Teaching Fellow Gabriel Steven Castillo Calderon: ‘’I Want To Be Able To Help Others Learn, and I Want Them To Be Able To Look Forward To It.’

When Gabriel Steven Castillo Calderon was in kindergarten, a patient bilingual teacher helped him learn English and, throughout high school, he had many other teachers who made their classes exciting while maintaining a focus on learning. As an incoming Teaching Fellow, he hopes to one day be able to do the same. 

Teaching Fellows are students who receive up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, elementary or special education and engage in numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth

Meet Gabriel:

Hometown: Burlington, North Carolina

Major: Mathematics Education

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, soccer, instruments, video games and running.

Why did you choose NC State and the College of Education?

I’ve always been interested in becoming a teacher, and NC State had a very good reputation. I was also interested in its community, and I wanted to be a part of it.

What inspired you to become a teacher and choose education?

When I was in kindergarten, I had recently moved from a Spanish-speaking country. I didn’t quite understand people too well, but there was a bilingual teacher who was really patient and even helped me learn English. There were also many teachers in high school who made their classes fun or interesting, while still focusing on teaching. I want to be able to help others learn, and I want them to be able to look forward to it.

What does it mean to be named a Teaching Fellow?

To me, it means that I have to live up to the expectations. It also serves as a motivator, and it means that I get to be part of an organization that shares a similar interest as I do regarding education.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

I mostly look forward to seeing how I can get involved, but I’m also excited to see what my classes are like and being able to meet new people and explore campus!