After graduating from high school in Maracaibo, he spent one year in Germany as an exchange student before returning to Venezuela as an engineering student for two years. It was a simple summer visit with his father, who at the time was working in Cincinnati, that led Castillo to decide to stay in the United States and begin ESL classes at Cincinnati State. He also took a few business classes and one year later, in 1999, he applied to OSU’s business college and was accepted as an official Buckeye.
When asked what he misses most about Venezuela, Castillo replies, “first, of course, my family and friends,” but does add with a smile that the food and the beaches are probably next on his list. However, he enjoys the opportunities that America offers and says, “In order to really succeed here, you work hard and you see the results. I really like that.” He also feels that “here, the culture is more individualistic… you are really by yourself,” which was a hard adjustment from the closer sense of community in Venezuela.
At OSU, Castillo has truly discovered the meaning of “getting involved.” Although his list of activities is quite long, one of the highlights includes his work as President of the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA). About a year and a half ago, Castillo was one of the few people who initiated the Westland High School mentoring program in coalition with HBSA and Big Brothers Big Sisters, which this year has greatly expanded. He has also been involved with the executive board ofthe University-Wide Council of Hispanic Organizations (UCHO) and with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Columbus. He along with a few other professionals and students founded the Global Commerce Consortium which works with businesses in the Columbus community. Castillo has served several times as a representative for the United States Hispanic Literature Institute both for Ohio and for the Midwest. He has attempted to start the Venezuelan Student Association but comments that “it’s still in the process.”
In terms of recognition, Castillo has received the Pace Center Award from the Fisher Business College, which is the highest award of recognition of scholarship and leadership given to a graduate of the business school. He is also invited to the President’s dinner, an honor extended only to a few students in every college, and has been inducted into the All-American Student Association.
The list of activities and awards goes on, but what is truly amazing about Castillo extends beyond his involvement and recognition to his courageously determined attitude. Castillo optimistically states, “Wherever I am, that’s the best place to be… If I’m here, it’s for a reason and I’ll make the most of it.” He admits that he will miss Ohio State and the Latino community here after graduation.

“For me, every single member of the Latino community has extended his or her hand to me and everyone is always willing to help me. I’ve had very good mentors, both students and faculty, who have guided me and helped me grow as a person. I’m going to miss the every day people that I see here, the little things that perhaps I take for granted.”
The month of August will bring yet another big event in Castillo’s life as he will be marrying his fiancée, Mariela Mozdzen, a native Venezuelan whom Castillo met in Florida. He will also begin working for the Dow Chemical Company as an account manager. However, Castillo intends to continue his education in three or four years and get a Master’s Degree in the marketing field.
Regarding the Latino community at OSU, Castillo’s parting wish is to see “the Latino voice reaching the higher ranks of the University. We’ve definitely gained some ground but we still have a long way to go,” he adds, “But I’ve seen a lot of underclassmen with a lot of leadership potential that hopefully will take over and keep things moving.”
Castillo advises the Latino community to “be true to yourself and don’t let anybody or anything keep you from doing what you feel like doing. You have to be happy doing what you’re doing and if you’re not happy, try to find something else. But remember, wherever you are, that’s the best place to be.” This positive, passionate, and admirable outlook on life will inevitably take Castillo far but OSU will greatly miss him•