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Julia Barajas
What I cover
My reporting encompasses everything from research universities to community colleges, with an emphasis on students who’ve been historically excluded from higher education. I focus on issues that could affect students’ learning conditions and post-grad opportunities. This includes new programs and teaching methods; the spread of generative AI; labor disputes; disciplinary proceedings; and access to financial aid. I also highlight campus resources and events that are open to the broader community.
My background
Up until 12th grade, I was never assigned anything written by a person of Mexican descent, despite growing up in L.A. County, where Latinos make up nearly half of the population. So when a brochure for East Los Angeles College appeared in the mailbox, I tried out dual enrollment and took an introductory Chicano Literature course. Our class read everything from Tomás Rivera’s “... And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” 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 bachelor’s degree, and it continues to shape the work I do now.
My goals
I aim to help all college students chart a course of success for themselves, guided by their own curiosities and ambitions.
Best way to reach me
If you’re worried or excited about something related to SoCal higher ed, I’d love to hear about it. You can reach out by email at jbarajas@laist.com. If you have a tip you'd like to share more privately, you can reach me on Signal. My username is @jbarajas.68. You can follow this link to reach me there or type my username in the search bar after starting a new chat.
Stories by Julia Barajas
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Every year we look back on the important stories of the past 12 months — and look ahead to the stories in the new year.
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Worm composting became especially popular during the pandemic, but it's never too late to get in the dirt.
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An English professor convinced her that she had a story worth telling — and the capacity to write professionally.
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The paid fellowship prioritizes students from Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Long Beach, and Long Beach City College.
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Baker Commodities Inc. de la ciudad de Vernon ha demandado a la agencia gubernamental que la supervisa por 200 millones de dólares en concepto de daños y perjuicios. Los vecinos habían celebrado su cierre temporal. Ahora, una próxima decisión judicial podría permitir una reapertura total.
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Cuando se trata de malos olores, no hay por qué aguantarse. Aquí tiene una guía sobre dónde informar de los problemas en el sur de California.
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Los residentes del sureste de Los Ángeles llevan décadas lidiando con el hedor de la carne podrida, además de otros males ambientales.
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The college’s lessons on sustainability reach beyond the classroom.
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Santa Monica College's recycling and resource management program is among a growing list responding to the climate emergency's impact on the economy.
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LAist will be devoted to covering campuses in Greater L.A., with an emphasis on students who often encounter additional challenges navigating higher ed.
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In Southeast L.A., as well as Boyle Heights and unincorporated East L.A., community members have organized against the stench of dead animals, and other environmental problems, for years.
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The company, Baker Commodities, Inc., was the focus of a recent LAist investigation that found widespread community complaints about odors.
