Marciana Castillo

Marciana Castillo’s definition of embracing Ut Prosim as a way of life is deceptively simple.

She said, “Ut Prosim means being a good listener. Sometimes the simplicity of just hearing what someone has to say can make such an impact. We live in a society that is very hustle and bustle, so it is important to take the time to do something as simple as listening. I embrace Ut Prosim as a way of life by always being there for others, whether it is in classes, in my organizations, or through my work as an IMPACT peer mentor, advising ambassador, or dental assistant for Medicaid patients. I love to listen to others and provide support in any way I can. I am passionate about advocating for others who cannot advocate for themselves.”

As an advising ambassador, Marciana makes students feel heard through her active listening skills, giving them the tools and confidence to plan their academic careers. As a member of the Hokie Wellness IMPACT Peer Education and Prevention Team, she works to create a culture free of alcohol and drug misuse. Her ability to increase the comfort level of her peers facilitates important conversations that could ultimately save lives. 

Marciana’s nominator wrote, “Her humor and non-judgemental attitude welcomes students to discuss difficult topics, whether it is the scary topic of planning for their future or understanding the signs of alcohol poisoning. Among all of her roles, one thing remains the same: her commitment to serving others.”

A dean’s list student, a member of the Honors Residential College, and an Honors Peer Educator, Marciana was a research assistant in the Physical Activity Research and Community Implementation Laboratory. She is a published author, collaborating on a scholarly article about treatment and management of sleep disorders.

Marciana said she found her “place” at Virginia Tech through the Filipino American Student Association, where she served as an officer and executive board member. She also served in the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue Incorporated, a non-profit that connects Filipino American college students on the East Coast.

Marciana is a member of Delta Epsilon Mu, the nation's premier professional pre-health co-ed fraternity. She was a volunteer note taker for Services for Students with Disabilities and a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador.

And – get this – she is a multi-award-winning martial artist.

Marciana will graduate in May with a major in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and minors in Integrative Health and Wellness and Adaptive Brain and Behavior.

She said, “Upon graduation, I will spend three months in Hong Kong teaching public speaking to youth in an English immersion program called Summerbridge Hong Kong. I will apply to dental schools this cycle and plan to work as a dental assistant and earn my yoga teacher certification during my gap year.”

Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate in dentistry with a master’s in public health so that she can create oral health education programs for public schools. 

It is a pleasure to present the Aspire! Award for EMBRACE UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE to Marciana Castillo.