RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany— She steps in front of the microphone and takes a deep breath in. She closes her eyes while the lively crowd watches her. The words that flow unite the listeners bringing together different backgrounds and cultures throughout the audience. She performs her poetry, which is rich with imagery where listeners can see, smell, feel and maybe even taste what is being said. Senior Airman Vanessa Abenojar, knowledge manager with 603rd Air Operations Center and native of Seattle, shares her creativity by performing at shows such as poetry slam nights and workshops during her free time.
Abenojar started writing her thoughts, feelings and perceptions at the age of seven, when she learned art has a way of reaching deep inside our souls and connecting our emotions.
“As a kid, I was kind of someone that no one wanted to listen to,” said Abenojar. “Whenever I had something to say I always felt like people wouldn’t hear me, but when I started doing poetry and performing, it was a completely different feeling where I was being heard.”
By day, she plays a critical role to help Airmen by coordinating and distributing information and data. After work, she shifts into a writer who performs to an audience through spoken word.
“Whenever I get on stage, I’m introducing them into my world, I’m introducing them into my universe,” said Abenojar. “I get nervous but once I'm up there, I get loud and my confidence sparks.”
She makes time to perform at poetry slam nights in the Kaiserslautern community, a competitive arts event in front of live audiences. She also volunteers at workshops where she can help inspire others with her passion for the arts.
Workshops help hone ones’ craft in a close community. With the help of her friends from the group Return to Cindr, they mentor and coach other aspiring writers.
“She’s very lyrical,” said Staff Sgt. George Linen, an Airmen leadership instructor and a Return to Cindr group member. “Her style is unique and her words are well-thought-out. She is one of the greatest writers and performers I know.”
For a moment, while on stage, Abenojar says she is in her own utopian society as she continues to grow as an artist. Her colorful and intoxicating language grows with her knowledge of poetry.
“I get really fired up and emotional because my poetry is my own story with my own emotions and it’s surreal,” said Abenojar. “I love that I can share my story and people can connect to what I am saying.”
Abenojar encourages others to take the time to understand one’s approach and craft their own technique. With enough writing, reading and listening to oneself, she says that they can find authenticity and voice.
“People come up to me and say, ‘You just told my story,’ I love that,” said Abenojar