Life hasn’t been easy for Brownsville resident Michael Castilleja. Raised by his grandfather, he learned the value of money at an early age because it was hard to come by. When he completed high school, he faced a number of obstacles in his pursuit to break free of the cycle of poverty but Castilleja possesses a clear understanding of the value of education.

“Being in a Hispanic family in the United States, a good education has always been our golden ticket to the American dream,” he said. But one of the greatest obstacles he faced involved getting the financial assistance he so desperately needed.

“Many institutions have failed to deliver aid to a student with big aspirations and dreams,” he said during his struggle for financial freedom. Nevertheless, Castilleja remained determined not to let hopelessness win.

Castilleja, a first-generation college graduate, earned an Associate of General Studies, which allowed him to take one foot out of the cycle.

In March of 2023, he applied to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. For nearly 30 years, VIDA has worked with its participants to teach them how to face — and overcome — obstacles that get in the way of their dreams. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization does this with financial assistance for tuition, books, tools and uniforms and with much more. Individual and group counseling provide all VIDA participants with resources on topics like how to manage their time and stress and with important skills, such as creating a resume and rocking a job interview.

VIDA participants get to attend sessions with guest speakers who are experts in their fields, educating and inspiring them. One day, these students may become guest speakers to future VIDA participants. VIDA staff and participants perform community service across the Valley, too, learning the importance of civic engagement while supporting the communities that help fund the work they do.

Castilleja currently attends Texas Southmost College, where he is pursuing a degree in construction management. He works at a local car wash to help his grandfather with the bills. 

Through VIDA, Castilleja has received assistance with tuition and the tools needed for his coursework. He has taken advantage of the counseling sessions and guest speakers and has volunteered for community-service projects. 

“VIDA has changed every conceptualization about aid institutions for me,” Castilleja said. “VIDA has provided a new opportunity that will allow me to fulfill my goals without having to worry about any financial burdens.” He added that this financial assistance has provided another “golden ticket” for him.

Next month, Castilleja will lift his other foot out of the cycle of poverty when he graduates from TSC.

As Henry Ford once said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” For Castilleja, the coast is clear.

To learn more about VIDA, visit vidacareers.org.