For Jiovani Martinez Castillo, attending Stanislaus State meant stepping beyond familiarity and embracing growth.
Originally from Bakersfield, Martinez Castillo intentionally chose to leave his hometown to challenge himself. At Stan State, he discovered a strong sense of community while balancing full-time coursework and two part-time jobs.
“I wanted to experience a new environment, meet new people and push myself both personally and academically,” Martinez Castillo said.
Majoring in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship, Martinez Castillo became heavily involved in College Corps, a statewide service initiative focused on community engagement and leadership development.
“My time in College Corps was one of the most memorable parts of my experience,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to serve my community, grow personally and build friendships that will last a lifetime.”
As a College Corps Fellow, Martinez Castillo contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service through Stan State’s Sustainability Office while participating in statewide leadership conferences and campus initiatives.
Program Coordinator Alondra Chavez said Martinez Castillo became someone other students could rely on through his work with College Corps.
“Through determination and perseverance, Jiovani has grown into a confident leader,” Chavez wrote. “He consistently steps up to support others and remains committed to his educational journey.”
Martinez Castillo credits the College Corps team and Sustainability Office mentor Jennifer Daniels with helping his development.
“She pushed me to grow through the experiences and guidance she provided,” he said.
While juggling full-time coursework, two part-time jobs and service commitments, Martinez Castillo learned how to stay focused on long-term goals and manage competing responsibilities.
“Hard work truly pays off in the long run,” he said. “Balancing everything was challenging at times, but it taught me responsibility and commitment.”
Those experiences shaped the advice Martinez Castillo now gives to other students.
“Getting involved helps you meet new people, learn new things and create memories that stay with you long after graduation,” he said.
His experiences also helped him become more confident in sharing ideas and leading others. Chavez noted that Martinez Castillo transformed from a reserved sophomore into someone now leading workshops and mentoring incoming fellows.
After graduation, Martinez Castillo hopes to continue serving communities through work in the public or nonprofit sector and eventually pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.
“I want to contribute to programs and initiatives that make a positive impact on people’s lives throughout the community,” he said.
#StanGrad File
Name
Jiovani Martinez Castillo
Hometown
Bakersfield, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Entrepreneurship
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“My time in College Corps was one of the most memorable parts of my experience because it gave me the opportunity to serve my community, grow personally and build meaningful friendships with like-minded peers that I know will last a lifetime.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“The entire College Corps team had a huge impact on me, especially Jennifer Daniels from the Sustainability Office, who pushed me to grow personally and professionally.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Get involved on campus. Taking the time to walk around, attend events and explore the opportunities the University offers can really make your college experience more meaningful and create memories that will stay with you long after graduation.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2026. Read more StanGrad profiles.
