During the 2023-24 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 2023-24 Ambassadors, Malaika.

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

My name is Malaika Khan, I use the she series, and I am a senior majoring in Political Economy at UC Berkeley. I graduated from Aspire College Preparatory Academy in June 2021.

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

I am passionate about social justice, community involvement, and supporting underrepresented students in their academic journey. Drawing from my experiences, I am excited to collaborate with the Richmond Promise team and my fellow interns to provide the best support to Richmond’s first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. 

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: When you’re a high school senior, applying to college can be a bit overwhelming, but here’s my advice: Keep an open mind. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two schools. Apply to several colleges and universities, even ones you think you won’t get accepted admission into! You never know what opportunities may come your way. Be ready to embrace the unexpected with an open mind and make the most of the adventures that college can offer.

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

A: College has its perks! As a high school senior, you should be excited about the freedom it brings. You’ll have more control over your schedule, your classes, and your life in general. It’s a chance to explore your interests and passions in depth. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, and these connections can last a lifetime. Lastly, personal growth is a big part of the college journey. You’ll become more self-reliant, learn to manage your time, and gain a better understanding of who you are and what you want in life. So, get ready for these exciting aspects of college!

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

A: When I’m not busy with academic pursuits and community work, you’ll find me in the kitchen, where baking becomes my creative outlet. I’ve been thinking about taking my passion for baking to the next level and investing more time, money, and energy in my small baking business, “Malaika’s Melted Moments”. It’s a dream I’m eager to pursue and see where it leads.

In terms of my career, I’m drawn to the field of policymaking, though I don’t have all the details figured out just yet. The future is uncertain, but I’m excited to explore job opportunities that align with my interests and academic background. It’s a journey I can’t wait to embark on.