
Hobbies and interests
Soccer
Anatomy
Biology
Business And Entrepreneurship
Reading
Reading
Self-Help
I read books daily
Yandel Castillo
1x
Finalist
Yandel Castillo
1x
FinalistBio
I’m Yandel Castillo, born and raised in Winder, GA, and I’m passionate about combining art and science as an aspiring plastic surgeon. I aim to enhance self-esteem and transform lives while preparing for medical school and volunteering in my community.
Education
Johnson High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Public Health
- Human Biology
Career
Dream career field:
- Medicine
Dream career goals:
Plastic Surgeon
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2023 – 20263 years
Awards
- State Recognition
- All State 1st Team
- 3A 2nd Team
- 2025 3A State Champion
Public services
Volunteering
My Sisters Place — Managing Donations2024 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Rev. Ethel K. Grinkley Memorial Scholarship
From a young age, I have felt called to serve others through love and compassion. My faith has always taught me that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for. That belief has shaped who I am today and the future I am working toward: becoming a plastic surgeon who uses medicine as a tool for healing, dignity, and restoration.
My relationship with God has grown through both blessings and challenges. In church, I learned that faith is not just about words, but about how we treat people, especially those who are struggling. That understanding became real to me when I started volunteering at My Sister’s Place, a homeless shelter for women and children. There, I met mothers working tirelessly to provide a better future for their kids and women who had survived trauma, abuse, and loss.
At My Sister’s Place, I helped serve meals, organize donations, and spend time with the women and children. Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones: helping a child with homework, listening to a mother share her story, or seeing someone smile because they finally felt safe and cared for. Those experiences showed me how powerful it is to meet people with patience, kindness, and respect, no matter what they have been through. They also opened my eyes to how much our world needs more people willing to serve quietly and consistently.
My interest in plastic surgery grew from the same desire to help others feel whole again. Many people think of plastic surgery as something purely cosmetic, but for me, it represents restoration. I am especially drawn to reconstructive work, helping patients who have been through accidents, burns, birth defects, or illnesses like breast cancer. I want to be the kind of doctor who does not just fix what is visible on the outside, but also cares deeply about what my patients are carrying on the inside.
As a first-generation college student, I understand the weight of sacrifice and the importance of opportunity. My family has worked hard so I can pursue an education they themselves did not have. Their faith in me motivates me to keep going, even when the path seems long or difficult. I see my education not just as a personal achievement, but as a way to give back to my family, my community, and to those who may not have access to the care they need.
In the future, I hope to combine my medical training with my heart for service. I envision myself volunteering my skills at clinics that serve low-income communities, offering free or reduced-cost reconstructive surgeries, and participating in medical mission trips. Whether it is helping a burn victim feel comfortable in their own skin again or giving a child born with a cleft lip the chance to smile confidently, I want my work to be a reflection of God’s love.
Love, faith, and community service are not separate parts of my life; they are deeply connected. My faith teaches me to love others, that love moves me to serve, and through service, my faith grows stronger. Becoming a plastic surgeon is more than a career goal for me; it is a calling to bring healing, hope, and dignity to people who need it most. With God’s guidance, I plan to continue serving others wherever I am, using both my hands and my heart to make a positive impact on the world.