Meet Iggy Manzanero | Skater/ student/ Risk taker

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

Hi Iggy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The first part of taking a risk is to say “yes.” The experiences in life that have made me who I am, whether it’s related to school, friendships, travelling, or skateboarding have all started with me saying “yes” to opportunities when they arise. But risks are easier said than done; They take commitment.
Saying “yes” to going to college was one thing, but committing was another. College applications gave me a lot of freedom of choice about where I would be after high school and the options seemed endless. I decided to go to Saint Peter’s University, a university close to home. I started with an undeclared major, not sure of what I wanted to study. It felt like a risk at a time when most other people seemed to know what they wanted to do, but I felt confident about leaving it open. My professors have all been excellent people, who have pushed me to apply myself in different ways in and out of the classroom. Because of them I have become involved with poetry groups and open mics in Jersey City, had the opportunities to study abroad in Italy, Spain, and Morocco, and above all else, decide on a path that feels right for me: Education. I am now studying History and Secondary Education, committing myself to becoming a high school teacher. I look forward to continuing to take my own personal risks even as I watch my students take theirs as well.
I enjoy exploring my passions and finding new ones and have never limited myself to just one thing. Through skateboarding I have connected with my city in ways I didn’t even know would happen when I first picked up a skateboard. I’ve been featured skating in a short film titled Cavemen Built my Skateboard and a sample Nike ad with Jersey City director and photographer Joan Michel. (Both available on YouTube). I have also competed in local skate jams and tournaments hosted by NJ Skate Shop and Vans. I’ve read my poetry at the New York Poetry festival in NYC and had one of my poems presented in the Jersey City Poetry Festival in collaboration with Jersey City artist Artistic Afro.
So, it’s “yes” to skating, “yes” to teaching, “yes” to poetry, art, college, open mics, city life and “yes” to all that awaits me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I treat most things like a performance. I always aim to just enjoy the experience, taking things seriously when I need to. I know that there’s a time and place for everything, and for me, the classroom is where I feel like I shine the most and can be myself. I love cracking jokes in class, but I also feel confident standing in front of a classroom giving a presentation and taking pride in my work. The same goes for my poetry. I always try to keep my writing balanced by incorporating things I am passionate about while also being humorous, sometimes writing about unreal things. I even treat my skating like a performance by doing tricks skaters don’t normally attempt. I’m not scared of putting myself out there, even if I fail. I know I can come back and try again because I know that failure is not always the end.
One thing that sets me apart is that I believe in second chances. I’ve made mistakes that I didn’t think I could recover from, but life has always given me other opportunities to succeed. Being young and growing is not always easy but it has taught me that even bad times can make for great stories. I try to learn from experience, because experience builds character and confidence and it’s a matter of choice whether we choose to keep moving forward with and learning from what’s given to us rather than dwelling on what could’ve been. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from skating, it’s how to fall safely, get back up, and try again; No risk, no reward. I try to surround myself with things I have come to appreciate like music, poetry, skateboarding, and even some spontaneity, because they’ve brought me opportunities to try, try again, and even succeed all while having fun doing them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
With Jersey City being across the river from NYC, it might seem hard living up to the hype, but with the right tour guide, you’ll forget you’re in the armpit of America. For good eats, my recommendations are Saigon Café for some excellent Vietnamese food, Rustique Pizza for a brick oven slice with the perfect cheese to sauce ratio, El Ranchero for the birria tacos (ranked #1 in the state), The Pet shop Bar for a good drink and live music, and The McGinley Square Pub for drinks and a few games of pool. For daytime activities, Liberty State Park has got some awesome views of New York, the Statue of liberty, and Ellis Island, plus some calm beach areas along the Hudson River. It’s always worth checking out museums in New York (MOMA, The MET, The Brooklyn Museum) and then walking around Washington Square Park or Central Park. If you’re down for a real daytime adventure, Jersey City has some awesome abandoned and secluded spots like The Bergen Arches and Deadman’s tunnel (Enter at your own risk). On a rainy day, it’s always worth it to catch a movie at Newport mall. I found some of my favorite bands going to shows at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City and Le Poisson Rouge in New York. You can always catch DIY punk shows and raves across Jersey and New York in train tunnels and warehouses (But stay out of Staten Island). Some of my friends do pop up Dj sets in parks and at the Jersey City waterfront, which is always a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my awesome mother whose guidance and support keeps me striving to do my best and for being the greatest role model a son could ask for. A huge thank you to all the teachers in the world for their dedication, inspiration, and opportunities you provide. (You’re doing God’s work). Shoutout to the dreamers and artists who keep the soul of the world in balance through your creation. Many thanks to Joshua Greenbaum for being a person for others, for your dedication to craft and for passing on the opportunity to be a part of Shoutout LA. May all of your victories multiply.

Instagram: @_bigig

Linkedin: Ignacio Manzanero

Image Credits
Joan Michel