2026 IL Fund Minority Scholarship Program Winner Bio

Sofia Castaneda

Autobiographical Statement

From a young age, I watched my younger brothers’ curiosity and determination spark up at the start of school and eventually dim down to nothing. He always strived to join his classmates in advanced classes. He wondered what his classmates had that he didn’t, and I watched as it slowly defeated him, making him feel like something was wrong with him. He eventually stopped asking for my help, lost interest in his assignments, and grew distant from his education. It wasn’t until he was referred to the school psychologist for testing that they were able to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for him. With the help of a dedicated team of school staff, my brother received the support he needed, because education shouldn’t be a privilege but a right for every child. I’ll never forget the smile on his face the day he brought home his first “A” from his first advanced class proof of what he could achieve with the right support. This experience opened my eyes to the crucial support systems in education and inspired me to contribute to my community. I realized that many parents, especially those facing language barriers like some of my own family, might not fully understand or access the resources that their children need.

Determined to bridge the gap, I began interpreting parent-teacher conferences at an elementary school. However, after long days of back-to-back conferences, I noticed my heart started to grow heavy. As I reflected, I realized I had been listening to repeated stories of Latino children struggling academically. Some parents, working double shifts, lacked time to help with homework, while others, without formal education, struggled to understand it themselves, especially in a different language. These families, many of who migrated not long ago, carry the weight of trauma and hardships in their pursuit of a better life for their children, yet now feel that their children’s academic struggles are diminishing those dreams. I felt powerless, reduced to the role of interpreter, unable to offer the help I knew was desperately needed. Through interpreting and seeing my brother’s experience, I learned firsthand the power of school psychology.

Shortly after I joined FUERTE Lab at the University of Georgia. The lab’s research on trauma and resilience factors resonates with my desire to seek culturally informed approaches to promote mental health in Latinx communities. My work with the FUERTE Lab has allowed me to engage deeply with the complex layers of trauma, cultural stigma, and systemic, and systemic barriers these families face. Being involved in the research process has shown me the importance of data-driven approaches that validates families’ lived experiences. Building on this foundation, I joined Team Up Mentoring to gain hands-on experience working with children who have experienced significant trauma. I was drawn to the opportunity to support these children in their personal and academic growth. Through working in both these contexts, I have learned how trauma impacts not only emotional well-being but also academic performance and how they interconnect. Becoming a school psychologist means providing direct support to children and advocating for mental health services that account for both cultural and educational nts, advocate for mental health needs. By integrating research with practice, I aim to help students from all backgrounds thrive academically and emotionally.

After completing my EdS, I plan to obtain the necessary licensure to work as a school psychologist. My goal is to secure a position in an urban area to engage with diverse populations that often face significant challenges. This experience will enhance my understanding of different perspectives and provide opportunities for community engagement, I aim to work directly with students, families, and school staff to create effective learning environments, advocate for mental health, and ensure every child receives the resources necessary to thrive in an ever-changing educational system.