First bit of Fall as Told by a First Year

This fall in Isla Vista, there is something in the air–something warm and bright that rolls in with the fog each morning. I have spoken with many members of our Jewish community and know a lot of you feel it too. I am a first-year student at UCSB and was told upon arrival that the Jewish community here is strong. Strong is an understatement. I was welcomed with such open arms and immediately understood these are the people who will always be in my corner.

I’ve gathered many anecdotes of being Jewish on campus last academic year. You were forced to process the grief of October 7th while defending your right to simply exist in this space. There were days you were scared, and days you were furious. You experienced things a college student should never have to endure. The silver lining: you didn’t go through this alone. In every recounting of the past year, it is emphasized how close you all became. Your Jewish pride and care for one another have carried into this year. 

All in all, the start of this year has been kind to us. We were able to commemorate the anniversary of October 7th in a tremendously touching way. We had public displays and tabling on campus, as well as a vigil for our community to come together and reflect. We have also been celebrating the High Holidays with immense intention and joy. Coming from Fresno (with a Jewish population of  >0.4%), it has been phenomenal to celebrate these holidays with hundreds of Jewish students. Rosh HaShanah was a much needed reset, where we were able to celebrate new beginnings and express gratitude for all of the sweet things in life. Yom Kippur was a chance to search our shortcomings and consider how we can contribute to our personal growth and surrounding environments in the months to come. Sukkot has been a gorgeous celebration of the will and circumstance that has allowed our people to thrive for over 3,000 years. Between the services and meals, I’ve had laughs that left me breathless, as well as the most meaningful conversations of my life.

Jewish life aside, Santa Barabara is a place of opportunity. There is truly something for everyone here and constant occasions to seize. The people are friendly, easygoing, and uniquely creative. They take inspiration from one another and are skilled in the art of reaching out. This has been a month filled with coffee chats, ocean plunges, and local adventures. Of ‘What’s your story,’ ‘Please get involved,’ ‘I want to take you with me.’ People have told me that I look so happy–and I am–but on a deeper level, I am living as my most authentic self in this space, and I have not felt this elated since I was a child. I know for a fact that I’m in the right place at the right time. It has been dominos of decisions and coincidences that have brought us together. I am so glad to be in Santa Barbara, to be Jewish in Santa Barbara, and to be here with you. 

So far, so soulsome, and looking forward to everything to come! 

With love,

Maya Kaye