Richmond Promise Scholars can be found in every corner of the world this summer as they take part in study abroad programs, internships and job placements that have carried them to far-off destinations. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting a few Scholars who are making the most of their college experience this summer.

The first in our series is Marelyn Gonzalez, a fourth-year student at Wellesley College who is currently working at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Q: Let’s start with logistics: Name, College, Year in School, Major and HS attended

A: My name is Marelyn Gonzalez, I’m a rising senior studying Media Arts and Sciences at Wellesley College, and I attended Summit Tamalpais (c/o 2023). 

Q: What led you to work at the Field Museum?

A: Wellesley has a set of internal internships specifically for Wellesley students, including three with the Field Museum in Chicago. I applied for the Visitor Studies internship at the Field because I felt it would allow me the space to grow professionally and contribute my skills that I already had to do work that makes a positive impact on museum-goers! 

Q: What are you doing in your internship and what are you hoping to take with you from it?

A: I’m a Visitor Studies intern working in the Audience Insights and Research group under the museum’s Marketing department. Our team works with all departments to help them with their research objectives, the projects I’ve worked on ranged from HR, Education, and Exhibitions related. I help out with data collection, as well as data analysis. This means I might be hanging out by an exhibit’s exit asking visitors if they have time for a quick survey, or working in the office analyzing qualitative data and making charts. As interns, we get to sit in on marketing meetings and it’s been so interesting hearing all about their social media and public outreach strategies. This has made me think about how deep these marketing campaigns can go, as the team is often brainstorming months in advance!

Q: How has your college experience at Wellesley gone? Are there any moments/classes/experiences that stand out as particularly impactful?

A: It’s been a bit rough, but I’ve also grown a lot from it! I’ve definitely hit multiple academic rock-bottoms here. And, I’ve also made such great memories on and around this campus, and formed close friendships that I cherish. I’ve also found support and mentorship from our faculty and staff here. An experience that comes to mind is working with one of my professors for the entirety of my junior year at Wellesley’s human-computer interaction lab.

Q: Tough question…what are you planning on doing after you graduate?

A: This really is a tough question…I’ve become a “go where the wind takes you” type of person. In a perfect world I’d like to do a temporary internship program after graduating, then go to grad school in the bay area. I’m working on post-undergrad applications this summer, and I’ll see what comes of it! 

Q: Finally, if you had one piece of advice for Richmond Promise Scholars who might be entering college, what would it be?

A: Talk to people who are doing what you want to do, and learn how to ask for support; you don’t need to do everything on your own!

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Throughout 2026, Richmond Promise is celebrating its 10th year of serving Richmond students. To support the next generation of Richmond Promise Scholars, please visit the Give page. To suggest a Richmond Promise Scholar or alumnus to be featured, email benos@richmondpromise.org.