First-Gen Leader Ariel Castillo, ’26, Receives SBS Student Success Award

Ariel Castillo — who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in law and a minor in business administration — is the recipient of the SBS Student Success Award for spring 2026. The award is given to a graduating senior who is a first-generation college student. She will graduate at 20, having completed her degree in just three years — a notable accomplishment.

“Ariel is both a talented and hard-working student, and she also exemplifies what it means to overcome adversity and succeed as a University of Arizona Wildcat,” wrote Samara Klar, professor in the School of Government and Public Policy. “She is precisely the kind of student we strive to serve — someone who has been dealt a rough hand in life and who has worked tenaciously to overcome obstacles and achieve great academic success on our campus.”

Born and raised in New Mexico, Ariel navigated difficult circumstances at home, which led to her being raised by her grandparents. As a young person, she thrived in the classroom and poured her energy into her studies. In high school, she earned recognition as a Science Olympiad medalist and as a participant in the New Mexico State University TRIO Upward Bound Program. She also served as her high school student body president and was valedictorian of her graduating class. 

"Being first-generation has added so much more to my college experience,” Ariel said. “It has given me a passion to give back to other first-generation students and be able to empathize with people who may have had to go through similar experiences. It has made my journey here at the University of Arizona much more meaningful and makes me so proud to be a first-generation Wildcat."

After arriving at the U of A, Ariel jumped into opportunities to serve and grow. She is a member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors, Kappa Alpha Pi, Wildcat Mentors Society, and directs social media for the Aspiring Latino Lawyers Club. 

“As a first-generation student, some of my most meaningful experiences that have contributed to my personal and academic career have come through these campus organizations, which have instilled in me the importance of collaboration, networking, and most importantly, giving back to a community that has given me purpose and guidance,” Ariel said.

In 2025, she earned her paralegal certificate while working two off-campus jobs: a student assistant at the University of Arizona Foundation and as a host-turned-server at RA Sushi. 

Inside the classroom, Ariel maintains an excellent GPA and is a student Klar relies on “to strengthen the quality of classroom discussion.” Klar described her as “thoughtful, hard-working, curious, and intelligent,” adding that “she does the reading, wrestles with the concepts, and enlightens herself.”

After graduation, Ariel will move to Chicago, where she plans to spend a gap year gaining professional experience in the legal field before pursuing law school.

“This journey has taken hard work, resilience, and a lot of support from my family,” Ariel said. “This award means so much because it reflects not just my efforts, but those of everyone who has helped me get here.”

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