Hometown: Los Angeles, California
High School: Granada Hills Charter
Major: Computer Science
Michael Castillo grew up in South Florida and moved to Los Angeles at the beginning of his high school education at Granada Hills Charter. On his academic journey there, he would gain an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National AP Scholar award, as well as the AP Capstone Diploma for research on links between enjoyment of horror movies and emotional intelligence. While in high school, he served as the trumpet section leader for the band, then the tuba section leader, and President of the Political Studies of America club, where he would collaborate with the Muslim Student Association club for presentations on foreign policy. Outside of school, he spent over 800 hours volunteering for community service as an LAPD Cadet, retiring in late 2019 with the rank of Sergeant. His summers were occupied with volunteering or educational opportunities, such as Devil Pups Youth program for America at Camp Pendleton, Boys State California, and the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. After graduating as a Valedictorian, Michael decided to focus on a relatively new interest, Computer Science. At SCU, he hopes to advance his understanding of Computer Science and Engineering, in addition to developing his interests in politics, history, philosophy and economics while spending time hiking, and playing chess, billiards, and music. Michael is looking forward to a well-rounded college experience as a resident of Santa Clara’s multi-faceted community, and pursuing knowledge and personal growth under the guidance of the Jesuits and the Johnson Scholars.