Born in Venezuela, Nicolas "Nico" Castellanos is a full-time student at Hillsborough College (HC), formerly known as
Hillsborough Community College, who has immersed himself in college organizations and leadership roles since enrolling in fall 2023. He chose HC due to the proximity to home and opportunities it offers to all students.
He currently serves as the Student Government Association (SGA) president on the Dale Mabry Campus and as the student trustee for the 2025-2026 academic year, where he strives to be an active ear for students across all campuses. His mission for his involvement was to be part of improving a campus for everyone and leave a positive impact from where he was.
“This is just the beginning. It’s going to be a long journey,” he said. “But we have to start somewhere, and I’m very excited to be where I am right now.”
Nico’s mission as an SGA president resonated with the other SGA leaders, who collectively nominated him as the student trustee. Throughout the year, he’ll work closely with the Board of Trustees, where he’ll participate in decision making and ensuring smooth transitions across the College.
“The moment I was sworn in, I realized I wasn’t just serving HC,” he said. "I felt truly integrated and welcomed into a room where important decisions were made. It was a powerful moment of responsibility and pride.”
According to Nico, this role will benefit him in navigating the world after college. One of Nico’s goals is to host town halls on each campus to hear directly from students.
“I hear directly from students about what they want for their campus,” he said. "I’m here to listen to all students from all campuses.”
Nico also received advice from HC’s 2024-2025 student trustee, Lauren Gay, who encouraged him to enjoy everything about the experience and take it slow as he begins to grow into the role.
“I’ll ensure communication is good going in and out of the College,” he said. “It's also to make sure all students are represented and heard, and that we listen to our faculty and staff as well.”
Aside from being student trustee and SGA president, Nico’s campus involvement includes the International Student Ambassadors club, the We Are People club, the Psychology club, TRIO and Psi Beta. Each role has given Nico opportunities in leadership and strides towards his personal and academic goals.
Nico began his educational career at HC as a foreign language major but pivoted to psychology upon discovering his true passion. After sitting down with an academic advisor, he was informed of the potential opportunities ahead and was guided through a smooth process to change his course of study.
"There are so many resources and opportunities students could benefit from here at HC,” he said.
Other resources that Nico recommends are HC Foundation scholarships, campus tutoring and attending registered student organization fairs.
Nico reflects on his decision to attend HC with gratitude for the connections he’s made, especially with faculty. He’s grateful to everyone who’s crossed his path, good or bad, because each experience taught him something and helped shape who he is today.
He thanks HC faculty like Michele Lambert, English instructor on the Dale Mabry Campus, for creating a welcoming and warm classroom environment as well as his psychology instructors, Kaleena Landry and Walter Ellis, for remaining key figures in his journey.
“Make connections with all students and teachers because we’re here to learn from everybody,” he said. “From the person sitting next to you, to the person who’s speaking and teaching the content.”
Nico also thanks his mom, who worked so hard for him to continue his education, as well as his grandmother, grandfather, stepfather and other family members who have supported him.
“Surround yourself with positive people—people who want growth. They’ll want to help you through that process,” he said. “Put yourself out there at every event, you’ll meet amazing people. Join organizations and that’s going to help you with your life and student life. You’re going to learn so much.”
Nico aims to graduate in spring 2026 and transfer to another educational institution to pursue his bachelor’s degree, eventually earning a Ph.D. in psychology.
“I’m expecting a successful year—one where I get to know HC more deeply and from a new perspective,” he said. “I’m ready to enjoy it and, most importantly, learn from it every single day of this journey.”