Students all over College of the Sequoias have glanced at the Educational Support Services building. Most students at least know what it is, whether it be for help at the multiple tutoring centers or just needing a quiet place to study. Most of us knew our last dean of the ESS building Mrs. Angela Sanchez. Sanchez was a kind and outstanding dean to lead us last semester, but her retirement was the end of that chapter. Now this semester we have a new dean, Fransisco Castillo. 

Castillo grew up in Woodlake here in the Central Valley. Then graduated from the University of Santa Barbara, earning a degree in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Francisco then obtained a masters degree in Counseling with a focus in Student Development Education. Castillo previously worked at Santa Barbara City College from 2003-2006 as an advisor for the Transfer Achievement Program. In 2006 Castillo decided to pursue a career in higher education.  

While talking to Castillo, I asked him what his goal was for the students here at the ESS building. He stated, “One, being a welcoming and supporting place to any students who comes to the ESS building and looking to utilize any of our services. The other is being friendly, smiley.” For him, learning ways to help our students succeed in their education is a big priority.

Mr. Castillo has taken his time and dedication to make the changes happen. He gave students some encouraging words by saying “don’t give up, life can throw us a curveball and can set us back. We can move forward and reach out to those who can support us, sometimes it can be our peers, staff, faculty and administrators.” Life is constantly throwing us curveballs. We have to have the heart and brain to not let it consume us. College is not easy, believe me I know, yet Castillo has made a safe space available for everyone. With his smiley and welcoming demeanor and his determined attitude, he is what every college looks for in a dean. When you get the chance, stop by the ESS building and introduce yourself.