Luis Orellana currently attends San Francisco State University and is a member of the class of 2026. A 2022 graduate of Richmond High School, Luis plans to major in Computer Engineering at SFSU.

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 grew up in San Francisco but moved to Richmond five years ago for my freshman year in high school. My biggest motivation to continue with college is my older brother. Him continuing his educational career to become a registered nurse was a rewarding, although sometimes painful, road to success. Seeing him waking up nowadays doing what he loves to do in the medical field has inspired me to do the same in the engineering field.

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

A: Richmond Promise has helped my family and I with paying tuition. Although Richmond Promise is known for its scholarship, they have amazing resources such as mentors. Keeping up with my mentor has helped me stay grounded with my work and thinking about how my everyday choices have an impact on my future.

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

A: I applied to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate to further help my community with funds for college. Coming from a community with rather low income, I knew spreading the word of a scholarship would benefit all families and students.  I hope to meet with students and help come up with a concrete plan for their future. Yes, people can change their minds at any given time, but having a plan helps you follow a path to success.

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

A: Working as an intern in a scholarship program has shown me how many students are faced with college funds that they don’t have. Some may choose to not go to college as money may be the main problem. As to that, I hope to spread awareness to scholarships now, and in the future help families and students to worry less about college debt.

Q: Can you tell us about your current college experience?

A:  Now becoming a sophomore in college, I can say that it was a rather bumpy road but nothing that stopped me from succeeding. I went into college with a mentality that I needed to stay on top of my work as peers in high school told me that late work wouldn’t be an option in college. That mentality helped me stay focused, but that didn’t make the material any less challenging. I would recommend starting homework when assigned because events come up that you might want to attend during the weekend.

Q: What are you looking forward to after receiving your bachelor’s/transferring?

A:  I am looking forward to working at a well known tech company in either Silicon Valley or Southern California. I want to settle at a job first, then start traveling the world as exploring is very pleasing. All taken into consideration, living in SoCal is my ideal future life.