WRITERS TO KNOW: DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA
DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA
Originally from the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States at 13, Dhayana Alejandrina always turned to journaling and writing as a way to explore and process her emotions and deeper knowledge of self. After leaving her native country and familiarity while also spending a few years in Okinawa, Japan, she beautifully embodies the grace needed to face life’s uncertainties and experience growth. Now as a writer, poet, and storyteller who just published her debut poetry collection Agridulce, Dhayana is encouraging writers to express their truths fearlessly and prioritize their wellbeing by “grinding with softness.”
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from.
DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA: My name is Dhayana Alejandrina and I am a Dominican writer, poet, facilitator, and storyteller based in Florida. I am the daughter of Zoila and Rafael, and sister to three amazing brothers Oscar, Amaury, and Rafael. For most of my childhood and early youth, I lived in the Dominican Republic before immigrating to the United States with my mother at the age of thirteen. The journey was tough, but through it, a great number of lessons, and blessings were received.
In the fall of 2012 senior year, I met my husband Lamont at Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We have been together now for almost ten years. After graduation, I continued my education at Shippensburg University as a student-athlete on the track team. Javelin throws were my specialty. Due to the military, my husband and I moved to Okinawa, Japan in 2015 and I became an online student. I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Spanish minor, and a master's in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
When it comes to my creativity, I started to journal at a very young age. It felt safe to write without limiting my true emotions. As I live, learn, and grow, the connection I have with writing —and myself—deepens and evolves. My writing explores different topics such as growth, love, loss, culture, healing, and spirituality. My writing has been featured in Medium, AL DÍA Newspaper, UNESCO MGIEP, Penguin India Publishing, WeAllGrow Latina, Dominican Writers Association, and others. In Fall 2021, l published my debut book Agridulce—a poetry and prose collection. Aside from writing, I provide emerging writers and the community with editorial services, writing workshops, marketing and branding workshops, and mentorship for writers looking to get started on their creative projects.
Through my work, I thrive to shine the light on the importance of acknowledging our emotions and experiences as a path to self-awareness and discovery; which has a direct impact on what we create as artists.
SHEER: How would you say your childhood and cultural/family upbringing impacted your path to becoming a writer?
DA: Living in the Dominican Republic (DR) was a tropical adventure for me. It meant electricity outages every couple of hours, Saturday morning ritual cleanings with the neighbor blasting music, church on Sundays, endless trips to Bocha Chica Beach with the family, outdoor get-togethers with my friends, and volleyball practices at El Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte. Not to forget, the family never missed my brother's basketball and baseball games. Those nights were amazing. In my eyes, I had a very humble and special childhood. The way I was brought up, despite my parents' differences, really taught me how to value the simple things in life—what cannot be bought but instead felt inside.
As the only girl, my parents—especially my Papi—were very protective of me. But at the same time, they never tried to change who I was at heart. For example, a lot of my cousins were super scared of my dad. He has a 24/7 serious look and cannot be easily fooled. However, I knew another side to him, the side that sat with me outside talking about life, religion, love, family, and living a life of peace and joy. A true philosopher, he is. These were the conversations that made me feel seen and gave me the opportunity to express myself, ask questions, and listen. In addition, I spent a lot of time outside the city in La Caleta — a small community located in the Santo Domingo Province of the Dominican Republic. My dad had some acres and a house built there. Back then, the area was very underdeveloped but the best part was the mango trees, coconut trees, guava trees, and passion fruit trees he had planted in the house. Every time I was in La Caleta we would have a fruit feast with the family and my cousins. All the kids would be playing together and running on dirt roads while the grown folks played Dominos and drank Presidente (a Dominican beer).
On the other hand, although I didn’t spend a lot of outdoor time with Mami, she never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud she was of me, to throw the most special birthday parties, or to pull me to the kitchen to learn how to make Moro de Habichuela Negra because “one day I will be the woman of the house and need to learn how to cook” haha. My mom was—and still is—my biggest fan. A part of me feels as though she lives through me, which perhaps, she never got to experience herself. She’s always been very open-minded and less strict than my dad. I remember when I wanted to get certain outfits and she would talk to Papi to let me buy them. Or when I was first asked on a movie date and she covered for me as long as my brother was who dropped me off and picked me up. The truth is, when I moved to the United States that’s when my relationship with my mom really started. We went through many challenges together during the transition.
I mentioned all of this because my childhood and cultural upbringings were the definitions of staying present and grateful. My parents made sure I understood the importance of family, healthy habits, exercise, friends, boundaries, respect, kindness, and more. I was given the space to speak my mind and express my thoughts. Also, both of my parents enjoy creative writing. This made me feel even closer to my calling. I was always journaling, writing love poems, and inspirational quotes. Although I never read them to anyone, writing was an escape from reality into my own little world. Writing made me experience a different kind of freedom, within. This phase in my life was just the beginning of everything that was to come.
“I had a very humble and special childhood. The way I was brought up, despite my parents’ differences, really taught me how to value the simple things in life—what cannot be bought but instead felt inside. ”
SHEER: What was it like transitioning from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. and how did that impact your writing journey?
DA: It felt scary and lonely at first. All of my immediate family was—and still is—in the Dominican Republic. It was just my mom and I that moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Of course, I did have aunts, uncles, and cousins, but they lived in New York. Both of us left a lot behind— environment, language, community, and culture. When my mom told me I was going to move with her, I didn’t imagine the drastic change.
If there was something I wish I still had after the move, it was the opportunity to continue to play volleyball professionally. While living in DR, I played volleyball since the age of five. By the time I had to get ready to move I was being recruited to move up in teams as a libero for the DR Volleyball Youth Team. This would have been the start of my dreams, to be part of the DR Olympic Volleyball Team.
Moving forward, I still remember my first day as a freshman in high school. I sat in the very front of the bus and made sure my bag was right next to me so no one could sit there—I feared someone would speak to me and I wouldn't understand. When I walked into Susquehanna Township High School, I noticed everyone had friends, or at least a familiar face that brought them comfort. Me? I had no one. Instead of going to the auditorium for the freshman orientation, I followed the first class on my schedule: Spanish 2. When I walked into class I was welcomed by the stares of about 20 seniors who were probably wondering “Who is this girl and what is she doing?” I looked at the teacher and explained in Spanish, with an embarrassed look on my face, that I didn't know where to go. She kindly guided me towards the hall and gave me directions to the auditorium. On my way down, I burst into tears. I felt like I was drowning within myself and no one could hear me. When I finally got home and saw my mom, I started to cry, again. I know she felt my pain and wished she could have helped, but at that moment, all I needed was to feel safe around the one person who made me feel at home.
As I reflect, I know my parents wanted me to have a better future by moving to the U.S; and overcoming the hardships of this transition wasn't easy. Children of immigrant parents often struggle with assimilating and overcoming the language barrier while discovering who they are. As a first-generation American, I felt like I had the responsibility not to fail them, and for a fourteen-year-old, that was a lot of weight on my shoulders. During the times when I felt sad, I would continue the practice of journaling. As I learned the language I started to write more in English. However, the meaning and essence of Spanish poetry can sometimes get lost in translation. Therefore, I made sure I gave myself the opportunity to write in the language that resonated the most in that given moment.
“I was always journaling, writing love poems, and inspirational quotes. Although I never read them to anyone, writing was an escape from reality into my own little world. Writing made me experience a different kind of freedom, within. This phase in my life was just the beginning of everything that was to come.”
SHEER: You also spent quite a few years in Okinawa, Japan. What did you enjoy most about living there and how did this experience shape you, if at all?
DA: Living in Japan was a magnificent experience that had a huge impact on my personal growth. My husband and I moved to Okinawa in 2015 and lived there for four years. I found out about the news during my first week as a junior in college at Shippensburg University. It was very shocking and scary at first because it reminded me of my transition from the Dominican Republic to the United States—different culture, a different language, and no family or friends close by. At the same time, we were both really excited to see the world and make new memories.
Some of my favorite things about Okinawa were its culture, beaches, volleyball, and food. I never thought that I would become such a sushi and ramen lover haha. They took so much pride in the way they serve people and build relationships. Also, I explored a lot of their historical sites like Shuri Castle built in the 14th century and then rebuilt between 1958-1992. This was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visiting this castle is definitely bucket list worthy. As a volleyball fanatic, I made friends with locals who played indoor and outdoor volleyball. It was beautiful to experience sportsmanship regardless of the language barrier. In addition, the peaceful sceneries and beaches were breathtaking.
In the midst of all of this, there were several experiences that caused me to trap myself within my own vessel. As I reflect on these moments, it is almost like hiding in plain sight was a superpower for me. I kept my real emotions in silence and felt as though it was not worth discussing them. That version of myself placed everyone else’s emotions before her own. This is when I started to journal about everything that I felt scared to voice. This is how my book Agridulce was born.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit more about your debut poetry collection Agridulce and what the process to publishing was like for you?
DA: Agridulce is an intimate poetry and prose collection that highlights the importance of acknowledging our emotions and experiences as a path to self-awareness and discovery. Writing this collection was a welcome home letter to myself—shedding the old and welcoming the new. The title means “bittersweet” in Spanish as it represents both sides of life. At first, the title was “Sweet and Sour” but after much reflection, the switch to “Agridulce” felt right, as it represents my native language. Moreover, I stay with the theme by diving the book into two sections: Lo Agrio (The Sour) and Lo Dulce (The Sweet). Each chapter reflects the journey of human emotions—showing that to live is to embrace the sweet and the sour as a path to clarity and direction.
The publishing journey of Agridulce didn’t officially start until after I moved back to the States from Okinawa in 2019. By then, I had a complete manuscript but still much work to do. Also, it didn’t help that the pandemic started right after we got back. This was a very vulnerable time in my life and I felt very disconnected from myself. The quarantine forced me to look in the mirror and confront all the parts of myself that were hiding or crying for help. There was a time when I placed the publishing journey on hold to focus on my mental health. At first, the goal was to publish Agridulce in November 2020. However, it wasn’t published until Fall 2021.
If I had to describe in one word what the publishing process was like for me, I would say “enlightening.” Putting this book together was like putting myself together and allowing grace to live in my heart. After plenty of editing, sorting poems, and creating the book cover, I started to look for an illustrator and publisher. Luckily for me, I had been following a fellow Latinx creator online whose drawings I loved. Her name is Victoria Helena. And so, I reached out to her and proposed a collaboration. The rest speaks for itself because she went above and beyond to create exactly what I envisioned. I’m very grateful to her.
Next, I found myself wondering if I wanted to self-publish or hybrid publish. As a new author, the idea of self-publishing was overwhelming as I did not know how to do everything. Therefore, I decided to hybrid publish with Gatekeepers Press. Hybrid Publishing is a mixture of self-publishing and traditional publishing. It resembles self-publishing because the author is responsible for the cost and financial risk—an investment. On the other hand, it resembles traditional publishing because professionals handle the editing, formatting, conversation, and online publishing of the book. This publishing decision was the best fit for me and allowed me to focus on other areas such as marketing, promotion, and collaborations before and after publication.
“Putting this book together was like putting myself together and allowing grace to live in my heart.”
SHEER: What part of your creative process brings you the most joy? Are there other forms of creative expression outside of writing that interest you?
DA: The two parts that bring me the most joy during my writing process are the preparation and the incubation part. First, the preparation part feels peaceful as I set up my desk with my favorite journal and pen, light a candle, grab a cup of wine, and play soft meditation tunes. This is an intimate process that sets the tone for the focus of my writing. Next, during the incubation process is when it all comes together without force. I allow my creativity to flow as it wishes without placing a limitation on what I am feeling. As I pause to read, I connect deeper with what my subconscious mind is trying to bring to the surface.
When it comes to other forms of expression, I enjoy painting and solo dancing. I started to paint as a way to spend time with myself and transfer my emotions. Usually, I like going to the beach during sunset to try to capture the moment; it is always relaxing. On the other hand, solo dancing is probably my ultimate favorite thing to do. Dancing feels ancestral to me, and when I dance alone, I feel free, happy, and connected with the universe. It is an act of self-love.
“Do not change the essence of your work to satisfy others. Everyone’s authenticity is expressed differently. This does not mean you have to change the way you express yourself. Let your writing and poetry reflect your truth and your story.”
SHEER: How do you stay grounded as a creative?
DA: I stay grounded by prioritizing my physical and mental wellness through sleep, healthy nutrition, constant exercise, intentional time around nature, therapy, weekly affirmations, alone time, and by identifying my circle of control (what is under my control and what isn’t). Lately, I have been allowing myself to rest as much as I need to. As a first- generational American, the mentality had always been “grind grind grind.” However, the more I heal and grow, the more I understand that this mentality can rob me of the present moment.
I’m calling this season in my life “grinding with softness.” It is all about holding myself accountable for what I wish to accomplish in a way that honors my peace of mind, healing, moments of rest, and creative stillness.
SHEER: What advice would you give to anyone who is afraid of sharing their creations?
DA: The first thing that I would tell them is to trust in their time. It is easy to feel discouraged when seeing others share their work or publish their books. However, the goal is not to compare, but to understand that the creative process is a part of our healing and growth. For example, I didn’t start sharing my work until 2018. I kept everything hidden and wouldn’t even share it with family or close friends.
Then one day, I felt safe enough to share my words online. It felt liberating to know that there were others like me who felt the same way. This leads to the next piece of advice: “Do not change the essence of your work to satisfy others. Everyone’s authenticity is expressed differently. This does not mean you have to change the way you express yourself. Let your writing and poetry reflect your truth and your story.” It is important that new writers understand the power of their voice, their message, and their story. There is no need to rush the process of creativity. Just remember to stay true to the reason why you write in the first place and never doubt the way your work can positively impact others.
SHEER: What do you envision for the future of your creative work?
DA: I envision endless opportunities to discuss my journey with a broader audience and bring more awareness to the stories of immigrant children, their families, and the importance of mental health. I intend to continue to build community through workshops, mentorship, and events that promote the work of BIPOC creatives and writers. I envision healing, joy, and more moments of gratitude—for myself, my family, my friends, and everyone out there.
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Photography by Dana White
Nada Esmaeel’s work is alive and vibrant, rich in detail and color. In addition to paintings, illustrations and animations, she has also designed 3D gaming environments where woven rugs hang from the walls and colored lanterns are strung across an intimate courtyard. But in each of these varied mediums, the subject is almost always Palestinian people and their culture.