Maria Saint, Neighbor

Although Maria majored in English at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she wasn't quite sure what was in store for her after she graduated in 1996. She stumbled into the world of journalism when she found a help wanted ad for an editorial assistant for the Ventura County Star in 1998 -- this was on the eve of when she planned to talk to her boss about her future at the medical records department for the county hospital. Maria worked for The Star for 10 years and now freelances for the publication. Freelancing can keep her busy, but something else keeps her busier: her daughter! She and her husband are trying to adjust to the toddler stage, but despite feeling wiped out at times, they cannot imagine their lives without this little girl.