Aliento Voices: “ I get to use my voice and see how it shapes others”
I have always been into music and writing because I love being creative. Music helps set a tone, it amplifies the strength behind the words giving it more depth. I break down my story by choosing the right words with specific syllables and sounds. It's a challenge but this is why I love Aliento Open Mics. At the Aliento Open Mics I have participated in, I get to perform all my hard efforts. Watching it all come together and being able to perform it in a safe and accepting environment is really exciting. I prepare with a lot of practice, constantly repeating everything to myself over and over again.
In my performance at the December Aliento Open Mic, “Recuerdos”, I wrote about my memories crossing into the United States.
"Everything else man we had to leave behind, hurry pack your bags cause we are running out of time, we got to meet with people and it's already past nine".
The conditions in the desert were terrible, but it wasn't as terrible as leaving all my family and friends behind. Sometimes, a lot of people who come to this country from South America need to leave things and loved ones behind in order to step forward and chase the dream of a better life.
"Stepping carefully like a dance, see the world or just a glance, one day have millions of fans, I will turn my visions true, no more darkness black and blue".
A lot of people are going to tell you that you can't do it. You got to be careful with who you put your trust in. One day it's all going to be worth it, and it's because this music I create washes away the pain that I kept deep inside for such a long time.
When I go up to the stage to perform at the Aliento Open Mics and see all these people staring at me, I get nervous. Nervous about any mistakes I may make and nervous of how the audience is going to react. I never really know how my performances will turn out, but that lights a fire in me. Watching and listening to everyone’s stories as a member of the audience also opens my mind more and I get to relate to the struggles and resilience of other people in our community. I get to be an ear for those who are willing to talk and I get to also use my voice and see how it shapes others.
Ramon Zarate
Ramon Zarate was born in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. He came with his family at the age of 5 to the United States in search of a better life. Ramon started and finished school K-12. He graduated from Mesa High School in 2019. He is the youngest and first in his family to graduate high school, and the first to attend college. He is currently working to save money for schooling. He spends his time being an active participant of Aliento’s Open Mics!
