Bruno C

The following is an update (with permission to share) of Bruno Castillo's CLS Journey!

Hello and salutations Dr. Rohde,

I wanted to write you and give you an update on what I've been up to since graduating from Texas State.

First, allow me to thank you and the faculty, as I don't believe one can ever do enough, for allowing the CLS program to be my official stepping stone into the 'real world' of CLS. Thank you. I want to give you just a quick bio to best capture why I'm so thankful as well.

My experience in the lab setting began and grew in the military through various settings (i.e. military clinics and military hospitals). As I transitioned back to a 'civilian', I became fully aware of missing credentials that were preventing me from employment and upward movement. At first it began with a BS degree. This is where the Texas State University CLS program took a big chance on accepting me, given I was not considered a 'traditional' student that could follow the curriculum as it was intended. Alas, I completed the program (somehow) working full-time 3rd shift at CPL and managing to drive to San Marcos everyday for a full-time schedule on campus.

Upon graduation, and with perfect timing, my son was born and as you had made it ever so clear, the next step was ASCP certification. Again, somehow with tending to my son, the new changes in my life, and studying I managed to become MLS ASCP certified.

Understanding our dynamic field and getting to experience the validation and implementation of various instruments, I found myself becoming drawn towards Molecular Diagnostics. I left CPL after 7 years with great skill sets, knowledge and having worked directly under the Lab Director for the Maternal Screening Program.

I have found myself working for a company the past 4 years, that has begun to make its name well known, Natera. My current company is making great strives to becoming innovative in their genetic testing and diagnostics. So I found myself in a new realm, that my previous background, would not be sufficient enough to help me move upwards in the company. I decided to study and sit for the Technologist of Molecular Biology (MB) certification. In which, I previously communicated to the Texas State faculty that I successfully passed. Yet, I understood that this alone, would not be enough, and for good measure, I applied for graduate school at George Washington University. My Alma mater, in a lucky sort of way. As you see, when I completed my military training of Lab Tech school, it was by also earning dual credits with GWU as well. I applied, was accepted, and I can now officially state, that I have now completed the program and have earned my Master of Science in Molecular Diagnostic Science degree.

I can't tell you what will be next. My family tells me to take a break, which I find very difficult to do now, given I have been working as hard as I can to be where I'm at now for the past 10 years. But I won't lie, I do find myself playing with Legos more often with my son than I probably should be. Yet, what I do know, is that I am finding myself in a position that is undeniably demonstrating to peers and employers of the kind of CLS they have and know and I wanted to say thank you and the faculty for the opportunity given to me to begin this next part of the journey I'm on.

Humbly and respectfully yours,

Bruno Castillo, MLS(ASCP)cmMBcm
Medical Lab Scientist III, Data Reviewer