Paulina Acevedo is an incoming transfer student at the University of California, Berkeley who recently concluded her studies at Contra Costa College. She is a graduate of Salesian High School, and is a returning Richmond Promise Summer Associate who first joined the program in 2023.

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 Paulina Acevedo. I am Mexican and a proud daughter of immigrant parents. I am a first-generation college student, and I have lived in Richmond all my life. I have always been an overachiever and hard-working when it comes to education. My parents motivate me every day to do the best I can! Education is so powerful because we can always continue improving our knowledge, be curious to ask questions, and I have a lot of passion to continue learning. 

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

A: The program gave me the support and resources I needed to take on college, like getting a laptop to do my college work since I couldn’t afford one. My experience with RP has been nothing but love from the team. Seeing Latin people working on the team makes me feel safe and comfortable to ask for advice. Having workshops and reminders to keep me on track has eased my college experience. 

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 an RP Summer Associate because I like being involved in anything related to my community. To lead incoming college students to the right path, letting them know that I was in their position too, and making them feel safer and less overwhelmed is something I would’ve wanted when thinking about schools. Being a first-generation college student makes me happy to be that person for them.

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

A: I would like to give back to my community because I realized helping Richmond isn’t only by donating money but also by trying to get involved in any social or volunteer work. I would like people from Richmond to not feel like there is no success only because they are from Richmond. They can grow and pursue their dreams and not be afraid to fall sometimes because there is always help around everything. There are so many opportunities around us that we need to take advantage of. 

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

A: My college experience has been very smooth since I was in the First Year Experience (FYE) program. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me. I graduated from Contra Costa College in the spring of 2024, and I am transferring to UC Berkeley in the fall. Yay GO BEARS! I am very excited about new experiences ahead. The best part of college so far was the CCC Latino Graduation and being able to express my Mexican roots. 

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

A: I am looking forward to working in my career-based job and to hopefully come back and work with RP. I am also looking forward to seeing everything I was able to accomplish and feeling proud of myself. Living on my own opens a new chapter in my life and I will also hopefully travel the world!