Molly Christison

When word got out in her writing class that The Santa Barbara Independent was looking for food writing interns, UCSB senior Molly Christison was the first to respond. “When the opportunity was presented to me, I just ran with it,” said the Woodland, California, native. “This is everybody’s dream job. Let’s be real.” So far, Christison — who counts aerial yoga, indoor rock climbing, and book-review blogging as hobbies — has written about macaroons in Paseo Nuevo, Japanese markets in Goleta, and Isla Vista’s most authentic Italian restaurant, and she is considering a move to either San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle after graduation in June. But for now, she’s focused on perfecting her jalapeño-popper grilled cheeses, admitting, “That’s what I think about all the time currently.” Check out her stuff at independent.com/food.