When I first came to what was then Castleton University, I had no idea just how much I would change. Back then, I was a psychology major and a proud member of the wrestling team. That was my identity, until it wasn’t.

I ended up getting kicked off the team. To this day, my parents still don’t know the truth. I told them I quit because I was too ashamed to admit I got removed. That moment almost broke me. I was one step away from dropping out completely.

But I didn’t. Not because I had some grand plan but because I didn’t want to bring any more shame to my family. If I was going to stick with college, I needed to do it on my terms. So, I started from scratch. I searched for something that inspired me.

I’ve always had a passion for YouTube, storytelling, and visual media. That passion led me to switch my major to Media and Communication with a focus in Video and Film Production, and I even picked up a minor in Cannabis Studies something that ended up fitting me better than I ever expected.

But my story doesn’t just start at Castleton. I come from a place where people don’t make it out. A neighborhood full of crime, poverty, and distractions designed to keep you from becoming your best self. A lot of people from where I’m from don’t get the chance to rewrite their story.

Most didn’t even think I’d graduate high school. There were times I didn’t either. But now I’m standing on the edge of graduating college and that’s something no one can take from me.

Funny enough, I used to hate writing. Now, I’m a journalist for our school paper. That transformation wouldn’t have happened without one professor: Dave Blow.

He saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. He pushed me, challenged me, and helped me find a voice I never thought I had. Because of him, I found purpose again and started trying.

VTSU Castleton became more than just a college for me, it became the place where I found myself. Where I stopped running from who I was and started building who I wanted to become. Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned that your beginning doesn’t define your end.

This place gave me the space to grow, to heal, and to find my mission: to help make the world a happier, healthier, and higher place.

Thank you, Castleton. You helped me change and carve my path. 

-Isiah Hughes