Student Spotlight: Chelsea Castillo Najera

Fresno State recently welcomed its 23rd class of President's Honors Scholars to its Smittcamp Family Honors College, and among the 50-member class was freshman Chelsea Castillo Najera.

The first generation college student from Caruthers High School weathered the COVID pandemic and virtual education to still receive valedictorian and summa cum laude honors for her class. 

Now at Fresno State she looks to focus on a pre-veterinary degree - one of the university's most challenging and rewarding academic areas.

Learn what lies ahead for the accomplished FFA livestock show team member and the first Smittcamp selection from her high school.

 

Q: Why are you drawn towards an animal science degree with a pre-veterinary emphasis?

Castillo Najera: "When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always a doctor. It was not until my junior year of high school after being very involved in FFA with raising and showing lambs and assisting with our breeding ewes year-round that I didn’t want to leave caring for animals in my past. I have always loved and been the happiest around animals. I want to fill my life with being able to save animals and improve their life in the same way I feel my life is made better by having all kinds of animals around." 

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Castillo Najera: "Before making my decision it has always been one of my top three schools. Attending a local university was a factor that was important to me and my family. Once I made my choice to pursue a degree in animal science, my choices were narrowed down even further, and I was almost fully committed to Fresno State. I knew that there were an abundance of opportunities to work with animals on campus that would be hard to find anywhere else. And finally, with my acceptance into the Smittcamp Family Honors College I had no more decisions to make - I wanted to go to Fresno State. I truly cannot imagine myself anywhere else, I love everyone I’ve met so far and everything going on around campus!"

 

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Castillo Najera: "My agriculture background started in high school, which I owe entirely to the Caruthers FFA chapter. I raised and showed market lambs for four years, and participated as an active member of our breeding ewe program (year-round) where I helped with every step of a market lambs life, and also getting the opportunity to have a market steer as well." 

 

Q: Have you participated in any other outreach activities that have benefited the community?

Castillo Najera: "I have also been involved in the UCSF Doctors academy since I was in the 8th grade, and through that I have completed a minimum of 20 hours of community service each year (with the exception of the pandemic). I have also served local organizations such as the Caruthers Community Cafe, the Caruthers Fair, and the elementary and high school as well. Since December of 2019 I have also served as a community advocate for the Youth Making Change Against Tobacco with the California Health Collaborative to educate youth and communities in unincorporated Fresno County about the harms of flavored tobacco." 

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

Castillo Najera: "As a first generation college student, going to college was a new journey for my family. I am so grateful that my parents were always there to emotionally support me. Applying for colleges and financial aid was a difficult task I had to manage on my own, and due to COVID, the assistance I could receive from school staff was also very restricted." 

Castillo Najera: "Like everyone else, COVID really took a toll on my mental health, which was at its peak in my college application season. I almost did not apply for the Smittcamp Family Honors, because I had little belief in myself and my capabilities. I am definitely glad I had enough willpower to do so because I am so happy about that decision now." 

 

Q: What types of potential career areas or specific professions are you interested in?

Castillo Najera: "At this moment I want to become a mixed practice veterinarian where I could treat both large and small animals. I have had a wide variety of pets in my life and know that as a vet, I would not only serve the animals but their owners and caretakers as well. The same applies with my motivation to practice with large animals, I have shown sheep and one market steer while in high school. Both gave me the experience and knowledge of knowing that I love working with livestock as much as I do cats and dogs."