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 Fall 2025 intern, Jaelyn Williams. Jaelyn is a fourth-year student at Texas Southern University and is a graduate of De Anza High School 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 Jaelyn Williams. I attend Texas Southern University, where I am studying Business Marketing, and I previously graduated from De Anza High School.

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 am always looking to learn something new. As long as I gain knowledge and valuable experience, I will treasure it forever. No matter what it is, if I can apply it to any part of my life, I will be satisfied.

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: Prioritize and organize. Only apply to schools where you truly see yourself, and don’t apply just because your friends are applying. College is your opportunity to flourish, grow into a new version of yourself, and build new connections. Don’t feel pressured to choose a major right away, it’s unrealistic to expect someone so young to know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their life. Going in undecided for your first year is completely normal. Make sure to research the city you’ll be living in, the programs your school offers, and the fun events they host. Also, be mindful of scheduling classes, if you’re not a morning person or enjoy going out, don’t register for early morning classes.

Also, don’t be afraid to move away! Home will always be there when you need it, but getting out allows you to see a new world. New people, new food, new experiences, something completely different from your hometown.

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

A: My favorite part about college has been the growth I’ve experienced. Attending an HBCU as a Californian has been a completely new journey, full of lessons, meeting different kinds of people, and enjoying countless fun events. It opened my mind to so many opportunities and perspectives I never knew existed. The experiences I’ve had and the challenges I’ve overcome have shaped me into a stronger, better woman. College academics are very important, but they aren’t the only thing that defines your experience. You’ll make your own decisions, form and lose friendships, enjoy events, and grow as a person. It’s everything outside of the classroom that molds you into the individual you become, and that’s what I love most.

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

A: I want to impact the world in the best way possible. I don’t have a detailed plan yet, but what I do know is that I love helping people so they don’t have to struggle. I’m a huge believer in creating an easy, soft life, and if I can help others achieve that on a large scale, I will be fulfilled.

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

A: After college, I am looking forward to continuing my personal and professional growth, securing a well-paying job, traveling, and possibly moving to a new city to keep learning more about life and myself.