Julia Barajas
I explore how community college students achieve their goals — whether they’re fresh out of high school, or going back to school for the first time in years — and how colleges help them do so.
My exposure to community colleges began when I was a high school senior. In all my years of schooling, I’d never been assigned anything written by a person of Mexican descent, despite growing up in L.A. County. So when a brochure for East Los Angeles College appeared in my family’s mailbox, I decided to enroll in an introductory Chicano Literature course. We read everything from Helena María Viramontes’ “The Moths” to Bernice Zamora’s “Notes from a Chicana ‘COED.’” And what I learned there — about writing, about history, and about myself — stayed with me. It informed my decision to major in literature and Latin American studies when I went on to earn a four-year degree, and it continues to shape the work I do now.
My hope is that all community college students will get a similar chance to chart a course for themselves, guided by their own curiosities and ambitions.
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Rain can make some allergens more potent, and it’s not just pollen you have to worry about. -
Ohtani said he has never bet on sports and that his former interpreter had been stealing from his account.
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Because of delays at the federal level, some colleges are still waiting to receive financial aid information from the U.S. Department of Education.
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As the U.S. Department of Education continues to fix its glitchy website, state lawmakers want to give students more time to complete their FAFSA forms.
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The Oscars give us a chance to root for our favorites. Film critic Carlos Aguilar tells us how to discover something new.
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As an undocumented student, Aguilar didn’t qualify for financial aid. It was up to him to pay his way through school.
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Oral health can impact academic performance. It can also be a learning opportunity for dental hygiene students.
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The union had reached a deal in late January after being on strike for one day. As details of that agreement slowly emerged, many members urged leaders to go back to the bargaining table.
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California State University faculty are weighing an agreement that would increase pay and benefits. Many don't want to go back on strike, but others say the union can do better.
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A week of screenings, panels, and meaningful conversations leads to new confidence and excitement to make movies.
