Ximena Castro

I had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer judge for Mrs. Massey’s Innovation presentations and posters on April 18th, an experience that felt especially meaningful given my own background with the course. In this role, I asked students thoughtful questions, offered constructive recommendations, and collaborated with fellow judges to evaluate the strengths of each project. It was rewarding to see the range of creative ideas and the effort students put into both their presentations and implementation plans. Their enthusiasm and dedication were particularly engaging, and speaking with them about their work added a deeper dimension to the experience. Additionally, completing evaluation forms for each project allowed me to contribute to the final award decisions. Overall, serving on the judging panel gave me the chance to reflect on my own growth while also supporting and encouraging the next group of innovators.

This talk showed me how much optical fiber technology has improved and how important it is for modern communication. I was surprised by how much transmission capacity has increased and how it supports things like cloud computing and AI. It was also interesting to see that, even with these advances, there are still challenges as data demand keeps growing. Overall, it made me realize that new fiber technologies will be important for keeping up with future needs.

I was able to attend the Pi Day event on March 12th, 2026, where there were snacks and different types of pie to celebrate. I stayed for the event and really enjoyed being part of it. It was a fun experience and a great way to connect with others while celebrating Pi Day.

During this event, I helped pack and divide food into smaller portions based on family size and nutritional needs. I also assisted with cleaning around the pantry to help keep the space organized and functional. In addition to volunteering, we had the opportunity to learn more about the pantry’s mission and the impact it has on the community. Overall, it was a meaningful experience and a reminder of how important these resources are for the students and staff.

I had the opportunity to attend the Honors College Homecoming Recess event on October 23rd. While I was there, I got to participate in pomping and enjoy the snacks they provided. It was a fun and relaxed environment, and I appreciated having time to step away from classes and do something creative. I was also able to interact with other students while working, which made the experience even better. Overall, it was a simple but meaningful event that helped me feel more connected to the Honors community.

I attended the Family Network Diaper Wrapping Volunteer Event for Make a Difference Day 2025. During this event, we wrapped thousands of diapers for families and communities in need. The organization works to ensure that pantries and shelters have access to diapers and wipes, especially since these items can be expensive and aren’t always easily accessible. I’m grateful I had the chance to help and hopefully ease some of the workload for the staff while supporting a meaningful cause. It felt good knowing that our time and effort would directly benefit families who rely on these resources.

I attended the STEM Employer Resume Reviews on September 10th, where I met with a recruiter from Evergy. He provided helpful feedback on my resume and pointed out a few areas I could strengthen to make it more effective. This event also gave students the opportunity to practice pitching themselves to recruiters, which made the experience both valuable and motivating. It was a great chance to refine my professional materials and build confidence in how I present myself.

I had the opportunity to attend the Resume Basics workshop hosted by the Honors College on April 23rd. Led by Louise Hancox, the session provided valuable insight into what employers and graduate schools look for in a resume. We explored key strategies to highlight our experiences and skills effectively, ensuring our resumes stand out in competitive settings. This workshop was not only informative but also a meaningful step toward preparing for future academic and professional opportunities.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the HWOA Spring Break Presentation, where I spoke on a panel in front of students at various stages in their educational journey. We were asked to share our experiences navigating the transition to college and reflect on the challenges we’ve faced as first-generation students. It was a meaningful way to give back, offering guidance and encouragement to students who may one day follow a similar path.