Helene Achanzar’s job is to introduce students to poetry.

She’s the director of programs at the Chicago Poetry Center. That means she manages education programs in Chicago Public Schools, organizing poetry residencies and performances for students of all ages.

“Getting to meet an artist, as a student or as a young person, I think, can really change the trajectory of someone’s life,” Achanzar said.

In today’s episode, Achanzar explains her path to poetry and her life in and out of Chicago. Because she grew up here, left and returned, Achanzar says the changes in the city are always on her mind, and in her writing.

This episode was produced by Ari Mejia for WBEZ’s sister station Vocalo and their Chi Sounds Like series.