Meet Our Scholarship Recipients - Kayley Castillo - Second-Generation Miner

Major: Rehabilitation Sciences (Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology)

Scholarship Award: UTEP Women’s Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship

Why did you pick UTEP?
I chose UTEP because I decided to follow in my mother’s footsteps and also because it’s close to home.

What sparked your interest in the Bachelor of Sciences in Rehabilitation Sciences Program?
What initially sparked my interest was that this was a recently new program that would later allow me to serve my community. As I continued to learn more about the career options and the opportunities I would have in the program to collaborate with future patients and other professionals, I knew this is what I wanted to pursue.

Are you involved in any student clubs/organizations at UTEP?
I am involved in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Student Association in Rehabilitation Sciences (STARS).

Are you involved in community service?
I am currently volunteering at the UTEP Food Pantry and am involved with events hosted by the organizations I am part of, like the Walk for Apraxia, as well as in service with the El Paso Autism Society.

You recently received the UTEP Women’s Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship. What would you like to share with your donors about what this scholarship means to you?
To me, this scholarship means having access to a better education. It means that I am able to continue being a better student and not having the financial burden of paying for my tuition. I am able to focus on my education and strive towards receiving a higher level of education without worrying about loans. Also, with two other siblings in college, this scholarship lessens my parent’s financial stress as well.

What are your career aspirations?
I hope to graduate with my bachelor’s degree and continue on to graduate school to obtain my master’s degree. After graduation, I hope to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist and serve the bilingual community where I am from. I aspire to advocate and promote the importance of health and wellness through my career.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about studying rehabilitation sciences?
I would definitely recommend doing research on the major and career options. Since no major is easy, I would want students to know that as a Rehabilitation Sciences major, you have to be versatile, open-minded and someone who is willing to work hard because this major will prepare you to serve as a future healthcare provider. Most importantly, I would advise them to aim to excel as a student and have the desire to serve others.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences Program, please visit: https://www.utep.edu/chs/bsrhsc/