A Colombian native, Margarita Castro immigrated to the United States at the age of three with her family. Growing up, she said, her family pushed the importance of education to gain access to opportunities they never had.
This Saturday, Castro will make them proud. She鈥檚 not only graduating from the University of Houston College of Education with a Bachelor of Science in health but she gets to lead the processional and sit on stage as a banner bearer for the College due to her high academic standing.
鈥淚 feel really honored,鈥� said Castro, who鈥檚 graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Read the following Q&A to learn more about Castro鈥檚 college experience and her plans after graduation.
Why did you choose to major in health?
I want to be a physician鈥檚 assistant so I can help people while also having flexible hours. To get accepted into PA school, I needed to major in a health-related field.
Was there any particular course or professor you valued?
The class I enjoyed the most was my fieldwork course. I had the opportunity to intern as a research assistant for the Psychology of Addiction Collaborative based within the Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences. I was able to incorporate all the knowledge I acquired throughout my undergrad courses. I am also grateful for the friends I made during my internship and Dr. Marcel de Dios for making my last semester at UH a memorable one.
Where did you draw inspiration to keep going?
My parents for sure. I had taken it upon myself to make everything better for them. I鈥檓 also very motivated to get there for myself. I鈥檓 focused on my goals and not letting anything stop me.
What do you like to do on campus?
I like to be in the library and study, especially on the higher floors because of the view. I also like walking around the fountains and trees in front of Farish Hall because it鈥檚 a very nice and peaceful environment.
Are you excited for graduation?
Yes! I feel like it鈥檚 been a long time coming and I鈥檝e worked toward this for so long and it鈥檚 finally here. The fact that I鈥檓 graduating with honors and being the banner bearer came up so suddenly. It makes me feel like everything I struggled through was all worth it.
What鈥檚 next?
I鈥檓 moving to Florida and applying to PA school, which will take two years to complete.
Any advice you鈥檇 give to fellow students?
If you put your mind to anything, you鈥檙e capable of doing anything. Don鈥檛 let anyone try to stop you.
Read the rest of the Graduation Spotlight series to learn more about the fall 2019 banner bearers for the departments of Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences.
鈥� By Alberto Huichapa
鈥� Photo courtesy of Margarita Castro