Her degree is in biology, and Mrs. Castell said she had thought about becoming a physician. Then, she said, “Life happened.” She had her first of three children while in college and had to change her priority to a profession where she could balance work and home life. Then she said she discovered the I Teach program. It’s a process to become certified as a teacher using an existing degree and work experience. She went back to school to fulfill the requirements and found teaching is her calling. “Teaching Brings me joy, she gushed.
Mrs. Castell also said working for UVA is one of her best decisions so far, saying it is “So much more than I expected. I’m really enjoying it.” She applauded the flexibility to meet with her students when they need it and marveled at how comfortable students are coming to office hours to seek help. It adds to the connection she has with her students. Mrs. Castell also said working from home makes it easier to balance life. She can care for her pre-school age youngest child and monitor the older ones as they attend school remotely. Uncomplicated is her description of what she likes. “I’m not the social type. I’m so boring,” she laughed.