Autism and The College Experience
posted by Andres Castillo | October 23, 2023 | In OpinionMy Name is Andres Castillo, and I attended Valencia College in Orlando, Florida at age 21. I took a New Student Experience course because it was mandatory for my associate of arts degree from Valencia College. The course was easy for me, although sometimes I needed help with the assignments.
I took a Public Speaking and Communication course because it was a requirement for the journalism major from the University of Central Florida.
When the pandemic hit, I had to take one course per semester because I struggled taking two courses at a time. When the campus finally opened, I was able to take two courses per semester.
At age 23, I earned a place on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. I made it on the Dean’s List four times in a row. During the school year of 2022-2023, I decided to take three courses per semester. I’ve taken Photography, News Reporting, and mass media courses to better prepare myself for internships and job opportunities. I plan to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism, with a minor in Theatre.
I qualified for Disability Services at Valencia College because I needed accommodation for tests and quizzes. I attended the Learning Support Center every day, and even chatted and made friends with my tutoring assistants.
I was a member of Phi Lambda Beta and the Latin American Student Organization, and when I graduated with my associate of arts from Valencia College, I proudly draped their cords over my half Colombian, half Puerto Rican flagged stole. Accompanying those, I added a green cord to honor my Dad, who was deployed during my college experience.
I transferred to FSU because of military orders. I am attending Fayetteville State University this Fall semester. I am studying communication and media studies and minoring in creative and professional writing, but plan to change my minor to theatre. I am currently taking two courses per semester. After I complete my junior year credits at FSU, I plan to return to the University of Central Florida and complete my bachelor’s in broadcast journalism, with a minor in theatre.
EDITOR NOTE: Andres Castillo is a new student to Fayetteville State University. FSU is an incredibly welcoming and kind campus, and we feel honored to welcome this new Bronco to our ranks. Andres, we are thrilled that you chose to be a Bronco.
Photo by Seth Sawyers.
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