Meet Alexandra Young | Poet and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I would say the key is knowing why I’m continuing to keep on vs. why I’m choosing to give up. Is the situation toxic for me? Am I less of myself by being around this person, place, energy? Am I running to a fantasy of something that I think is going to make me feel better? Or am I at peace? Do I feel free? Do I feel safe and assured and joyous in the decision I’m making? Am I in a state of acceptance and ready to move forward? These are a few of the questions I ask myself. It’s all dependent on what energy you’re holding in making a decision. All of this to say, it really comes down to “is this fear speaking or love?”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m super excited for the future. I feel like as I keep growing, my art will too naturally. I’ve come to a space now where I finally have everything I need to make great films. People I trust, confidence, skills, equipment and software. I remember when I first decided I wanted to be a film major at Clayton State (I was a nursing major before that and a neuroscience major before that!) I was so excited but doubtful because I didn’t actually know how to do anything film related. I had just started teaching myself editing, barely knew how to use a camera, didn’t have any help etc. Now, in my time of being at Clayton State, as well as taking it upon myself to go out into Atlanta and connect with the people and the creative scenes, I have everything I named to make more films. People, resources, education. Everything. And I know I can make them even better than my last two! (Journaling Diaries and Catharsis which can both be found on my YouTube channel: xanthepoet)

With my poetry, its much more personal quiet and private. It’s less of a performance, like how film is for me. My poetry is my innermost self and identity. When I first started writing, it was never something I imagined I would share in the way that I have. I’ve performed my work at events and shared it with friends, family, social media. And its really resonated with people! That, makes me excited. It feels like a real testament to me growing into my most authentic self. I just wanna see how far I can take it.

I don’t think the work of an artist is ever “easy” so no. The literal answer would be I always put myself out there, constantly found new people to connect with, and stayed working and stayed looking for opportunities. The more spiritual answer is, I always kept an open mind, especially regarding the people I met. Every person is a world, and holds a world inside of them. I made it a point (and still do) to make connections with as many souls as possible, because you never know the type of beauty that will come to your life through your community. I’d also say remembering who I am, and growing a relationship with myself has been paramount, specifically for my poetry. Listening to my own voice, journaling, and making a habit of self-reflection has allowed me to tap in to the parts of myself that are deep and layered. A lot of my poetry simply comes from me interacting with myself, and expressing those interactions.

This is gonna sound so woo-woo (I am a woo-woo girl though, so that’s on par for me) but journaling, meditation and affirmations reallyyyy have helped me in my life. I think staying close to faith and hope is one of the most powerful things in this world. Keeping my spirit in touch with the beauty and joy, even if I’m more aligned with my pain, is how I keep myself going. Even if it’s just for 3 minutes for the day, telling myself good things, and feeding my mind and heart love and affirmation about myself, really heals me. Most of my challenges are internal spiritual and mental battles. I’m still learning to be on my own side.
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A lesson I’ve learned along the way is never count yourself out. That’s something my dad always taught me. Never ever ever count yourself out. Let other people tell you “no”. But you? Never ever tell yourself “no”. When it comes to a dream you have, or a desire, or whatever it is. Let other forces be the ones to shut you out. And even then, don’t take no for an answer. Everything can be negotiated.

For my brand and story, the message is simple: I am Xan The Poet a.k.a. The Warm Girl! I hope you guys take the time to be a part of this journey with me. I hope with me, you can laugh, cry, and heal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eating wise I loveeee a good taco: I’d say Rreal Tacos if you want a sit down boujie vibe with amazing drinks or Rose’s Taco Grill on the 85 in Riverdale if you tryna dine on a budget. That’s my go to spot, for sure.

For something to drink, I love boba. Boba is my drug of choice. So we definitely hitting up Boba Theory in Morrow, GA (right by Clayton State) and I’m getting a large lavender milk tea with boba and coffee jelly and a lemon macaroon.

Hanging out, I’m a nature girly. I loveee being outside with the bees and trees and the birds and the leaves. I’m always down for a walk on the Beltline or a picnic in Piedmont Park as we play uno and checkers.

Visiting? We hitting the High Museum or Underground Atlanta for the first Friday of the month. Its full party vibes. DJs, drinks, dancing etc. Perfect end to the week if you ask me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say anyone and everyone who I interacted with at Clayton State University, the school I got my Bachelor’s in Film Production from. All of my experiences while I was attending, made me who I am today. Professor Bonner, Bass, Dupont and Harris just to name a few. From the theoretical to the technical, they gave me an amazing foundation in learning how to make a film from beginning to end. Because of their classes I’m so much more educated on film history. I can see themes and theory in color lighting, shot styles, and audio that I never could before. I also know how to construct a film. How to organize one from pre-production, production to post-production. I know what each role does and a great understanding of how to perform in each task. I have such a deeper love an appreciation for this art form because of them, as well as more confidence and a higher skill level. Growing up, I always watched music videos with my sisters, and I was amazed by the world of filming. Those moments built me to love film in a deep way, and my experiences at Clayton State have only made my dreams more possible.

And it’s not just my professors. The friends I made while I was there have changed me, helped me learn and grow. As a filmmaker and a person.

Also, my mom. I wanted to quit college soooooooo bad, like real bad. With covid, the world changed so fast and I became fearful and apathetic and wanted to give up. We fought about me quitting a lot but she convinced me to stay. I was salty about it at first but now I’m so deeply grateful for it. None of the beautiful experiences I mentioned before would’ve happened if I left when I wanted. She kept me grounded and focused.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanthepoet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuoQaOD-kij9416jo5C1TTQ

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xanthepoet?lang=en

Image Credits
Personal photo credit goes to the photographer Yoyo known as yoyos.szn on instagram.

Scenes from Catharsis photo credit goes to Director of Photography William Evans known as @wte.3 on instagram
Actors: Eden Bethel (in black) and Tatiyana Mixon (in purple)

Scenes from Journaling Diaries goes to myself. I was the Director of Photography for that film.
Actor: Brandy Michelle