Through the Richmond Promise Mentor Program, one RP Scholar is taking advantage of some helpful advice as she navigates her college experience.

Sometimes, just a little advice can go a long way.

No one needs to tell that to Richmond Promise Scholar Ashley Saechao. 

Now in her second year at UC Berkeley, Saechao is right in the middle of her college experience. A Richmond High graduate who is also a first-generation college student, Saechao intends to major in Integrative Biology with an eye towards working as a scientist or finding a career that puts her in a laboratory environment.

After a first year in which the transition from high school to college brought about many of the challenges that first-year students face, Saechao decided to take advantage of one resource she thought might provide a little extra assistance as she navigates postsecondary life. 

She joined the Richmond Promise Mentorship Program as part of the 2023-24 cohort and was eventually introduced to her mentor, Estelle Paysinger-Hill. In her role of Director, Nonclinical Project Management at Sangamo Therapeutics, Paysinger-Hill’s background in the field of biotech seemed a perfect match for a Scholar interested in the field.

The two hit it off quickly.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have Estelle as my mentor. She consistently provides invaluable advice, is approachable, and demonstrates great understanding,” Saechao said. “Estelle actively seeks out opportunities and resources to benefit me, going above and beyond. Beyond our mentor-mentee relationship, I also consider her a friend who is always willing to listen. Our meetings have taught me interview techniques, resume-building strategies, and effective ways to seek assistance when facing challenges.”

One area for counsel came about right away. Saechao knew that in her first year of college, she hadn’t quite found the right style of studying to fit her habits.

That area for growth turned into a mentor-mentee conversation, and the results were immediate.

“Adapting to the independent learning style of college can be one of the greatest challenges,” Saechao said. “I struggled with studying initially, and during one of our early meetings, I confided in Estelle about this issue. She offered invaluable advice on prioritization and time management, which proved immensely helpful. Furthermore, she generously shared her own study techniques from her undergraduate years, which I incorporated into my approach.”

The mentor-mentee relationship is certainly a two-way street. Paysinger-Hill is now in her third year with the Richmond Promise Mentorship Program, and she can recall what drew her to join in the first place.

“What attracted me to take part in the Richmond Promise Mentor Program initially was the opportunity to give back to the Richmond community as a product of Richmond and Richmond schools,” Paysinger-Hill said. “As a member of an underrepresented group and a college graduate, I believe it is important to help others in their student journey.”

She still stays in touch with her first mentee, recalling that they connected initially around the Scholar’s passion for data science and a desire to develop programs and help others.

Now, she’s working with a student in Saechao who is intent on getting as much from the experience as she can.

“What has stood out about Ashley is her diligence, enthusiasm and her curiosity,” Paysinger-Hill said. “She is willing to reach out and ask questions or for support.”

She has plenty of time at UC Berkeley to figure out what comes next, but as Saechao begins to think about what her path after college might look like, she’s relying on Paysinger-Hill for valuable guidance. 

“Estelle has introduced me to an opportunity to delve deeper into biotech. Since our initial meeting, she has diligently noted the healthcare career paths I’m interested in pursuing,” Saechao said. “Additionally, she has generously shared insights from her own undergraduate experience, providing valuable perspectives on the journeys and experiences that have led individuals to their current dream jobs.”

And for Paysinger-Hill, reinvesting in Richmond’s youth provides an opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in.

“It is extremely gratifying that by participating in the RP Mentorship Program, I have the opportunity to facilitate the success of a college student whether large or small,” she said. “I take away from the experience that it is reciprocal. I gain as much from being a mentor as I hope the mentee gains from me.”