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Kelly Castro
U. S. Marine Corps Veteran and Graduate of San Joaquin Valley College
Entering her mid-thirties Kelly Castro wanted a career that put her in control of her time and income. As a Dental Hygienist she could construct her own work schedule, while she earned a salary that reflected the professionalism and skill level she sacrificed so much to achieve.
As a former Marine where she spent several years as a diesel mechanic, Kelly brought a military focus to a plan that would help her realize this career ambition. Her husband, Jose (also ex-military), and their three children, Jaden, 13, Anaiya, 11 and Tristen, 10, were on board to lend support.
Castro liked the medical field but didn’t want to be a nurse and work 10–12-hour shifts, nights and weekends because she had kids. There were so many appealing things about being a Dental Hygienist. “You’re kind of your own boss,” said Castro. “You make your own schedule and can work a 4-day week. You work alone for the most part but are close with your patient. It pays well. Money isn’t everything, but it is important, especially when you have a family.”
Why did she choose SJVC? “I did some research, looking around, and found out that this (SJVC’s DH program in Visalia) is one of the only dental hygiene programs within a couple of hundred miles,” said Castro. “And that made me pretty lucky! One of my friends is a dentist and he told me it was a reputable school. He also hired many dental hygienists from the school. The GI Bill paid my tuition, so for me it was an easy decision.”
Her teachers helped her through the hard times. Castro said, “I felt like if I ever needed any extra help, I could always go to my teachers. But it wasn’t like community college where they don’t really care. Here, they would make sure you’re doing ok. We each had a mentor, a faculty member who was designated as your go-to if you needed extra time or one-on-one counseling. But my main motivation was right in front of me – my kids and husband. I wanted to work hard for my family.”
Castro says it was no problem finding a job. “I was a little nervous, but right out of school I started working for two dentists,” she said. “I can set up what days and hours I want to work. I have sliding hours in each office and they set my appointments within agreed-upon parameters. It’s so cool!”