Amelie Banuelos is a fourth-year student at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) where she is majoring in Pharmacological Chemistry with a minor in Chicano Studies. She is a graduate of El Cerrito High School and joined the Richmond Promise Summer Associate program in the summer of 2026.

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 want to become a Pharmacist and be able to help my community. My biggest motivation comes from my family and my roots. Growing up, I have always had my parents as my role models who always jump at the opportunity to help someone. I understand how difficult doing something as simple as picking up your medication can be for someone with a disability, a language barrier, or fear of lack of privacy, especially in such a diverse community like Richmond. I strive to become a safe space for patients, where they are able to confide and relax with me, and be able to be a source of help like my parents have always taught me.

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

A: Richmond Promise is a constant throughout my college education that has pushed me further. Not only has it greatly contributed to funding my education but it has also been a great source of motivation, proving that we are all capable of higher education, and being from Richmond only makes us stronger. Richmond Promise has given me the resources I needed to flourish, providing support through my transition into college, mentors always readily available to advise me, and a strong sense of community that I know will always have my back.

Q: Why did you choose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: Just how Richmond Promise has given me so much, I wish to give back to my community. I understand first hand how scary navigating college for the first time can be, starting with something like filling out your FAFSA. It feels as if we are immediately pushed into adulthood, but I want to help students feel uplifted into it, knowing they are not alone. I hope that throughout my experience as a Summer Associate, I am able to form a strong role in my community and guide incoming college students to feel better prepared for this journey. I also hope to master navigating the FAFSA and CADAA application processes throughout this experience so that I can continue helping students and spreading knowledge.

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

A: Richmond is a city that is full of culture, diversity, and passion, and I am extremely grateful to have gotten to grow up here and experience that. Through this role, I wish to help students not only obtain their scholarships but also gain a stronger belief in themselves that they can pursue any career they can dream of. I hope that I am able to become a role model for our younger generations not only in Richmond but throughout the world by proving that your identity is what should push you further and not hold you back. We are strong and we are capable!

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

A: My current college experience has been a series of ups and downs as I learn how to navigate my courses, extracurriculars, and planning to apply to pharmacy school, all while living away from home. There have definitely been difficult moments where I have struggled to juggle everything while feeling homesick, but my end goal has led me through it, and knowing that I am making my parents proud. The best part of my current college experience has been learning more and more about pharmacological chemistry, and being able to confirm throughout my experience that I am on the right path for me. I’ve been able to take chemistry labs, go on clinic trips, and join clubs that have all made me sure that this is truly my passion.

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: Heading off to a new college can be very overwhelming, so my main advice would be to make sure your plate is not too full and always put yourself first. I strongly encourage exploring, joining clubs, and doing extracurriculars but make sure you are focusing on what is truly fulfilling you! Comparing yourself to those around you might make you feel like you are not doing enough but you need to focus on what is best for you. Your mental health should always come first and when it does you will see how much of a positive effect it has on you. Do your work early, study ahead of time, take breaks, do things that you love and you will see how you are able to be your best self.

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

A: After I finish with my bachelors, I plan to go on to pharmacy school to earn my PharmD. I’m excited to continue with schooling, new experiences in a new environment, and getting closer to becoming a pharmacist!