Going the distance: Larry Garcia-Castillo maximized being Western Nevada College student
Few people at Western Nevada College’s don’t know Larry Manuel Garcia-Castillo by now. You might have met or noticed him during a student government activity, a Student Life function such as the Easter Fiesta or a Student Leadership Summit. Or maybe he took the time to help you locate a class on campus, or if you’re really fortunate, he confidently shared one of his trademark poses.
More likely, you’ve seen him on campus as a dedicated student. After all, Garcia-Castillo has been at WNC for four years working on his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He graduated Tuesday as part of WNC’s 2022 Commencement Class.
Garcia-Castillo, however, didn’t enroll at WNC to work in Construction Management.
“I attended WNC initially to earn an associate degree in order to not just be part of the college experience but also figure out what I wanted to do as my future career later on in life,” he said. “So, I continued my higher education to spark a light of passion within myself for a future longing career.”
That spark came almost immediately in Construction Management and a flood light has spotlighted the program and the career possibilities for him ever since.
“I’ve always had a passion for being a part of the building process of residential building, especially with my background experience in the landscaping business,” Garcia-Castillo said. “At first, I intended to transfer to UNR for Civil Engineering but saw that managerial would best suit my work qualities, so I decided to stay at WNC.”
The Wolf Pack’s loss has been the Wildcats’ gain.
While Garcia-Castillo has pursued his academic goals, he has been one of the most active students on campus. Student engagement began for him by joining the Associated Students of Western Nevada, participating in representing the student body and organizing events to help students meet other students and release some stress from studying.
“I saw the many opportunities that would benefit me from integrating myself to the community here at this campus,” he said. “I have made long-lasting connections … some of those individuals started as just coworkers and now have grown into some of the best friends I’ve met here at WNC. These individuals I hope they know that I’m very thankful for letting me be part of their life journey as they have been a great part of mine.”
In the past several semesters, he has been instrumental in helping students who need food and hygiene items from Wildcat Reserve.
“Larry's contributions to ASWN and Student Life over the past several years have been significant and he's helped WNC become a better place for the students he represented,” said WNC Student Life Coordinator and ASWN Advisor Heather Rikalo. “The friendships that he made in the Student Center have helped him grow. We will miss Larry's infectious personality and the ways he made us laugh, but we know that wherever Larry goes, he will succeed.”
Garcia-Castillo isn’t through with higher education. In the future he plans to apply to UNLV’s Master of Architecture program. Until then, he’ll put his bachelor’s degree to work.
“I honestly am just excited to get into the field and attain some hand’s-on experience for a couple of years,” he said. “Once I’ve obtained my master’s degree, I plan to be a great resource for my community and be a successful individual in the residential construction field.”
For individuals considering whether they want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Construction, Garcia-Castillo has a simple formula to persuade you: “I wouldn’t call myself a business major but ‘Affordable + Amazing Program = Where do I sign?’ But, really, if you are interested in the construction field, it would be a shame to not consider the bachelor’s program here at WNC. With its passionate instructors and informative knowledge that I've been provided, there is no ounce of regret I have for pursuing this degree.”
Now, for the big question: How should Larry Manuel Garcia-Castillo be remembered at WNC?
“I want them to remember me as a student who made their experience here at WNC much more memorable,” he said. “I honestly loved my whole experience here in this program, even through the changes of the pandemic. I was still able to experience so much hand’s-on teaching.”