If you receive the NCCEP Digest, then you already know a little about former GEAR UP Professional of the Year, Willie Castrejon. Willie is a Family and Financial Aid Specialist with the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) GEAR UP and he is an all-star! He has completed 30 Study Lab courses and continues to demonstrate an infectious commitment to the GEAR UP community.

I was extremely excited when Willie agreed to an interview for the Quad Blog series. In addition to sharing his passion for college access and success, Willie discusses the importance of trust and communication in the world of GEAR UP. Enjoy!

So, Willie tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a proud Mexican American from Houston, Texas that’s just trying to make it in this world. Growing up, I didn’t have much in terms of material things. However, I did have a huge desire to be something in life, not to just make my family proud, but to show others in my shoes that you can be someone in life if you work hard. My inner drive led me to earn a full ride to the University of Texas at Austin, which led me to the world of college access and success. Ever since, helping others realize the power of a college education has become my life.

How long have you been with GEAR UP and why did you decide to join the GEAR UP program?

I have been part of the GEAR UP movement since 2013. I decided to join GEAR UP because it was the perfect next step for me to continue working in the field of college access and success. Most importantly, I was going to be able to assist individuals just like me in the college going process, making my job that much more fulfilling. The GEAR UP cohort model intrigues me to this day.

In your time with GEAR UP, what have you learned about engaging families and students?

Engaging families and students is no easy task. However, getting to truly know your families and students as much as you can will pay off. All it takes is for one family or one student to see that you care. Make sure families and students get to know you. Your story can be one of your biggest assets.

What are the most challenging parts of your work? How are you navigating those challenges?

The most challenging parts of my work are getting to know the communities I serve and then finding ways to get them and keep them engaged. In my current role as a Family and Financial Aid Specialist, I’m no longer in the trenches with students and families. This makes my work a little trickier. I have to trust my teammates that have more access to the communities I want to support. Building and maintaining trust and effective communication with my teammates in the trenches helps me be more effective. Previous experience also helps in the creation of relevant material to support the GEAR UP communities we serve.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is that it never ends. It’s a never-ending process. One day you think you’re doing great and the next day another challenge arises. However, welcoming such challenges only makes you, and ultimately your community, stronger. There is never a dull moment!

Thank you Willie for continuing to support GEAR UP students and families!

If you would like to hear more from Willie, be sure to follow us on Instagram! On June 25^th, Willie will share more tips and suggestions for successfully completing Study Lab courses. Follow UT Austin GEAR UP to learn more about the work they are doing to support GEAR UP families!