Celine Castillo’s journey from Santa Ana to the Environmental Arts and Humanities program at the College of Liberal Arts highlights her commitment to environmental advocacy, social justice, and making green spaces accessible to all communities.
Celine Castillo
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - December 4, 2024
Growing up in the predominantly Latino community of Santa Ana, California, Celine Castillo’s love for the environment blossomed early. "My parents took me camping at least once a year," she recalled. "Every Memorial Day weekend, we’d be out camping, sitting around the fireplace." These impressionable experiences instilled in her an appreciation for the outdoors and encouraged a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.
Castillo’s educational journey began with a focus on environmental studies during her undergraduate years at the University of California, Davis. Initially attracted to the scientific aspects of the field, she soon found herself drawn more to the social justice elements. “I went into my undergrad focusing on environmental studies, but it was a lot of science. I wanted to turn more towards social justice and community work," she explained. This shift led her to American Studies, a field that integrates environmental justice with social impacts and personal identities.
Her diverse professional experiences, working with the City of Hillsboro, Portland's Parks & Recreation Department, and the U.S. Forest Service, provided Castillo with a well-rounded perspective on environmental maintenance and conservation. "The highlight is just being outdoors, learning about different tools, and dealing with various environments," she said.
Her cultural background and personal experiences deeply influence Castillo’s dedication to environmental justice. Witnessing communities often facing environmental injustices, she saw firsthand the disparities in access to green spaces and environmental education. This realization fueled her passion to make environmental education and conservation efforts more inclusive and accessible to all communities.
These experiences fed into her decision to further her Environmental Arts and Humanities education at the School of History, Philosophy, and Religion at the College of Liberal Arts. "Environmental arts and humanities offer so many different perspectives,” she said. "I was already getting a lot of social justice and hands-on conservation work. Humanities goes more into the philosophy and arts perspective on the environment." Oregon State University’s (OSU) extensive program offerings in natural resources, forestry, and environmental sciences made it the perfect fit for her continued studies.
During her time at OSU, Castillo engaged in various projects that combined her interests in environmental justice and community outreach. She worked on initiatives aimed at restoring local parks and natural habitats while also educating the community about the importance of these spaces. These projects not only strengthened her skills, but also reinforced her belief in the power of community involvement.
Castillo is particularly passionate about issues of access to education regarding environmental issues. Looking ahead, she envisions working with different networks and outdoor environmental organizations, focusing on roles that blend restoration and conservation with community accessibility. "I want to ensure that parks are healthy and accessible to all.”
Castillo’s commitment to environmental justice also led her to emphasize the importance of policy changes at the local level. She envisions a collaborative effort with local governments and community groups to push for policies that protect natural resources and ensure equitable access to green spaces. These advocacy efforts bring about positive changes in the OSU community, making environmental justice a more prominent issue.
To students and young professionals aspiring to follow a similar path, Castillo offers this advice: "There’s a lot of interdisciplinarity in this field, so follow your passion." She believes that community engagement is crucial in addressing environmental issues and promoting justice. "It’s pretty important. It’s what we all have in common."
Castillo’s holistic approach to environmental advocacy also places emphasis on mental health. She believes that access to nature and green spaces plays a vital role in improving mental well-being. Spending time outdoors has always been a way for her to relax and recharge. Her work aims to create environments where people can connect with nature and improve their overall well-being.
Looking to the future, Castillo hopes to leave a legacy that emphasizes sustainable practices and prepares future generations to continue this vital work. Castillo’s journey from Santa Ana to OSU demonstrates an ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy and social justice. Her efforts to integrate cultural awareness, community engagement, and policy advocacy into her work highlight the multifaceted approach needed to tackle environmental challenges effectively. Through her dedication and passion, Castillo continues to inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities.