Michael Castro graduated from Miami Lakes Educational Center’s Cambridge Academy in June and is now amongst the prestigious Duke University’s Class of 2021. And Castro finds himself in good company. He was one of a small group of students selected to the University’s Rubenstein Scholars Leadership Program.
The Rubenstein Scholarship includes a full four-year scholarship, including tuition, fees, and room and board, as well as unique access to the academic and extracurricular offerings at Duke University and University of North Carolina, as well as customized leadership and developmental offerings.
“I didn’t know if I was good enough to even get the scholarship. But once I got it, I was overjoyed because it’s not just a full-merit scholarship to Duke. It’s a whole network of resources and great friends,” said Castro.
He is currently majoring in Public Policy and Economics – a factor that was the ultimate decision in choosing where to apply for college.
“I was always into politics and helping people, but I also have this love for business and I felt that I needed a school that could give me a little bit of both.”
Castro’s love for politics was evident during his time at MLEC, especially in his leadership of MLEC’s Junior State of America chapter – a politically-active, student-run debate club for high school students across the nation.
Castro was even elected governor of the club’s entire southeast region, which includes school chapters throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi. As Governor, he led a cabinet composed of 26 appointed officials, students from across the region.
“I definitely think my experience from MLEC has prepared me for Duke. The teachers in the Cambridge Academy were really strict and knew their respective fields really well. I definitely learned a lot being able to balance academics and extracurriculars,” said Castro.
Castro is a first-generation American, both of his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia, and his acceptance to Duke University was the realization of a lifelong dream, that their son would learn, succeed and flourish in their adopted country and have the opportunity to further his education.
“My family was really happy when they found out. Although they weren’t familiar with the school, I told them that it was one of the best schools in the country, and that people like Richard Nixon and Melinda Gates attended Duke,” he said.
Castro is currently completing a summer term alongside other Robertson Scholars before immersing himself completely in the college experience later in the fall.
“I love Duke,” said Castro. “Even though I’ll miss MLEC and its people, there’s no place that I’d rather be.”