Alejandro Castillo, '25

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Major: Sociology

Minor: Spanish and History

Main extracurricular activities: Student Government Association Academic Affairs Committee, La Casa de Español (Spanish House), Casa de Português (Portuguese House), Middlebury College Access Intern, Diverting Hate Research Assistant

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury? When Middlebury flew me out to campus for Discover Middlebury, I had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to be a MiddKid. Through DiscoMidd I was able to sit-in on classes that intrigued me and left me with even more questions that I was excited to discuss in the vibrant learning community that Midd fosters — I still have the journal where I took handwritten notes on what the professors and students were discussing! It was through this experience that I was exposed to Sociology and that I would come to meet my future major advisor. On top of that, I chose Middlebury because of its amazing year-round language programs, which provide an immersive experience through Language Tables, Language Houses, Language Schools, and Schools Abroad. Beyond that, Middlebury was the clear choice for me because of its commitment to socioeconomic inclusivity. Middlebury provided me with generous financial aid and other institutional resources to ensure that I could thrive as a student and as a person. Finally, the natural beauty around the campus and Vermont’s winter wonderlands sealed the deal for me!

Favorite study spot? I love Davis Library’s carrels and study rooms. I usually need to study solo and the carrels are just the right place for me to lock in. For more collaborative work, though, the study rooms are amazing!

Favorite food in the dining hall? I absolutely love the Impossible Burgers from the dining hall! As a non-vegan/non-vegetarian, I can say they are just as good if not better than regular burgers!

Where did you study abroad, or where would you study abroad if you could? My study abroad experience has been a little unconventional. Thanks to the generous support of the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI) and the Center for Community Engagement (CCE), I was able to teach abroad in Costa Rica during my junior year Winter Term. Then, in the summer after my junior year, I was able to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark for a couple of weeks — thanks to the generous support of Middlebury’s Conflict Transformation Program. After that summer, I took a gap year to intern on Capitol Hill and at a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C..

Favorite Vermont spot? Noonie’s Deli! They have some amazing sandwiches at a pretty good price for the portions they give you! After you get your sandwich, you can eat it right outside while enjoying a gorgeous view of Middlebury’s iconic waterfall.

One fun fact about you or unknown talent you have: I can solve the Rubik’s Cube, and two years ago I was able to consistently solve it in around a minute. This school year, I’m challenging myself to consistently solve it in a minute or less.