Alumni Spotlight: Manuel Castruita
UTEP Degree: B.S. Ed. 1988, English and History; M.Ed. 1992, Counseling
Current Title: Assistant Director – Secondary Instruction Radford School
Why did you decide to pursue a career as an assistant director?
Let me begin by saying that it is a privilege to serve as the Assistant Director of Secondary Instruction at Radford School. This position is a second career for me. I completed 35 years of service in the public school system as a classroom teacher, middle and high school counselor, counselor coordinator, professional development trainer and, lastly, counseling director. After taking a semester off during retirement, I had the opportunity to visit and meet the students at Radford School in Summer of 2022. I was immediately drawn to them. I remember asking them if I joined the staff, what would they want from me. Unequivocally, they responded that they wanted someone to listen to and understand them. My approach to education has been student-centered in academics as well as social emotional learning arenas.
What's the most rewarding aspect of this profession?
There are many rewarding aspects to being an educator. However, I rank student individualized success at the top. I have always felt strongly that if I wanted and expected the very best from my students as a teacher and counselor, then I also needed to approach education with a growth mindset. Seeing your students achieve their own personal goals in life brings immense joy. You realize you had an opportunity to make an impact not only as teacher but a mentor, role model, cheerleader, etc.
What have you learned from your students?
Throughout my career, my students have always reminded me of the joie de vie (joy of life). They have kept me young at heart. Their passion and conviction for learning is a motivator as an educator. You want to be at the top of your game and give them your very best. They remind me of George Leonard’s words, “The atom's soul is nothing but energy. Spirit blazes in the dullest of clay. The life of every woman and man, the heart of it, is pure and holy joy.”
What are challenges you've overcome in your career?
Upon reflection, I have to say that there were two types of challenges I faced throughout my career. The first is challenging a student’s closed mindset and working with them to see they are capable of much more. I would push my students to see themselves living a different life than the ones they had. Many of my students felt that they could not achieve success because of their socio-economic, ethnic or linguistic backgrounds. I came to realize that as long as students have one caring adult in their lives, they are able to push through many barriers. That is where we as educators play key roles in mentorship and relationship building.
The second challenge that I and many educators face is balancing whole child education with legislative mandates. Children are more than a test score. That is why social-emotional learning is important, especially after the pandemic. The school is, in many cases, the child’s main hub of support.
What is a key lesson you learned as a UTEP student that you still use in your career?
I am very proud to be a UTEP Miner! Apart from strong and professional preparation, I am forever grateful to all my UTEP professors and mentors for amplifying a strong sense of gratitude. As a first-generation college student, I remain ever thankful for their support over the years, even post-graduation. This lesson has instilled in me a strong sense of service to others as a way of thanks for the many blessings in my life. I remain committed to passing it forward. As such, I am reminded of President John F. Kennedy’s words, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
What advice do you have for current UTEP students?
Be Miner proud! Every time I walk about campus, I am inspired by the enormity of all the potential inherent in our students. Our borderland students (public school and college) represent a vast collection of talent, skills, heritage, culture, language, determination and passion. Build upon all that makes you singular. Never deter from sharing your talents andskills and equally important, letting your voice be heard.
Why is it important for you to be involved in the UTEP Alumni Association?
I became involved with the UTEP Alumni Association because I wanted to give back to the University that had given me much personally and professionally. I was overjoyed to do so when I began to work with the UTEP Student Alumni Association and share in mentorship experiences. As Alumni Association president, I, along with the Alumni Association Board, want to pursue opportunities, programming and activities that promote and enhance the UTEP student experience. Therefore, we dedicate much of our efforts into fundraising for scholarships and other student services. I encourage all Miners to remain connected with UTEP and support future generations of Miners in whatever ways they can. Being a part of the Alumni Association helps us live out our motto: Miner Forever. Stronger Together.
