Castillo Scholarship

As a first-generation college student with a deep passion for mechanical engineering, my motivation to pursue higher education and a career in STEM is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and cultural background. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I was constantly inspired by my parents' dedication and sacrifices. They came to this country with hopes for a better future for their children, working tirelessly in jobs that often went unrecognized. Their resilience and commitment were not just the foundation of our family’s stability but also the driving force behind my own aspirations. From a young age, I was captivated by how things work. I spent countless hours disassembling my old toys, eager to understand the mechanisms that made them function. My dad, who was always fixing things around the house, would let me assist him, and these experiences only fueled my curiosity. This fascination with the inner workings of machines and systems naturally led me to pursue mechanical engineering. It’s a field that perfectly aligns with my love for problem-solving and innovation. The idea of designing and creating solutions that can make a tangible impact on the world is incredibly exciting to me. Being a Hispanic student in a STEM field brings its own set of challenges and motivations. In many ways, pursuing a degree in engineering is not just a personal goal but a way to honor my family's sacrifices and set a new precedent for future generations. The journey to higher education as a first-generation student is often filled with obstacles—navigating the complexities of college applications, balancing academic demands with familial responsibilities, and overcoming the financial hurdles that come with it. However, these challenges also serve as a source of motivation. I am driven by the desire to break through these barriers and prove that it’s possible to succeed despite the odds. Moreover, my cultural background is an asset that I bring to the field of mechanical engineering. The diversity of perspectives is increasingly recognized as a strength in STEM, leading to more innovative and inclusive solutions. My Hispanic heritage provides me with a unique viewpoint that I believe can contribute to this diversity. Whether it's approaching problems from a different angle or bringing fresh ideas to the table, I am eager to use my background to enrich the field and drive progress. Pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering also means that I have the opportunity to become a role model within my community. I want to show other young Hispanics that it is possible to excel in STEM fields, even if we are underrepresented. By succeeding in this challenging field, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions and pursue careers in science and engineering. I want to be a living testament to the idea that with determination and hard work, we can overcome the barriers that stand in our way. In conclusion, my motivation to pursue higher education and a degree in mechanical engineering is a blend of personal ambition and cultural influence. My parents' sacrifices and the challenges I face as a first-generation student fuel my drive to succeed. At the same time, my Hispanic heritage enriches my perspective and enhances my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the field of engineering. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to make a difference in both my professional and personal spheres.

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.