Daisy Castillo: Textbook Support Spotlight
ASSOCIATED STUDENTS PRESIDENT - AT AGE 19
Daisy Castillo has held a lot of responsibilities in just 19 years. A first-generation college student at Ventura College, Daisy grew up in a low-income, single-parent household in Santa Paula. In fact, she still helps her mother raise her two younger brothers.
After graduating from Santa Paula High School, Daisy enrolled at Ventura College but was unsure about what she wanted to major in. She also had serious doubts about being able to afford college.
Thankfully, Daisy learned about the David P. Bianco Textbook Lending Library and was awarded the Ventura College Promise.
“It really saved my life,” remembers Daisy. “Because it meant I wouldn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on textbooks, and instead can help my mom buy groceries or use my money towards gas to get to and from school.”
Daisy immediately immersed herself in student life at Ventura College, becoming involved with First Year Experience (FYE) and Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) on campus. She also became involved with the Associated Students of Ventura College.
“The Ventura College Promise was a huge contributing factor when it came to me being able to afford attending Ventura College,” explains Daisy. “Without it, I don’t know how I would have paid for college.”
Now in her third semester, Daisy says her second year on campus “has been a breeze” thanks to the Foundation and its many helpful programs.
“I know the Foundation has me covered with free textbooks, EOPS has me covered for the books I was unable to get at the Lending Library, and the Foundation also provided me with the Don and Sandy Greenberg Scholarship to cover the cost of school supplies.”
Daisy has been so inspired by the support she’s received that she decided to serve as the Associated Students of Ventura College President, where she advocates on behalf of the student population on vital topics surrounding an Early Alert System – designed to provide extra support to students who are falling behind academically and new legislation such as AB 705, a law that requires California community colleges to maximize the probability that a student will enter and complete transfer-level coursework in English and math within a one-year time frame.
“Without the amazing services the Foundation and the rest of the campus provided me with from the second I stepped foot on this campus, I wouldn’t have time to be so involved in student life. I am so grateful for the Foundation and its donors.”
After earning her AA degree in communications studies at Ventura College, she plans to transfer to the University of California, Santa Barbara. “After UCSB I want to go to grad school,” explains Daisy. “I ultimately want to work as a student affairs professional at a community college.
I want to help change students’ lives, just like everyone at Ventura College did for me.”