Brownsville resident Oscar Castillo had a job at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport working as a cashier for the parking vendor, earning $10 an hour. He knew he needed to develop his skillset if he ever hoped to be independent and financially secure, so he enrolled in the electrical program at Texas Southmost College.
At TSC, Castillo heard about Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, a nonprofit organization based in Mercedes that has helped residents of the Rio Grande Valley avoid being a poverty statistic. For nearly 30 years, VIDA has partnered with institutions of higher learning in the RGV to provide a continuum of support for students pursuing degrees and certificates in high-demand, high-paying career fields. Because a lack of resources had created graduation barriers for Castillo in the past, he jumped at the opportunity to apply to VIDA.
“School was always in my mind before, but I never really took that leap due to different circumstances,” Castillo, a first-generation college student, said. VIDA accepted him into the program in the fall of 2021.
For Castillo, the continuum of support included financial assistance with his courses, books and tools, as well as VIDA’s award-winning individual and group counseling sessions. These sessions address topics from time management and budgeting to developing a resume and rocking a job interview.
It is said that as we grow, we learn. Castillo personifies this adage.
“After receiving help from VIDA and the great skills they taught me, I learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of,” Castillo said. “On a regular day at school, I learned about a program: computer information systems. What I heard about the program caught my attention because it involves working with computers and technology and helping people out.” Castillo realized he loved working with technology and helping people, so he decided to research CIS. The more he learned, the more intrigued he became. But first, he needed to talk to his father.
Castillo’s father comes from a humble background, but his advice and the way he has inspired his son through his work ethic are invaluable. “His opinion really matters to me.”
Castillo explained the field of CIS to his father.
“He mentioned that the program fits my characteristics and my personality,” Castillo shared.
Castillo changed his major. VIDA’s support never wavered.
In the spring of 2024, Castillo will complete his Associate of Applied Science in CIS. He has his heart set on working at SpaceX and he will always appreciate what VIDA has done for him.
“VIDA’s support helped me with new skills and tools to succeed in my classes,” Castillo said. “The weekly sessions really helped this process go by easily. I will speak great things about VIDA and their values. VIDA is important for what they have to offer RGV students who want to continue their education but can’t, financially. They have amazing values.”
To learn more about VIDA, visit vidacareers.org.