Julia Barajas
I explore how college students achieve their goals — whether they’re fresh out of high school, or going back for the first time in years — and what support they get along the way.
My exposure to college 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 tried out dual enrollment, and took an introductory Chicano Literature course. We 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 four-year degree, and it continues to shape the work I do now.
My hope is that all college students will get a similar chance to chart a course for themselves, guided by their own curiosities and ambitions.
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Over the last decade, scores of programs have promised coding skills for a new economy. Many of their graduates succeed. And many don't, left on the hook for some of the same high costs as traditional higher education. -
Take LAist’s survey and help set the agenda you want to see L.A. Mayor Karen Bass tackle.
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Michael John Mammone, 58, was riding his bicycle Wednesday along Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point when he was assaulted.
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Anthony Lowe was shot and killed by Huntington Park police on Jan. 26. 'Thank goodness that we’re in the era of videos,' said the family attorney as they file a federal civil rights lawsuit
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The city of L.A. must provide shelter for 60% of unhoused people. This year’s count will test the progress toward that goal.
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This year’s count comes on the heels of heightened concerns about its accuracy.
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Officials aim to prevent illness, death and swift water rescues as water levels rise.
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If you’re facing a rent increase, eviction or need help affording rent in L.A. check out this list of resources.
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Eunisses Hernandez, a community activist, and Hugo Soto-Martinez, a labor organizer, are among five new councilmembers taking office.
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The rental assistance program provides federal subsidies for low-income tenants. But the demand for the vouchers continues to outpace their availability.
