Class of '77 The Evelyn Aguinaldo-Castelo Story

 

“I have never questioned whether I would give back to NLA/C. The life and education I had at while in school there heavily influenced who am I today and everything I have achieved in life (personally and professionally). The school offered as a stepping stone for me to create a close relationship with God while getting a great education allowing me to be a nurse today. 

At the school is where I also met my husband. Because of him, I am blessed with 3 wonderful daughters and 2 grandsons. It gives me pleasure to give back to the school knowing that I can give someone the opportunity that I was given. 

I came from a poor background where my siblings and I would have to share one egg for a meal. The school helped me work hard, and be strong in my faith. One of my fondest memories there is the week of prayer. I remember one of our teachers, Mr. Timple and his wife, Mina, who guided us from NELA to NLA. They often shared their food and time with us. Their giving nature was always inspirational. My hope is to encourage others to donate to the school so that others will get the chance I did to create a better life for themselves and their family. 

The best part of giving back to the school would be to know that I am offering someone an opportunity for a better life and hopefully, inspiring them to do the same in the future. I felt like the 2 years I spent at NLAc was a journey to a wholesome life or to heaven.”