Daniela Guadalupe Castellanos, a student at UC Berkeley, is set to graduate this May after three years of study. Originally from Cameron Park in northeast Sacramento, Castellanos shared her journey through an interview with UC Berkeley News.

Upon arriving at Berkeley, Castellanos experienced impostor syndrome and feelings of invisibility. "Back home, every passing smile felt like a reminder that I belonged somewhere," she said. However, these challenges motivated her to create spaces for belonging and build relationships.

Castellanos joined the Latine Pre-Law Society (LPLS) in pursuit of community. She found common ground with fellow members who shared similar experiences and a passion for Mexican culture. "We, as the children of immigrants, are still continuing the culture and building more for future generations within places not designed for us to succeed," she explained.

Majoring in gender and women’s studies with minors in human rights and Spanish, Castellanos expressed interest in feminist ideas and gender inequalities stemming from her upbringing in a traditional Mexican family. "I’d always get into arguments with my parents... because I was constantly questioning and rebelling against these roles," she noted.

Her coursework at Berkeley has provided insight into historical contexts previously unknown to her. Reflecting on classes such as Slavery and African American Life Before 1865 taught by Dr. Ula Taylor, she remarked on their importance: "If everyone could take this class... they would be able to understand why it’s so important to fight for equality and equity."

Castellanos decided to pursue law as a means to apply her learnings directly. She interned at the family law facilitator’s office in El Dorado County court, assisting those experiencing domestic violence or seeking divorce advice. Her personal history fuels her commitment: "I want to break the cycle of silence around abuse... I want my voice to matter and to challenge the acceptance of abuse."

After graduation, Castellanos plans to return home for a year to prepare for the LSAT while volunteering with local nonprofits focused on empowering marginalized voices. She reflects on her growth since freshman year: "I’ve learned that standing out isn’t something to fear — it’s something to own."