Paloma Ochoa currently attends Santa Clara University and is a graduate of Leadership Public Schools – Richmond. She will begin her third year at Santa Clara in the fall of 2025, and she joined the Richmond Promise Summer Associate program in the summer of 2025.

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: My name is Paloma, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Public Health at Santa Clara University. The main motivator that continues to push me through college is my parents. Knowing that they experienced an enormous amount of sacrifices to allow me to pursue higher education is what keeps me going. I am not only earning this degree for myself and my personal goals, but I am also doing it for my parents.

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

A: Richmond Promise has played a strong role in my education, both financially and emotionally. Not only has Richmond Promise alleviated some financial stress, but it also serves as a reminder that I deserve to be where I am academically and where I want to be in my future career.

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 be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate as a way to give back to my community. As a rising third-year, I believe I can use my experiences as a resource to help rising college students transition into their higher education journey. Through this experience alongside Richmond Promise staff, I hope to grow as a mentor, deepen my understanding of educational equity, and build lasting connections with students and staff.

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

A: I want to contribute to Richmond by becoming a leader who shows young people from underrepresented backgrounds that success and wealth are possible through education and resilience. As a future clinical neuropsychologist, I hope to bring mental health resources to communities that have historically been overlooked and underserved. I aim to break barriers and inspire others to pursue their goals unapologetically.

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

A: Overall, my college experience has been truly amazing. Being on this journey, on my own, has pushed me to grow, and I’ve become a more confident, driven, and self-aware person because of it. As much as I love my independence, the best part has been the sisterhood my friends and I have created; they truly make college feel like home away from home.

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 challenge was transitioning into a predominantly white institution. I often felt out of place and doubted if I truly belonged. However, joining a first-gen support program helped me find community, build confidence, and realize that my background is a strength, not a setback. My biggest piece of advice for first-year Richmond Promise Scholars would be to join a first-gen program, you’ll meet many of your friends there!

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

A: After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I hope to continue my education and pursue my doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology. Ultimately, it has always been a dream of mine to work at Kaiser Permanente. As I grow more appreciation for our community, I would love to serve underrepresented populations and provide them with more than just medical care.