Meet Our RP Leads Scholars: Sabrina Campos
Sabrina Campos is a graduate of Salesian High School who currently attends Sacramento State University. Sabrina plans to major in Kinesiology.
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: What motivates me personally with my academic goals and end goal is being a first-generation woman of color from Richmond. These intertwined identities created hurdles along the path that led me to where I am today. Just because my parents didn’t go past middle school doesn’t mean I cannot academically achieve. By going to college and pursuing a degree in medicine, I can overcome these hurdles; I can beat the system.
Q: When did you first realize that you were college-bound?
A: Early on, because ever since middle school, I knew I wanted something better for myself and to set myself up for success. In 8th grade, my history professor, Mr. King, mentioned that I should apply to Salesian, which I hadn’t thought of. Because of him, I applied to Middle College and Salesian. Him seeing what I wanted others to see in me motivated me more. I worked hard and was accepted to both. It has been a long journey to get into spaces where I deserve to be.
Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?
A: Definitely in the financial aspect, being low-income, college is not always feasible because of our economic status. But Richmond Promise has also made me feel that there are people who stand behind me and believe in me. This program shows me there is hope within Richmond and connections worth making. It’s been nice getting to know people and meeting mentors. It’s not just a financial benefit; it’s a family environment.
Q: Why did you choose to apply for RP Leads, and what are you hoping to take from the experience?
A: I applied for the gift card (laughs), but seriously, I applied because I know what I want, and having a mentor, I know the help that it can give. What harm can a little more help do? I applied because of the internship, but also for the networking opportunities. I only networked in my high school, but not yet with people in my desired field. RP Leads also helps with resumes and interviews, which is something crucial that isn’t usually taught.
Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?
A: I want to be a role model for others; my dream is to work within the NFL. When you look at the NFL, the players may look like you, but it is rare to see a woman of color in those spaces. I specifically want to be a role model for young girls in male-dominated spaces. In Richmond, you may see people who look like you, but I want to show them that we can also take space outside of our community.
Q: How has your current college experience gone, and what has been the best part?
A: I’m nothing but grateful for my first-year experience. I feel that it went smoothly, and my professors have been amazing. I feel that going to Salesian helped me with that, so it made for a smoother transition. The best part, though, has been the independence. Me being able to earn my own money and go out with friends, and just being able to do things myself, has been refreshing. I’ve been using the campus resources, like going to classes at the gym, making new friends, also talking to sororities–I might even rush this year.
Q: What challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today?
A: Being of low income and a person of color in America, the system isn’t made for us, and I feel that has been the toughest challenge so far. I’ve had to make sacrifices that others might not have had to because they had more resources available to them. However, I’ve pushed through and made it to where I am today. There’s also imposter syndrome; sometimes I feel that I don’t belong, but I remind myself how I fought to be here and deserve to be. I want to be able to share my experience with other people and let them know they are not alone.
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: Take advantage of all the free resources; there are so many things that are out there. If you struggle with math, there’s someone for that. If you struggle with writing, there’s something for that. Don’t be afraid to talk to people. In class, you can sit in the corner and not talk to anyone, but that’s not how you grow. That’s how I met all my friends, and now we go to the gym or study together. Talk to your professors, don’t be afraid to email them–I emailed them five times a week, but they like that because it shows effort. Who knows, maybe they’ll be writing you a reference for a job in the future.
Q: What are you looking forward to doing after finishing school?
A: I want to apply to grad school, one of two ways: either the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Sacramento State or an accredited program to get an ATC certification. I want to get a job because grad school is expensive (laughs). I want to get an education and work my way up to the NFL.
