From Retail to UC Berkeley to Gavilan: Michele Castro
by PIO on Dec 22, 2022Michele Castro was recently appointed as the Senior Program Services Specialist, after having served as the Interim Student Life Coordinator at the Gilroy Campus, all while completing a Master’s in social work at Cal State Monterey Bay.
Her educational journey is one of breaking down barriers, tenacity and inspiration, especially for working adults, who might think it is too late for them, or that they do not belong in higher education. As a South County native, Michele’s connection and familiarity with our students and service areas starts with her family’s deep generational ties.
However, as a high school student, and due to family circumstances, Michele had to move to Stockton. During these key formative years, she experienced the limitations and unconscious bias so often placed on students of color. Back then she saw herself as college material, but her counselor did not think she was. This one decision propelled her onto a different path for the next 20 years in the retail management space.
Michele excelled and kept getting promoted in retail management. At one point she managed an expansive Northern California area all by herself, producing the highest results in profits. However, as the industry began contracting due to online shopping, she realized she faced a very limiting ceiling and no prospects if she stayed. In her late 40’s Michele made the decision to go back to school at Gavilan College.
As an older student she enjoyed her classes, had high grades and knew she could transfer to a state university, but going to Berkeley was never in her plans.
“That was so far off and distant for me, but my Gavilan counselor reminded me I qualified for the guaranteed admission program at the UCs, so I should just apply. So, when I got in, I knew I had a major decision in front of me. It would have been easier to go to San Jose State to get my university degree, but I knew Berkely would stretch me and put me way out of my comfort zone. I was scared but went for it!”
Michele packed her bags and moved from the comfort of her south county home, with her partner, to Berkeley. The adjustment of being in classes with students more than half their age was not easy. The school workload was much heavier, but she kept reminding herself she would be the first in her family to achieve such success. She also had every intention to continue her education by adding a master's degree.
She applied to the Social Work master’s program at California State University at Monterey Bay and got in. When she saw the Interim Student Life Coordinator position open at Gavilan she did not think twice about applying. It was coming back home for Michele.
When the permanent position of Senior Program Specialist became available Michele knew this was her opportunity to cement her employee roots at Gavilan College and continue guiding the Peer Mentors at the Welcome Center. Along with the student workers, Michele is another joyful and smiling face to greet new and returning students looking for help with registration and signing up for classes.
Looking around this beautiful Gilroy campus, she sighs and says: “I never thought I would be a Berkeley college graduate in my early 50’s and begin a second career here at Gav. If I can do it, others can as well. I am here to help others get there.” #YoSoyGavilan #IamGavilan