24 • GCU TODAY
One of his favorite memories was helping an English as a second
language student learn to read. Castro worked with him daily, patiently
helping him with basic words and sentences. After weeks of working
together, the young boy approached him in the school cafeteria to read
him a passage from a book for the first time.
“People belittle these kids, but they are smart. Just because they have
a disability doesn’t mean anything. They need guidance and without
teachers like me, they can’t get it,” he said. “I want to be there for them
and have the opportunity to positively impact their lives.”
Cameron Whitcomb, a university development representative in
Southern California, sensed Castro’s passion for helping disabled
students at their first meeting. Whitcomb had just finished speaking to
Mountain Vista’s teachers when Castro approached him with questions
about the University’s online education degrees.
His story blew Whitcomb away. No one is better suited to teach
special education students than Castro, he said.
“A lot of people talk but don’t do. Zenon isn’t one of them,” said
Whitcomb, also a GCU alumnus. “It is very apparent by how hard he
works and the passion he shows that he is supposed to teach special ed.”
Learning on his time
Like most online adult learners, many of whom work full-time or have
families, Castro needed a university program that fit his busy schedule.
GCU was the only option that made earning his degree possible, he said.
For about six months, Castro taught from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, then changed into his custodian uniform for his
2:45 to 10:30 p.m. shift. Castro studied and worked on class assignments
during small windows of free time: before school, during lunch or late at
night after work.
His wife, Anika, who at magazine press time was due to give birth
to their first child, rarely saw him at home because he spent hours on
homework when not at work.
“Going to GCU was life-changing for him,” she said. “The hours he spent
and his accomplishments just show this all happened for the right reasons.”
Castro’s academic success also reflected his determination. He maintained
a 3.86 GPA and is the first in his family to earn a master’s degree. The hard
work and sleepless nights were just another step in his journey.
“It was difficult, but I am grateful. Without GCU, I wouldn’t be
where I am today,” he said.
A classroomof his own
Castro hopes to be hired at Mountain Vista and teach one of the
school’s two special education classrooms for second-graders this fall
after becoming licensed in California. Doing so would be the perfect
fit. Castro has the full support of the school’s faculty and staff and, as a
Spanish speaker, is well-suited to help the student population which is
nearly 94 percent Hispanic, with 35 percent in ESL classes.
Additionally, Mountain Vista has a growing number of GCU students
and alumni. Second-grade teachers Maria Ramirez and Yessenia Garcia
are GCU online students, and assistant principal Michael Boomer is an
alumnus. All own GCU shirts – courtesy of Whitcomb – and often talk
about their online classes.
Garcia learned about GCU from Whitcomb but became seriously
interested in enrolling after talking to Castro. She began a master’s
degree in March and hopes to be finished next spring.
Garcia said everyone at Mountain Vista hopes Castro receives his
own classroom there.
“Zenon went from a custodian to a teacher with a master’s degree.
When does something like that happen?” she said. “The whole
school is behind him. He is an inspiration and we are so proud of his
accomplishments.”
For now, Castro will continue at Mountain Vista as a custodian,
pending news on his license status. After waiting his whole life to
become a teacher, he said he can wait a little longer.
“Every student I’ve met or taught has made a difference in my life. I
feel comfortable teaching and know I am making a difference because of
them,” Castro said. “Watching the difference you make in their lives and
seeing them succeed, that’s what it’s all about.”
GCU’s online programmade
earning a degree possible for
Castro. He is the first person
in his family with a master’s
degree and finished in June
with a 3.86 GPA.
