Cristina Montejano was awarded the 2024 President’s Scholarship, which is endowed through the estates of Janet and Eugene Aiches and by the Luria Foundation. The scholarship, one of the two top scholarships awarded through the SBCC Foundation, recognizes an outstanding student who has demonstrated service to others, academic and personal achievement, leadership, resilience in the face of hardship, and potential for future success.
“When I was notified that I had been selected, I was truly at a loss for words,” Cristina said. “I couldn’t help but get emotional knowing the financial relief it would bring me. The thought of attending a university seemed like an unattainable dream a couple of years ago, mainly due to financial constraints. Thanks to the generosity provided through the Foundation, this dream has now become accessible and I am forever grateful for the support given to me.”
Cristina transferred to UC Berkeley in the fall of 2024 to study economics. She said, “I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to attend this school. My educational journey has been far from linear, and I never imagined I would be able to attend one of the best public universities in our country. I will also be the first in my family to attend university, a milestone that I believe is crucial in breaking down the many barriers previous generations had to face, and in paving the way for future generations.”
Cristina hails from a family of immigrant parents who had big dreams but couldn’t pursue them, so she understands the impact that education, and lack thereof, can have on someone’s life. “I acknowledge that it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to attend university, and I am beyond determined to seize this opportunity.”
“I am excited to transfer and find internships that will allow me to explore my interest in different fields within my major, such as data science, wealth management, and public policy. I also hope to be a source of motivation and guidance for students with similar backgrounds who feel disoriented as first-generation college students. I plan to advocate for higher education, and feel strongly about facilitating this goal for students of all ages and backgrounds.”
Attending Santa Barbara City College provided Cristina with an excellent education, caring professors, and the ability to pursue higher education without taking on debt. She was able to cover her tuition with financial aid and supplemented her income by working a part-time job. However, she knew that tuition at a four-year university would be significantly higher. Although she had been setting money aside in an educational savings account to avoid taking out loans, she knew that there would be many other expenses living away from home that would place weight on her shoulders.
“Receiving this scholarship brings an immense amount of relief,” she said. “It will allow me to focus on school and spend less time worrying about whether I need to take on a second job to afford my tuition and living expenses. I am excited for the fall, and committed to making the most of my education to pursue my academic and personal goals. I hope to someday be able to give back and contribute to the financial support given to incoming students, the same way it’s been given to me through the President’s Scholarship. Thank you to the SBCC Foundation for making this possible for me and many other students.”
