For some, the idea of “paying it forward” can sound ambiguous and sometimes tedious, and in college with full course loads, how can anyone find the time? As college students, our futures demand our full attention, and when we get caught up in the uncertainty of it all, we can lose sight of what’s around us. This is not true of Johnny Castellaw, a sophomore who is dedicated to making a difference.
He was originally born in California, and having grown up in several different states, he finally landed in Wichita, Kansas where he attended high school. Johnny can be described as ambitious and driven and aims to help others. His diverse background has provided him with an array of experiences, all of which have helped define who he is today. Having entered college over a year ago, he has become involved with several extracurricular activities. He’s a volunteer outreach coordinator for the Community Health Outreach Program, a secretary for Big Brothers Big Sisters Club and an avid runner who runs for the Kansas Running Club.
Despite balancing all of this, he has recently undertaken the task of establishing a new non-profit organization, called Striving Stars. The aim of this organization is to provide at least one incoming freshman with the typical and yet essential dorm stuff, such as bedding, toiletries, kitchen, and laundry items.
When asked about the motivation behind creating this organization, he said, “I had a lot of help along the way in life. I want to show these people that I appreciate what they’ve done for me. To show that I’m using everything given to me to help others.”
Before Johnny departed for college for the first time, anonymous donors gave him these critical dorm items and now, he wants to do the same for others. “People don’t realize how this small of a thing can help somebody!” Johnny stated, noting how it made the difficult transition much easier. He knows high schoolers who have the potential to go to college but do not attend because they lack these necessary items and the means to acquire them. He hopes this organization will show people that anyone is capable of going to college.
Johnny wants to help families with financial difficulties save money and in doing so, knows that the parents will feel a little more relieved. Most of all, he wants the student to know that there are people, albeit complete strangers, who believe in them and their potential.
The process of setting up this organization is still in the works and has required serious dedication. Johnny has met with several business people willing to endorse him, which in turn, could help him with donations. When asked what the most challenging part of the process was, he said: “Raising money and being confident enough to ask people for money.” Even though this is challenging, Johnny continues to strive forward, recalling the name of his organization which implies that these students are doing everything in their power to be successful.
Within this year, he and others coordinators of this organization have made a lot of headway and have already put together a committee to select the first student for this upcoming school year from a Wichita high school. Johnny hopes to one day be able to select students from not just Wichita but also Lawrence. Johnny states:“Even if it only helps one student, I’ll be happy.” Johnny knows this will make a huge difference. Ultimately, he wants to help people succeed so that they can one day, in turn, do the same for others.
When asked what it felt like to be a part of this, he stated: “It feels like I’m doing something in the world that actually matters.”
Johnny perfectly exemplifies the phrase “paying it forward” and in turn, inspires us to do the same.
(All photos provided by Johnny Castellaw).