Rebecca Villaneda is a Los Angeles-born writer educated in southern and northern California. She is the youngest of four children, all first generation Americans. Her parents left their roots in Zacatecas, Mexico, to raise their family in the United States. Rebecca became a writer to raise awareness of social and environmental issues and because her mother’s passion for the written word was contagious. She recently moved to Santa Barbara and works at Hispanic Business Magazine as a writer and is a contributor for Modern Serenity, an online publication that explores natural living.

Inspiration behind Stories 4 Women:

A whirlwind first crush:

My co-authors suggested I write about my New Kids on the Block crush. I w’asnt convinced right away. This one took some time to consider, but again, I felt others could relate on a childhood celebrity crush. Like the Michael Jacksons, New Editions and Duran Durans of the past to the Justin Biebers, Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swifts of today. It’s an interesting phenomenon — connecting to someone you hardly know, but it happens and I lived it. I wanted to share my joys and adventures of chasing Jordan, Joe, Jon, Donnie and Danny because it’s lighthearted and it allows me to be innocent at my age — if you’re able to hang on to your childish innocence you stay young at heart. That’s my one of my goals in life and I’m obtaining it with flying colors.

Full circle:

I chose to write about the death of my mother because I knew others would relate. Losing a parent, no matter what age you are they are, is one of the hardest obstacles in life one will ever have to endure. They are your biggest cheerleader — especially a mother. My mom was and she still is. I feel her holding my hand every day. She was a magical person that radiated joy and people still talk about her. I chose to write about my mother to honor her and keep her memory alive. This won’t be the last time I write about her either. Her personality will be carry on into more of my endeavors as a writer.

Making two worlds one:

I wrote about being a Latina in America as a way to explore both my cultures and shed some light on acculturation. I find it a blessing to have two cultures to embrace and am proud of both, as I’m sure many ethnic people in America are. As I learn about Mexico and my family’s rich history it makes me want to share the fascinating tales. And in writing this piece I hope to show how Mexican-Americans are a great addition to this country. I also want to remind that stereotypes are stale and we should embrace our differences and use them to better our relationships and our country.