Emiliano Nolasco is a graduate of Aspire College Prep who currently attends the University of California, Davis. Emiliano is majoring in Education.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is there anything in particular that motivates you as you go through college and prepare yourself for a career?

A: I go to UC Davis and am a 3rd year student studying human development. Something that motivates me is my family, especially my siblings. As the oldest, I need to be a role model and show them what to do and what not to do. Lastly, for myself, this is something I am pursuing because I want to and hope it takes me to a place where I’m comfortable.

Q: When did you first realize that you were college-bound?

A: In 10th grade, they kept pushing college, and seeing my other family members going to college made me realize I could go to college. The idea of going to college has always been there, so I’ve been focusing on my grades to get into the college that I wanted to get into.

Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?

A: They offer a lot of resources that I haven’t used, which is why I looked into RP Leads. Richmond Promise has given me a lot of financial relief–when I found out how much I was going to have to pay for UC Davis, I said, “Jesus! I’m going to have to take out loans,” but Richmond Promise has been helpful with that.

Q: Why did you choose to apply for RP Leads, and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: What drew me in was the internship support, with education, you can’t get a direct internship. But you could always get experience. The idea of getting professional help over my last 2 years at Davis, and getting the experience of working with people, is something that I knew I had to work on. As I am approaching the end of my college journey, acquiring skills such as sending professional emails and working on my resumes is something I know RP Leads can help me do.

Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: Coming back into the education system in Richmond. I wouldn’t say my high school was ghetto, but I felt that people (faculty and staff) were just going in and out, so going back to that education system is something that I want to do. I want to work with students and create bonds, fostering a better learning environment.

Q: How has your current college experience gone, and what has been the best part?

A: It’s been a mix of everything. People don’t lie when they say it goes by fast–it goes by really quick. Other than that, I’ve been figuring out a lot of things, shuffling around my major a few times. One of my favorite parts has been meeting new people and networking. When I first got to UC Davis, I would hide in my room, but once I got comfortable being on campus, I was able to go out more. 

Q: What challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today?

A: One thing is for sure is getting out of high school. I wouldn’t say it was hard, but it was difficult to be surrounded by people who weren’t motivated to pursue college. My first month in Davis was uncomfortable, and it was especially annoying figuring out where classes were. Going to college, I felt unprepared; I had to learn everything about my campus, and learn to adjust to a new environment. 

Q: What advice would you give to a first-year Richmond Promise Scholar who is just heading off to a new college or CTE program?

A: Don’t be scared, don’t hesitate to reach out to your network. If you don’t have one, make one. Finding your community is also very important. I stumbled upon a fraternity, unsure what it could offer, but over time, I learned that these guys eventually became my network and community. Look around, there are people like you; you just need to find them

Q: What are you looking forward to doing after finishing school?

A: Looking into graduate school programs is something I’m looking forward to. Other than that, working and doing what I want to do.