A hairstylist returns to school to pursue a long-held career ambition
In 1996, after graduating high school in Mexico, Beatriz Herrera wanted to attend a university to become a psychologist. Her mother, however, did not have the money to support her dream.
Determined, Herrera reached out to her sister, who lived in Santa Maria. Herrera’s sister suggested she come live with she and her husband and attend the nearby Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves students of all ages in and around Santa Barbara County. Eventually, Herrera would return to AHC as an older student, but not before decades of forging her own path.
At 19, Herrera left Mexico and enrolled in non-credit classes at AHC. As she worked as a farm worker during the day and attending classes at night, the non-English speaking Herrera struggled with the transition.
“I was embarrassed, being 19 and not being able to ask for a straw if I went to a restaurant,” Herrera says.
“I want my children to understand that life is about keeping going, not giving up.”
Beatriz Herrera, Student, Allan Hancock College
Soon after immigrating, Herrera found a boyfriend and married. Then, her husband assured Herrera he would support her dream of continuing her education to eventually become a psychologist. However, when he learned of the multi-year long commitment it required, he balked.
“He said, ‘No, you can go to school for one year to get a job,” Herrera says.
Deflated but not defeated, Herrera earned a one-year degree in cosmetology from AHC and became a hair stylist. In 2005, she opened her own salon, which she operated before selling it to an employee and opening a second salon in 2021.
For Herrera, hair styling is both a passion and a way to cultivate community.
“I love what I do because I’m able to speak to people,” Herrera says “I have customers that have followed me for more than 20 years, and for me, that’s an honor. You trust me and you trust your daughter, your granddaughter, your husband, your wife to me. It’s amazing.”
Still, Herrera wanted another chance at her studies.
In 2022, at the age of 46, a recently divorced Herrera decided to return to school and re-enrolled at Hancock College. Since then she’s taken a wide variety of classes—from biology to African-American history to English and, yes, psychology.
Herrera’s goal is to transfer to California Polytechnic State University, where she plans to major in psychology and eventually receive a master’s degree before going on to work as a psychologist in a children’s hospital.
“I want to help children, because when you help a child, you can help a healthy adult grow up,” Herrera said.
Herrera’s own children—two sons, 24 and 8, and two girls, 26 and 19—are supportive of her educational journey.
“The legacy I want to give to my children,” Herrera says. “I want my children to understand that life is about keeping going, not giving up.”
Herrera adds that she’s grateful to the teachers and staff who have guided her along at Hancock College, and hopes more people like her make the choice to go back to school.
“Think about your goal, because there’s a lot of people there to help you out,” Herrera says. “Allan Hancock has been like a great home and they gave me the confidence that going back to school is not as hard as you think when you get older.”
For more information on Allan Hancock College visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/
Written by Jimmy Flynn
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | English as a Second Language |
