As a college graduate, my biggest impact within my community has been providing educational information to students and families on the opportunities available. I’ve also provided transparency throughout the admissions process and I’ve been a person who advocates for them to receive the financial aid they deserve. My biggest impact as assistant director of admissions has been playing a key role in increasing the number of Latin-X students enrolled at Dominican and creating a safe and friendly work environment for the student ambassadors (whom I supervised). At my current position, my biggest impact has been working as an integrative coach and mentor for current students, teaching two sections of a navigating college class for first-year students and creating a sense of belonging and trust by having an open-door policy and being supportive of all students and their needs. 10,000 Degrees played a major role in my life. Through their network of unconditional support, they allowed me to dream, showed me compassion, and provided mentorship that I would have not received elsewhere. During my time as a fellow, 10,000 Degrees showed me that while we can’t always change the student’s circumstances, we can always provide comfort, dignity, respect, and support to help them thrive.
Alumni Story
Josue Castillo
10,000 Degrees Alum
Dominican University of California, 2025
Sonoma State University, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree
“I firmly believe that everyone should have access to an education regardless of their circumstances.”
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree
“10,000 Degrees showed me that while we can’t always change the student’s circumstances, we can always provide comfort, dignity, respect, and support to help them thrive.”