Psychology student chosen to be a Madison Community Scholar

With plans to join the Peace Corps after graduation, junior psychology major Maria Castillo is taking advantage of every opportunity while in college to help accomplish her goal. Nightly, she does homework late into the night, while her days are packed with a full course load, working at the counseling center and most recently, becoming a Madison Community Scholar (MCS) for the 2019-20 school year.

“I don’t want to graduate feeling like I could have done more,” Castillo said. “I’m very motivated and if I don’t get to where I want to be, I’ll know that it’s not because I didn’t try or put in the effort.”

MCS students attend bi-weekly meetings that consist of professional development presentations and workshops. Since MCS is part of the Community-Service Learning program, they also serve eight to ten hours a week with a community partner, strengthening their leadership, advocacy and communication skills.

Castillo volunteers at Bridgewater Retirement Community primarily completing administrative work for the Director of Volunteer Services. Her time there has allowed her to do a variety of things, including working in the restorative care room and helping residents get to Sunday church services.

“Professionally, this program gives me the experience I really want,” she said. “Personally, my view of what retirement communities are like has changed a lot. When you think of retirement communities, you think of a dreary, sad place. But that’s not it. This community is amazing. It’s very lively.”

As an MCS student, Castillo has become more confident in speaking up and communicating her thoughts and ideas. The skills she has learned through her volunteer work have translated to the classroom and vice versa. She credits her psychology classes with teaching her to think critically and problem-solve—skills she’s utilized in her volunteer work. Prior to becoming an MCS student, Castillo admits that she was not a planner, but the program has helped her cultivate that skill.

“Having to figure that [planning] out has really helped me stay on top of my schoolwork and become very disciplined, which has helped me not procrastinate as much,” Castillo said. “Overall, I’ve done a lot better this semester, even though it’s been harder.”

Psychology department head Kevin Apple believes opportunities like this are important because they allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts studied in class. “It is wonderful for students to be able to apply what they are learning in the classroom out in the community,” Apple said. “With opportunities like this one, students are able to get a richer education.”

As Castillo continues working towards her goal of joining the Peace Corps, she has observed a progression throughout her educational career. “The things I’ve done before have helped me get to Madison Community Scholars, which helped me get to Bridgewater Retirement Community,” Castillo said. “I hope that Bridgewater helps me get to that next stage, as far as gaining career experience, which will ultimately help me get to the Peace Corps. Every experience I’ve had is just a stepping stone to what’s next.”