Jack Maguire is a graduate of El Cerrito High School who currently attends UC San Diego. Jack is majoring in Biology.

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 love movies, climbing, and helping others! In my future career I hope to not only pursue something intellectually stimulating but also something that leaves a lasting impact in the lives of other people.

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

A: I always knew that I wanted to go to college but the application season was definitely the moment where I realized that it was real. I remember getting my first acceptances and imagining college life for the first time.

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

A: Richmond Promise has been a big help in financially supporting my college journey. The financial aspect of college was overwhelming and Richmond Promise helped me better afford it.

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

A: I chose to apply for RP Leads because I felt like I was in need of guidance in these next years of college. I’m excited to be a part of a program that can help me grow over 3 years as well as develop relationships with peers, mentors, and advisors as a member of the Richmond community.

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

A: I enjoy helping others and would love to work towards doing that in a career. RP Leads is a great opportunity to accelerate these goals and ensure that I can leave a lasting impact on my community.

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

A: It’s been fun being in such a new environment and exploring all the new places! I definitely had to adjust to some things, but I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and exploring a new part of the world on my own.

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

A: I moved around a lot as a kid which prevented me from having a connection to one specific home or place. Instead I always connected with the greater Bay Area and learned how to deal with changes and uncertainty while developing greater resilience. These lessons have helped me push back against challenges and know that I am capable of overcoming hard times.

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: Coming into college I was super nervous about being in a new environment and having to make a whole new set of friends on my own. Looking back on the year, I think it’s important to accept that college will be scary at times but also understand how much control you have over your life. Making friends might seem daunting, but everyday is a new opportunity to put yourself out there and create new opportunities for yourself.

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

A: I hope to apply my studies towards a career that excites me!