During the 2025-26 school year, the Richmond Promise College Access Team will be joined in its work by Near-Peer Ambassadors. These members of our team are current RP Scholars who assist in the execution of in-classroom programming in local high schools. We are pleased to introduce you to one of our 2025-26 Ambassadors, Isabela.

Q: First, some basic info. Tell us your name, current school, the high school you graduated from and your major (or intended field of study):

A: My name is Isabela Banda Avila and I’m currently attending Contra Costa College. I graduated from Richmond High School in 2025, and I am majoring in Business. My goal is to transfer to a four-year college and focus more on the accounting side of business.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about being an RP Near-Peer Ambassador and what are you hoping to get from the experience?

A: I’m looking forward to connecting with students and being someone they can relate to and feel comfortable asking questions. Transitioning into college can be overwhelming because there are so many options, and knowing what you want to do or where you want to go isn’t so easy. I hope I can provide guidance and support for students that need help. I also want to share with students some of the resource opportunities I’ve learned about so they can use them.

Q: If you were going to give advice to a high school senior about going through the college application process, what would it be?

A: Take time to explore what interests you and look for a school that has the most resources and programs in what you are planning to do. Also, always have a backup plan, because life happens, whether it’s for financial reasons, family problems or any unexpected changes. It’s not the end of the world if you attend community college, it’s just a step to where you want to get to. Everyone’s journey looks different, and that’s okay.

Q: What’s the best part about being in college/what should a high school senior look forward to?

A: One of the best parts of college is meeting new people. You get to build a connection with people who you share interests and goals with, and even meeting people going into a different field is nice. College is a whole different experience than high school. It gives you more independence and freedom to explore what you want your future to look like. It’s a different environment where you can learn, grow and try new experiences.

Q: What are you most looking forward to after college?

A: After college, I’m looking forward to finally going into the field of my preference and building a career that I am proud of and love. I want a career that allows me to support myself and my family, and that allows me to continue giving back to my community. I’m excited to take that next step towards my goal.