Castillo Scholarship

Charles Darwin once stated, “It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change.” My mother is one of the most adaptable beings I know. She adapted to the fact that she would be diabetic and anemic for the rest of her life when she gave birth to me. She adapted to the stares and whispers she would get because of her race. She adapted to the hateful remarks she would get because of her accent. She adapted because she had no other choice. When I was born, my mother told me to never let anyone oppress my dreams. My mother comes from Mexico, a place where plenty of dreams are oppressed. She came to the United States at the age of 17, without an education or money. The woman who gave me life, a happy childhood, and care is the reason I am where I am today. I work hard to not only accomplish my dreams, but hers as well. She didn’t experience a childhood so I experienced one for her. She didn’t go to high school, so I went for her. When I was at my lowest she would be right next to me, guiding me towards the right path. My mother suffered so I could succeed, and with that I built my confidence. I have confidence that I will make a difference in the world because I am just as worthy as anybody else. I will do it for my mother who came with nothing but gave me everything. Going back on my timeline, I witnessed my mother's struggle with diabetes and anemia. Watching her work through the daily complexities of managing these chronic conditions was horrifying for a child like myself to see. Due to my mothers inability to speak the English language I would attend all of my mother’s hospital visits as her translator. I saw how nurses would get frustrated with my mother because she couldn’t explain herself in English. I remember how I struggled to explain healthcare terminology to my mother. For individuals with limited English proficiency, such as my mother, navigating the complex medical system is an immense obstacle, from scheduling appointments and understanding insurance coverage to communicating with doctors and pharmacists. I witnessed my mothers pain and embarrassment at not being able to speak a foreign language. Without access to qualified interpreters or translated resources, patients like my mother are at a severe disadvantage, often unable to fully articulate their symptoms, understand diagnosis and treatment plans, or ask critical questions. Ultimately, my goal would be to create a healthcare system that is truly universal. One where high-quality medical care is available to everyone, regardless of their income, location, or language. A healthier, more equitable society benefits us all, and I am deeply committed to making that vision a reality. Her struggles inspired me to pursue a STEM major, a dream that will not be oppressed.

Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I emerged from a background where higher education was a distant aspiration for many. As the eldest of four, my transition from adolescence involved adopting responsibilities that extend well beyond those typically associated with my peers. Following my father’s untimely death from cancer, I assumed the role of both caregiver and breadwinner, supporting a mother debilitated by health issues, while forging my path as a first-generation Hispanic student in software engineering. My father's life story has profoundly shaped my own. Emigrating from Puebla, Mexico as a child, he encountered formidable challenges, including a significant language barrier that forced him to abandon formal education. Yet, he refused to be defined by his circumstances. Through self-taught English and unparalleled grit, he founded a successful business, embodying the ethos that perseverance surmounts all hurdles. His dedication to family unity and relentless effort left an indelible mark on me, teaching that success is earned through relentless dedication and resilience. Inspired by his legacy, I am driven to honor his memory through my pursuits in software engineering. My fascination with technology began in childhood, captivated by its potential to solve practical problems and improve lives. This interest evolved into a passion as I recognized how software engineering could address challenges faced by communities like mine. Committed to making a tangible difference, I chose this field for its limitless capacity to innovate and effect change. Navigating college has not been devoid of challenges. Between managing household responsibilities, supporting my younger siblings—17 and 12 at our father's passing—and aiding my sister, a single mother, I’ve balanced significant family duties with my academic ambitions. Despite these demands, my academic performance has remained robust, complemented by various programming projects and internships that have honed my technical skills. Embedded within me is a drive not only to provide for my family but also to serve as a beacon of possibility for my siblings and nephew, demonstrating how adversity can catalyze ambition. My educational journey in software engineering is not solely a professional path but a mission to develop accessible technology for those with disabilities, inspired by the daily adversities faced by my mother. This scholarship is more than financial assistance; it represents a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience required to surmount significant educational and professional barriers. It would relieve the financial pressures that distract from my academic pursuits, allowing me to fully commit to becoming a transformative leader in software engineering. My vision extends beyond technical proficiency to include a commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices in technology. In conclusion, while my path has been fraught with challenges, each has only fortified my determination and sharpened my objectives. With your support, I aim to continue breaking barriers, not only for myself but also for future generations, contributing meaningfully to the field of software engineering and positively impacting the lives around me.

The ability of flowers to blossom where they are planted has always fascinated me, a quality I admire deeply. This fascination stems from my own journey, shaped by the sacrifices my parents made. When I was nine, my parents made the decision to move my family to the United States in search of better opportunities. This move was driven by my father’s unemployment due to a severe economic and violent crisis in Mexico. Leaving behind everything familiar, my family embarked on a new journey, replanting our seeds in foreign soil with hopes of blossoming. On my first day of school in the US, I was overwhelmed by a mix of Spanish and English. The unfamiliar strings of English words on my desk sheet felt like gibberish. This new environment was immensely different from the world I had known. However, by coming to the US we re-planted our seeds somewhere new to blossom. It was here that I first encountered my passion for aerospace engineering. When my 5th-grade science teacher assigned my class the task of building model rockets, he planted the spark in me for rocketry. I recall yelling “T-minus 3…2…1…Liftoff,” and then pressing the ignition button that launched my model rocket. The excitement of the countdown and the successful launch of my rocket ignited a spark within me, steering my ambitions toward the intricate world of rockets. Over time, English became second nature to me, and my confidence grew. I took on leadership roles, forming the first all-girls rocketry team in my school district, which won two national competitions. Now, I mentor new team members, fostering their excitement for aerospace. At Texas A&M University, as a manager for the Sounding Rocketry Team, I led the team to compete at the Spaceport America Cup where after lots of obstacles we launched to 10,500 ft and won a technical award, placing within the top 10 against 150 teams worldwide! Recognizing the importance of STEM education, especially within the Latino community, I am committed to making an impact. As a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at my university and a TECHNOLOchicas Ambassador with the National Center for Women & Information Technology, I work to empower and raise awareness among young Latinos about careers in technology, both locally and nationwide. I plan to use my education to contribute meaningfully to the aerospace field and advocate for increased representation and support for minorities in engineering. The values my parents instilled in me have been the foundation of my ambitions. I aim to work on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of space exploration and mentor aspiring engineers, sharing my journey and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Migrating didn’t just change our environment, it altered my outlook on life. It taught me to persevere through the toughest challenges, navigating various visas to stay in the country, and finally being legally allowed to work with my international student visa as I am do everything in my power to continue my education. This past year has been incredibly difficult with the large expenditures that came with the immigration process. This scholarship represents stability and the opportunity to fulfill my aspirations. Migrating to the US allowed me to aspire and get creative with the opportunities before me. It taught me that, like flowers, we should blossom where we are planted. This lesson has brought me to where I am today, studying aerospace engineering and striving to reach the stars.