Current GVSU Adult Learners
Gil Castillo
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
While spending time coaching youth sports at my high school and
volunteering in the community, I realized I really enjoyed helping
children and young adults learn valuable life skills through sports,
athletics, and education. I wanted to make this my long term career
and was immediately drawn into education because of this. I ended up
going to school for Health and Physical Education and have enjoyed
every second of it!
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
As an adult learner, I sort of felt out of place in the beginning
of my educational career. Being 25 in my first semester I felt like
maybe I started school too late but the more I attended classes and
immersed myself around campus, I realized people from all walks of
life come were coming together to achieve a common goal of getting an education.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
I started school at 25 and have a daughter that was 7 years old
at the time. I was also working for myself at the time as a local dog
trainer so juggling my academics, running a business, and my personal
life was a bit chaotic. At times it was overwhelming but Grand Valley
has great resources to help students through tough times. I also had
amazing professors in the Movement Science Department throughout my
time at GV that helped me tremendously. Being able to rely on my
family, friends, colleagues, and professors was extremely helpful.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
The most rewarding part of my educational journey has been being
able to witness my personal growth in my studies and meeting such
amazing people in the educational world. I've been able to attend
professional development conferences in and out of state with my
classmates and professors. I also got to meet my fiancé in school who
is also an educator. Since day 1, this journey has been so good to me.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
My single best advice I would give someone would have to be to
just go for it! Do it! Don't let the fear of failure paralyze you from
achieving your goals.
4 years will go by regardless. Why not make the most of it?
Interest Area(s)
Health and Physical Education
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