Back from Hiatus

It’s been a while, Montecito Journal readers. If this is your first time reading the Dear Montecito column–welcome! This column serves as a space to uplift young community members, from middle schoolers to marine biologists, and put a spotlight on their passions and interests for the Montecito and Santa Barbara community. 

As for myself, I’m a 27-year-old educator, visual artist, and social justice activist who lived in Montecito from 2005 to 2023. I went to MUS, Crane, and Laguna Blanca Highschool. Though I live in L.A. now, I write this column to broadcast emerging voices, to reconnect with acquaintances, and learn about what newcomers have brought to our community since I’ve been gone. 

I took a few months off from writing this column to focus on my new career trajectory: social work. After working at an afterschool tutoring nonprofit for a year in Alhambra, a primarily 1st generation immigrant community in Los Angeles, I recognized my passion for not just helping children academically, but emotionally. It’s a particularly stressful time for immigrant and ESL communities, which only exacerbates the typical childhood stressors for children within those families. 

So, back to school I go. Currently, I’m in the purgatory that is waiting to hear back from master’s programs. While I wait, to further research my interests I’ve decided to pick up a few classes at Pasadena City College: Introduction to the Justice System and Developmental Psychology. Taking classes and pivoting my career has opened the possibility for me to revamp this column.

I’m approaching this column with a new perspective: what are young people in Santa Barbara and Montecito up to that might surprise the older generations? Please contact me if you or someone you know is doing something off-beat, or has a budding business venture or passion they’re ready to share with the rest of us. I want to hear from all kinds of individuals and broadcast their impact on our community. I’m excited to be back.  

Sincerely,
Beatrice
[email protected]