The Richmond Promise Communications team is assisted in its work by the RP Marketing & Communications Intern. In this role, a current RP Scholar assists the Director of Communications in ideation and creation of external materials, particularly for use on social and digital media.

We are pleased to introduce you to our Spring 2025 intern, Carolina Ayala. Carolina is a first-year student at the University of Southern California (USC) and is a graduate of Making Waves Academy in Richmond.

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

A: My name is Carolina Ayala and I’m attending the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre! I graduated from Making Waves Academy (shoutout to the 21st wave!) and discovered my interest for theatre when I attended the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, later marking it my passion when I did a two-week summer retreat at the Eugene O’Neill Foundation in Danville, Calif. Currently, I love my major so far and the opportunities I’ve gained. I’ve gotten to meet so many talented people and I’m learning so much from them. As for performances, I’m currently in “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” (30 plays in 60 Minutes, a LATI Hollywood & Fringe Production) which will be performed in Los Angeles in late February, then in Scotland during the summer!

Q: What are you most looking forward to about being a RP Marketing & Communications Intern and what are you hoping to get from the experience?

A: I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of graphic design and exploring a variety of options through marketing. So far in my college experience, I’ve been the Co-Outreach and Public Relations Specialist for the Community Arts Collective, which is an independent student-led club focusing on providing opportunities for those interested in theatre by eliminating barriers and welcoming those with little to no experience. I’ve been able to expand my graphic design skills there and implement it in my internship position. I’ve realized that the more efficient I can be with communication on social media, it makes an impact on our lives, especially with the ever-growing social media consumption. Out of this experience, I’m hoping to gain more connections revolving around Richmond and seeing where it leads me in the long run.

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: 1) Start those college essays early! There is nothing better than relaxing during Thanksgiving/Winter Break because you handled your essays earlier. I remember starting my PIQs during the end of summer and it helped a lot during the stress in high school. 2) Choose 1-3 teachers early in the process to edit your papers. They’ll see your personal and writing growth, plus they make great letters of recommendation! 3) When researching colleges, pick ones that are right for YOU. Although certain colleges have a more popular reputation, you’ll have to choose a kind of lifestyle that best suits you.

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

A: Gaining a sense of independence. It can be daunting to handle everything on your own, but it’s so satisfying to figure out what works best for you. Not only that, but you also find yourself in this process. You reflect a lot, especially when comparing yourself in high school and coming back home, realizing that your identity has shifted, not necessarily in a bad way, but registering the fact that it’s okay to call different places your home, not just where you were raised/born.

Q: Big question…what do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: I hope one day I can contribute to Richmond by providing my performing arts experience to elevate our voices in our city. In terms of the world, I hope to contribute my performative self in the world of entertainment, to not only fulfill my dreams, but to also represent my community to the Bay Area and Latinos.

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

A: This is a big question, considering that I’m only a freshman, haha! In all honesty, I’m looking forward to working in Los Angeles, or any other big city that revolves around entertainment, hoping to gain an agent, working my way to obtain SAG-AFTRA status, and living my dream of being a full-time working actress.