Cougar Scholars is a monthly series highlighting Chicago State student-athletes through the lens of their studies and professional pursuits. This month features women's soccer student-athlete Barbara Castellanos.
Read more from our previous scholar-athletes here:
Barbara Castellanos plays with an edge — and it pays dividends.
The West Chicago Community High School all-time goals leader earned honorable mention All-WAC honors last season and while leading Chicago State in scoring for the second consecutive year.
But Castellanos doesn't leave her edge tucked away at the pitch. She brings it everywhere, especially into the classroom.
"I feel like I always have to be one step ahead of everyone," Castellanos said. "That's for soccer and in the classroom."
Castellanos was born in Guadalajara Jalisco in Mexico, relocating to Chicago with her family when she was three.
Now, she's a DACA student under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects immigrant youth from deportation. As a part of DACA, she knows she must stay on her A-game.
"It kept me out of trouble," Castellanos said. "If I were to mess up, my punishment would be a lot different than someone born here. So my biggest thing is to do what I have to do. When it's time to study, I study. When it's time for soccer, I focus on that."
Castellanos hasn't been back to Mexico since moving, as she can't leave the country under DACA rules. She wants to return for a trip, as well as pay visits to Brazil and Spain.
"It motivates me to work harder," Castellanos said. "I can't be lazy and let things go. I don't want to stay stuck in a cycle. I want to travel the world. I'm always trying to look for something further than where I'm at."
Now a junior accounting major at Chicago State, Castellanos has applied her motivation to the classroom, where she has thrived. Castellanos has earned a spot on the Provost's Honor Roll and has garnered a College of Business Departmental Honor and Merit Award.
"Growing up, I always liked numbers," Castellanos said. "Accounting is a solid job that can set me up well. I can have a nine-to-five job and do something else fun on the side."
Already playing, studying and living with an edge, Castellanos faced a major roadblock when she tore her ACL this past summer, meaning she missed the entire fall season.
"Pushing through adversity has been my biggest thing," Castellanos said. "Instead of whining about it, I have to say, 'What can I do about it?' Going forward, I'll go in and give everything I have.Â
"I will enjoy the process and feel the moments. I don't want to be lazy. I want to push myself to be the best I can be."
