Rebecca Garcia

Rebecca Garcia is a 14-year-old who lives in Yucaipa, CA with a passion for singing, despite facing some challenges along the way. Born in Riverside, CA, she is the daughter to Jeff Garcia and Gena Beltran. In 3rd grade Rebecca pulled out all her eyebrows and eye lashes. It was at this time she was diagnosed with Trichotillomania and Pathologic Skin Picking. These are very severe Social Anxiety/ OCD disorders. She has struggled through the years, but the one thing that kept her going was her love for singing. Singing has helped her know that no matter what she can work through anything and come out on top.

Rebecca had her first introduction to singing on stage in her school’s 5th grade talent show, when she was 10 years old. From that moment on Rebecca was hooked, although she was never very confident in her ability to perform. When she was first starting out you couldn’t even hear her in a microphone. Her 5th grade choir teacher called her his “MIME” singer. Needless to say, that did not help in boosting Rebecca’s confidence in herself. Rebecca loved to sing though so she pushed herself and continued. Her mother says that Rebecca would always sing around the house, in the shower or anytime she was given the opportunity. She truly loved to sing.

Rebecca’s mom got her into a Glee group, through their cities local Parks and recreation Department. Her instructor was Ms. Jessica McKee. Ms. Jessica has been an integral part of getting Rebecca to see her potential. Rebecca started Glee in June and just a month later Ms. Jessica had her singing the National anthem at the community park stage. As time went on Rebecca saw many kids cycle through the group but she kept at it and eventually started taking private lessons at Jessica’s home. This is where she truly made her break through as a performer. With every lesson Rebecca continues to gain confidence in her ability as a performer.

Rebecca has been in her school choirs since the 5th grade. However, when she moved up to middle school 6th graders were not allowed to have an elective so she was not able to be in the choir that year. It was during this time that she joined her church’s worship team and realized how important singing was to her. She worked hard during this year to prefect her craft and do whatever it took to become a better artist. Rebecca is currently a freshman at Yucaipa High school. She has had the honor of being in her school’s Concert Choir which is the highest Choir she can be in this year. In order to be in this Choir her teacher from last year had to recommended her. She was asked to try out for the State honor choir but chose to wait until next year due to her busy schedule this year. Rebecca plans to audition for the school’s Madrigal Choir next year.

Rebecca has also enjoyed preforming in musical theater. She has done several plays on a local scale but hopes to continue to grow as a performer, acting in a total of 6 plays with Stars of Tomorrow over the last 3 years. She would love to break into musical theater on a grander scale.

Rebecca has used her love of singing and performing to come out of her shell, not only in preforming but in her personal life as well. Dealing with Anxiety is not the easiest thing when you want to be on stage but for Rebecca singing has been a great release. She works hard to improve on her skills not only in singing but as a person. She is truly an inspiration to all who meet her. Rebecca hopes that by telling her story she can help others realize their dreams and face fear head-on.

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