Daniel Kariuki is a third-year student at the University of California, Merced where he is a pre-law sociology major. He is a graduate of Salesian College Preparatory, and he 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’m a first-generation college student at UC Merced majoring in Sociology, and my long-term goal is to become an attorney. Losing my father at a young age and growing up in a first-generation immigrant family taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of education, which continue to motivate me every day. Throughout college, I’ve challenged myself by serving as a Resident Assistant, participating in research, advocating for my community, and completing internships that have strengthened my leadership, communication, and analytical skills. My ultimate goal is to use the legal profession to solve complex problems, advocate for others, and create opportunities that positively impact underserved communities.

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

A: Richmond Promise has made my college education possible by easing the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my academics and professional growth instead of worrying as much about the cost of college. Beyond financial support, Richmond Promise gave me the opportunity to serve as a Summer Associate, where I help incoming first-year college students transition to college and guide them through completing the FAFSA process.

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

A: I chose to become a Richmond Promise Summer Associate because I wanted to give back to the organization that has supported me throughout my college journey. Serving as a Resident Assistant at UC Merced showed me how rewarding it is to mentor students, build meaningful relationships, and help them navigate the challenges that come with college. I saw this role as an opportunity to continue that work by supporting incoming students as they begin this new chapter of their lives. Through this experience, I hope to further develop my leadership, communication, and mentoring skills while making a positive impact on students.

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

A: I want to contribute by creating opportunities for others and helping build stronger, more supportive communities. Whether in Richmond or beyond, I hope to use my education, leadership, and future legal career to advocate for people, solve meaningful problems, and expand access to resources and opportunities. I also want to be someone who mentors and uplifts others, just as mentors and organizations like Richmond Promise have done for me. My goal is to leave a positive impact by helping people reach their potential and creating lasting change in the communities I serve.

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

A: My college experience has been about much more than earning a degree. When I first arrived at UC Merced, I was still trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted my future to look like. As the years went on, I learned to let go of habits and relationships that no longer aligned with the person I wanted to become, which gave me the space to focus on growing into a better version of myself. A big part of that growth came through my coursework, which constantly challenged me to think beyond my own experiences. For example, studying sociology taught me to look at social issues from different perspectives and deepened my understanding of the people and communities I hope to serve one day. That curiosity naturally carried over into preparing for the LSAT, where I learned to embrace challenges, stay disciplined, and trust that growth comes from persistence rather than immediate results. Beyond the classroom, internships and leadership opportunities allowed me to apply those lessons in real world settings and showed me how much I enjoy working with and learning from others. Looking back, the most meaningful part of college has not been any one class or accomplishment, but the journey of discovering who I am while building friendships and experiences that have shaped the person I am becoming.

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: My biggest piece of advice is to be open to growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. College is about much more than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to discover who you are, meet people from different backgrounds, and challenge yourself in ways you never expected. Take advantage of opportunities that may seem intimidating, whether that means joining organizations, or asking for help when you need it. You will not have everything figured out right away, and that is okay. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and remember that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. The experiences and relationships you build will shape your college journey just as much as the classes you take.

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

A: After finishing school, I am looking forward to starting law school and stepping into a completely new environment where I will be challenged in a different way than I have been during college. I want to experience the intensity of legal studies and see how I handle a setting where expectations are higher and the pace is faster. I am also excited to meet new people who are on their own paths toward law and other careers, and to learn from the way they think and approach problems. For me, law school is less about repeating what I have already done and more about entering a new space that will test me, reshape how I think, and expand the way I see my future.