UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Writing the novel “An American Immigrant” just made sense for Johanna Rojas Vann, who earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in 2013 with double minors in political science and Spanish. After years working in journalism and marketing, Vann is now a full-time author writing novels that highlight the beauty and complexity of diverse families.
For Vann, who grew up in the United States as the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia, the tradition of passing down stories kept her family's heritage alive. For the Penn State alumnus whose grandparents and mother made that journey, their story provided the inspiration to grab a pen and paper and document her mother’s life from the perspective of a loving daughter.
“Because I had the opportunity to talk to my mom during the process of writing the book, it made me realize how her journey made me who I am today,” Vann said.
“An American Immigrant” focuses on a Colombian American journalist who tries to save her career by taking an assignment in a place she thought she would never go, Colombia. It reinforces the importance of culture and community, of an abiding commitment to family, and of embracing our culture and the generations that have come before.
Because of her background in journalism, Vann initially found it difficult to get started writing a fictional novel — even if it was based on real-life events. So, she read books and listened to a podcast that helped her adjust her writing style.
“I tried to teach myself everything about writing a book, however, I had to tell myself one day to stop listening to podcasts and to just start writing,” Vann said.
She began to interview her mother and slowly started to appreciate her upbringing as an immigrant herself. Being second-generation American, Vann learned her parents’ language and culture. In addition, better appreciating her family’s journey allowed Vann to carry on the family’s traditions with her children.
“It is a beautiful thing to teach your kids what makes them unique,” Vann said. She began to teach her children Spanish and cooks them Colombian-inspired recipes. Vann lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two toddlers.
As a result of the book-writing process, Vann encourages people to follow their hearts — because she altered her career a bit from journalism and it led to her publishing her first book. Still, she was prepared for the change thanks to her experience at Penn State.
“Do not be afraid to try something new and believe in yourself,” Vann said.
“An American Immigrant” was published by WaterBrook & Multnomah publishing group in August. It is available in bookstores nationally and online.