Edwin Castillo

Hi, my name is Edwin Castillo. Im a Third-Year Sociology Major pursuing an Applied Psychology Minor here at UCSB. I was born and raised in Porterville, CA located in the Central Valley. l am a First-Generation college student with a Mexican and Black ethnic/ racial background. My post-grad plans consist of going to get my Master's Degree and then becoming a High School or College Counselor.

MY HOBBIES
Basketball, video games, binging shows, pending time with family and friends

INVOLVEMENT IN SB COMMUNITY
Mission Scholars Student Panelist, Propel Peer Mentor, Promise and Propel Scholar, EOP Student

FAVORITE MEMORY
I have so many great memories here at UCSB, but I will choose a simple one. It was the last day of Midterm Week (Friday, and I had just finished a stressful and time consuming & page essay around PM. was looking at my phone and my friends were sending Basketball memes in our group chat, talking trash to each other. I joined in on the trash talk and out of nowhere it was 9:20 PM and I was at the Rec Center with my friends playing Basketball until the gym closed at Il We then went to go get Wingstop and talk in our dorm for hours. That simple story sums up the beauty of the college experience. Living at UCSB, all of your friends are close by, allowing spontaneous hang outs to happen with zero planning ahead.

ADVICE FOR YOU
One thing I wish someone told me before going to UCSB was how hard Imposter Syndrome was going to hit me. When I first arrived, I felt like I didn't belong, that I wasn't smart enough to contribute in lecture/ section, and much more. However, I want to remind all of you that the University accepted you for a reason, and thats because they believe you are talented enough to become a great and contributing member of society. They see something in you that you need to see in yourself. You are all amazing and incredibly smart individuals. If people doubt you, use it as fuel. Have that chip on your shoulder, it took me to where l am today. "Yes, there are mountains ahead, and there are mountains behind, too. You have already come so far, courage and grace has already been finding you...." (Morgan Harper Nichols)

WHAT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO

During my remaining time here at UCSB, I want to continue stepping out of my shell. I was an extrovert all throughout high school, but l become a bit introverted since arriving at USB. However, l've made tremendous progress in terms of finding my old extroverted self. I also want to continue making great memories with all of my friends and continue to excel in my academics. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me, and I'm glad to be a part of your journey in one way or another.