Meet Roxana Becerril | Bilingual Freelance Journalist, Writer

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

Hi Roxana, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego but spent a few years in Tijuana, Baja California, the city where my parents are from. I grew up on both sides of the border, often alternating between two different cultures that have equally shaped who I am today. Mild identity crises were part of my teen years since I sometimes felt like I didn’t fully belong with neither my American or Mexican friend groups. It took a while before I learned that I don’t have to categorize myself. I don’t have to be 100% this or 100% that. I’m proud to be a Mexican-American who has the privilege of being bicultural. I attribute my closeness to my family, hospitality, and love of art and spicy foods to my Mexican side. On the other hand, my ambition, big dreams and passion for social justice are the result of my American life and education.

What should our readers know about your business?
After my college graduation last year, I stayed at my 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job as a production assistant at a TV station for a few months before I realized I needed to explore alternative career routes. I decided to start freelancing as a journalist to gain a sense of more freedom and creativity. Being confined to one company or even being indoors in an office all day just isn’t inspiring to me. I need to see different faces, explore new places and just be, without too many restrictions. Not a lot of people have the ability or desire to work independently. I think that’s what sets me apart. I’m creating my own blueprint. Taking that leap of faith and trusting my intuition is what I’m most proud of. I’m still navigating the freelance waters, but I am establishing my own business as a freelance journalist and writer. I send my own original story pitches to publications, I negotiate rates and build relationships with respected journalists, editors, business owners, politicians, high-profile clients and ordinary people like you and me. It’s not hard but it’s also not easy. Freelancing requires a lot of effort and patience and your own unique talents, of course. A few challenges that come with freelancing are rejection and managing finances. Sometimes editors won’t even respond to my pitches and sometimes they’re the ones that reach out to me directly for assignments. The pay is unstable. Some months are better than others and it can be challenging knowing how to budget. Regardless, I’m happy knowing I’m creating a name for myself with every byline I put out. Each article that I publish, whether it be a roundup of new places or a feature on art and culture, reminds me that I created something all on my own that everyone can benefit from. And that, to me, is something truly special.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First up: pilates, a workout class or an outdoor activity. San Diego has an amazing variety of workout studios. My favorites include Salt Hot Pilates, Revel Fit Club, Yoga Box and going for a run at Seaport Village. After a morning kick of endorphins, I’d take my visitor for coffee and vegan donuts at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters or an iced matcha latte and breakfast sandwich at Copa Vida. I’d probably follow that with a walk downtown, a visit to the museums in Balboa Park, some vintage shopping at La Loupe in Normal Heights and have sushi for dinner at Azuki or at rooftop restaurant Lumi. We’d probably end the night with fun drinks at my favorite intimate bar, Polite Provisions, in North Park.

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?
Alex Munro-Rankin, the art director at the San Diego Union-Tribune. Even prior to my graduation from San Diego State University, Alex has been a great mentor, leader and supporter. Her attentiveness and willingness to lend a hand has inspired me throughout my freelance journey. She’s extremely talented and has great taste, too.

Website: https://linktr.ee/byroxyb

Instagram: roxy.becerril

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/roxana-becerril-077231162

Twitter: roxybecerril

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxyy.mayra/

Image Credits
Bella Ross.