank you the right answer?
I smile and say, thank you,' because the rudest thing you can do to a Mexican lady is refuse her food—might as well spit on a picture of La Virgen de Guadalupe or turn the TV off during Sábado Gigante.
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I smile and say, thank you,' because the rudest thing you can do to a Mexican lady is refuse her food—might as well spit on a picture of La Virgen de Guadalupe or turn the TV off during Sábado Gigante.
In some ways, I think that part of what of what I'm trying to accomplish, whether Amá really understands it or not, is to live for her, Apá, and Olga. It's not that I'm living life for them, exactly, but I have so many choices they've never had. And I feel like I can do so much with what I've been given. What a waste their journey would be if I just settled for a dull mediocre life.
"
In some ways, I think that part of what of what I'm trying to accomplish, whether Amá really understands it or not, is to live for her, Apá, and Olga. It's not that I'm living life for them, exactly, but I have so many choices they've never had. And I feel like I can do so much with what I've been given. What a waste their journey would be if I just settled for a dull mediocre life.
In some ways, I think that part of what of what I'm trying to accomplish, whether Amá really understands it or not, is to live for her Apá, and Olga. It's not that I'm living life for them, exactly, but I have so many choices they've never had. And I feel like I can do so much with what I've been given. What a waste their journey would be if I just settled for a dull mediocre life.
"
In some ways, I think that part of what of what I'm trying to accomplish, whether Amá really understands it or not, is to live for her Apá, and Olga. It's not that I'm living life for them, exactly, but I have so many choices they've never had. And I feel like I can do so much with what I've been given. What a waste their journey would be if I just settled for a dull mediocre life.
You know, I just... I just feel like it's unfair, that my whole life is unfair, like I was born into the wrong place and family. I never belong anywhere. My parents don't understand anything about me. And my sister is gone. Sometimes I watch those stupid TV shows, you know? The ones where mothers and daughters talk about feelings and fathers take their kids to play baseball or get ice cream or some shit like that, and I wish it were me. It's so stupid, I know, to want your life to be a sitcom.
"
You know, I just... I just feel like it's unfair, that my whole life is unfair, like I was born into the wrong place and family. I never belong anywhere. My parents don't understand anything about me. And my sister is gone. Sometimes I watch those stupid TV shows, you know? The ones where mothers and daughters talk about feelings and fathers take their kids to play baseball or get ice cream or some shit like that, and I wish it were me. It's so stupid, I know, to want your life to be a sitcom.
What’s surprised me most about seeing my sister dead is the lingering smirk on her face.
"
What’s surprised me most about seeing my sister dead is the lingering smirk on her face.
La felicidad es una semilla de diente de león flotando en el aire que no puedo alcanzar. Sin importar cuánto lo intente, sin importar que tan rápido corra, simplemente no puedo alcanzarla. Incluso cuando pienso que la atrape, abro la mano y está vacía.
"
La felicidad es una semilla de diente de león flotando en el aire que no puedo alcanzar. Sin importar cuánto lo intente, sin importar que tan rápido corra, simplemente no puedo alcanzarla. Incluso cuando pienso que la atrape, abro la mano y está vacía.
But how do we live with these secrets locked within us? How do we tie our shoes, brush our hair, drink coffee, wash the dishes, and go to sleep, pretending everything is fine? How do we laugh and feel happiness despite the buried things growing inside? How can we do that day after day?
"
But how do we live with these secrets locked within us? How do we tie our shoes, brush our hair, drink coffee, wash the dishes, and go to sleep, pretending everything is fine? How do we laugh and feel happiness despite the buried things growing inside? How can we do that day after day?
I’m afraid to tell him exactly how I feel - how one second I’m okay and the next I’m sad for no good reason. I don’t want to scare him away.
"
I’m afraid to tell him exactly how I feel - how one second I’m okay and the next I’m sad for no good reason. I don’t want to scare him away.