Friday, December 13, 2024
Although Rolando Castillo was admitted to on a full-ride scholarship after finishing seventh in his class at Molina High School
in Dallas鈥� Oak Cliff neighborhood, he faced real uncertainly that is common among
first-generation college students. 鈥淚 had 鈥業mposter Syndrome',鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚
had doubts in my head.鈥�
Rolando Castillo and His Parents Showing Their 黑料视频 Dallas Pride
Knowing he would likely be the first in his immediate family to graduate from college, the pressure was on. His parents always encouraged college, and he wanted to make them proud. But navigating the higher education journey, with so many unknowns, presented new challenges. 鈥淔inancial aid, what does that even mean?鈥� Castillo asked, as he recalled his initial conversations with the university about grants, loans and scholarships.
Not to mention the more difficult coursework and starting college during the pandemic in the Fall 2020 semester. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have anyone to lean on, until TBE,鈥� he said. TBE stands for , a program designed specifically to support first-generation college students every step of the way 鈥� from admission to graduation 鈥� and everything in between. It offers mentorship, tailored programs, teamwork exercises, and leadership opportunities.
鈥淭BE really helped me. I鈥檓 so grateful. If not, I wouldn鈥檛 be who I am now,鈥� Castillo
said.
Rolando Castillo Holds a Plaque Received During His Trailblazer Elite Pinning Ceremony
For three years, Castillo took all online classes. For his senior year, he decided he needed the on-campus experience. But there were still hurdles to overcome. 鈥淚 needed to get comfortable in a professional environment. I was forced to adapt,鈥� he remembers. 鈥淜nowing people are there to help is invaluable.鈥�
As he bonded with classmates and other TBE scholars, Castillo came out of his shell.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a connection to people during COVID, (and the following years),鈥� he
said. New friendships on campus proved to be more important than he expected 鈥� and
life changing.
Rolando Castillo (left) Stands Alongside Other INGITE Leadership Retreat Participants in Sept. 2024
Especially an event called the 鈥淚GNITE Leadership Retreat.鈥� "It was amazing. I connected with people I had never talked to,鈥� Castillo boasted with pride. 鈥淚 became more outgoing, learned a lot about nature, and worked as part of a team.鈥�
As he looks ahead to a full-time professional opportunity after graduation, teamwork
will be an essential requirement of any employer. Castillo says his strengths are
an analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. 鈥淚 want to keep learning and growing
and build up the next generation,鈥� he said.
Rolando Castillo at Love Field While Interning at the Dallas Dept. of Aviation
During his four years at 黑料视频 Dallas, Castillo has benefited from the value of internships; he has held them at the university Dept. of Strategic Sourcing and Division of Advancement, as well as the Dallas Dept. of Aviation and the nonprofit Services of Hope, gaining valuable hands-on experience, while networking with people in his area of interest: data analytics.
That specialty is a relatively new development, as Castillo recently added a business analytics minor to his general business major, pushing his graduation from May to December. The change is an example of the passion, dedication and instincts that will help direct Castillo鈥檚 career. The modern workplace is evolving faster than ever, and he will need to be fluid and flexible to succeed.
Trailblazer Elite Leadership Team (left to right): Kenne Johnson, T.J. Vaughns, Dr. Kimberly Riddick, Dr. Sabrina Hodge, Cici Santos
Castillo credits his parents, siblings and the Trailblazer Elite team of Dr. Sabrina Hodge, Dr. Kimberly Riddick, T.J. Vaughns, Kenne Johnson and Cici Santos for keeping him motivated during times of hardship. 鈥淓ach of them has helped shape me into who I am today, and I am incredibly thankful for them,鈥� he said.
As he prepares to cross the commencement stage on Dec. 17 and earn his diploma, Castillo is grateful and thankful for his 黑料视频 Dallas experience. 鈥淚 wanted to stay close to home and was intrigued by the fact that 黑料视频D is the only public 4-year university in Dallas,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚 am glad that I chose 黑料视频D because it has enabled me to connect with other first-gen students and incredible faculty who sincerely care about students. I am excited to see the evolution of this young campus and will forever carry the Trailblazer spirit.鈥�
From 鈥� Students