"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -Dr. Seuss
Chandler Castor, a previously home schooled student, is enduring his first year of public schooling since the first grade here at Mishawaka. So far everything seems to be going well for him, as he states, “People are nice and the classes are good.” He hopes that he is a “good and kind” student.
Prior to Chandler’s arrival at Mishawaka, he lived in a few other places. He was born in Crown Point, Indiana, but was then raised in Michigan, Oklahoma, Virginia, and then back to Indiana. This constant moving lead to a lack in public schooling. Since Chandler had never been in public education, subsequent to first grade, he only had one teacher who had a large impact on his life: his mom. “My mom had a very strong impact on my life,” he says, “The big one being giving me life.” Aside from his mother, many other people have inspired him to become the person he has grown into today. Outside of school, Chandler, like most other students, enjoys relaxing and eating. Another activity he also enjoys is crafting anything that doesn't involve painting or drawing. He put his skills to good use this fall by helping with this year’s children’s play, James and the Giant Peach, by working on the stage crew.
Following high school, Chandler hopes to live a happy and healthy life while pursuing a job that involves helping those in need, “I would love if I could do anything to help people or make enough so I can spend time volunteering.” Along with his plans to help others, his biggest wish is to end world hunger.
On the top of Chandler’s bucket list is to overcome his fear of heights and ride a roller coaster. He also would like to visit all fifty states, especially New York.
For Chandler, he believes that the biggest lesson he has learned deals with letting people have the right to be who they want to be. “As people, we have no place to judge and should only treat each other with love and respect. But in saying this it is a lesson and one almost all of us have to learn for ourselves.”
As far as leaving a legacy goes, Chandler says, “I don't care if I have a legacy or not as long as I can make at least one person happy that'll be enough for me.”
Chandler is wise beyond his years and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors here at the high school and beyond.