Charting a New Course: Sailor Luis Builds a Better Future through Military Service and USO Education Partner Penn State World Campus

By USO Staff

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Luis Castillo did not always think he was destined for a career in the military. Adopted by his sister and her husband at age 14, Luis lost interest in high school and dropped out while still in his teens. He began working in the service industry, holding jobs typical for people his age, but without stability for his future. Deep down, he wanted something more for himself — a life he could be proud of and that offered possibility.

Inspired by his sister’s husband’s service in the U.S. Navy, Luis decided to pursue a different life path for himself.

“I chose the military because of the opportunity to better my life,” Luis said. “I was about to serve my country, which gave me a sense of pride. Being in an organization that defends our country sounded like a great fresh start. When I took the oath of enlistment and put my hand up to defend the Constitution of the United States, I knew I was going to be a part of something bigger than me.”

Before his service began, he set a goal of earning his high school diploma. At 22, he made that a reality through a charter school near his home. He graduated in April 2021 and signed his enlistment papers one month later.

Today, as a petty officer second class, Luis is working toward an even larger achievement: a bachelor’s degree in finance from Penn State World Campus, an educational partner of the USO. But this isn’t the first time that the USO found its way into his life.

The Start of a Lasting Relationship with the USO

Luis’ first memory of the USO is from more than 10 years ago.

“The USO has been there for me even before the start of my military career,” Luis said. “When my sister and her husband adopted me, he was active duty with the Navy — and still is. I remember traveling to Hawaii with them. We were at the airport early, so we visited the Bob Hope USO Center at LAX airport. It was a great place to get snacks, free Wi-Fi and have a comfortable place to sit while waiting for our flight. The staff was friendly and welcomed us with open arms. We felt at home.”

Today, Luis calls the USO his “second family,” with standout experiences like his visit to the USO Center at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on the way to boot camp, a USO Entertainment tour visit from actor Channing Tatum in San Antonio and, most recently, a USO pizza delivery pier-side at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

“We heard rumors that the USO had come to serve us lunch, and we just had to go and see if it was true. The smile on my face when I saw the USO was unlike any other smile I have ever had.”

At the time, as a lower-ranking seaman, Luis was tasked with ship preservation responsibilities that he jokingly described as “character building.” That included removing rust, painting, heavy lifting and working outside through all types of weather.

On that particular summer day, fresh pizza and cold drinks delivered by the USO meant everything to him and his fellow shipmates.

“I didn’t have to eat ship food, I was able to take a break, and I felt appreciated, even with that small gesture.”

A New Direction

Always looking toward the future, Luis applied to Penn State World Campus program in fall 2022. “I figured I had nothing to lose,” he said.

Soon after, he was shocked to be offered an interview with a military advisor, a retired Navy chief.

“My heart was racing,” he recalled.

He was accepted, but with a challenging road ahead. As a junior sailor when he first began his classes, he typically worked 16- to 24-hour days while at sea for months at a time — and then had to complete his coursework around his Navy duties.

“I frequently didn’t have Wi-Fi aboard ship, but I had a hotspot on my phone. So I’d sit outside, regardless of the weather, and connect my laptop to my phone and turn in assignments late into the night with little to no sleep. I got comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Luis’s positive attitude and his focus on the future with his wife (and, hopefully, a future child) kept him going.

The Power of Education

As a student, service member, husband and now a father of an almost two-year-old daughter, Luis is constantly juggling his obligations, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It has been a lot of work, but it’s all been worthwhile.”

One of the most significant benefits for service members earning their degrees through Penn State World Campus is the program’s online courses and flexibility, which allow military students to meet the demands of military service.

“Penn State World Campus has been extremely military-friendly,” Luis said. “My professors are very understanding. When I’m underway … out to sea for a period of time … I sometimes can’t turn in assignments on time, so my professors accommodate me.”

At one point, Luis was required to attend training to prepare for his recent promotion to Aerographer’s Mate — a subject matter expert on meteorology and oceanography, responsible for collecting and analyzing mission-critical data. He could not take classes during that time. Understanding the need for flexibility when completing a degree while in service, Penn State World Campus worked with Luis so he could take a military leave of absence with no difficulty re-enrolling in classes later.

Luis explained that his courses have already improved his job performance and abilities.

“The courses I have taken thus far help me every day. I’m currently taking a class on effective speech and another in business writing. I may not be writing business-style documents every day, but I can apply those skills.”

In another class, Luis became more proficient in Excel, which he says helps him complete weather data analysis with greater proficiency and lead other sailors with that information.

Since becoming a student at Penn State World Campus, Luis has earned two scholarships, been on the Dean’s List three times, served as treasurer of two student organizations and represented Penn State World Campus at the Student Veterans of America National Conference.

With a 3.6 GPA and the experience he’s gaining in his finance classes, his sights are set on earning an MBA next and, one day, becoming the CFO of a Fortune 500 company.

How Penn State World Campus and the USO Support the People Who Serve

Penn State World Campus is well known for its support of service members and veterans pursuing higher education. From waiving the application fee for active-duty applicants, to offering flexibility when military responsibilities conflict with academic deadlines, Penn State World Campus prioritizes the needs of its military community members as they earn their degrees.

By partnering with Penn State World Campus, the USO can also assist service members looking to improve their education, financial and employment goals through the USO Transition Program.

The USO Transition Program is geared toward active duty, Reserve and National Guard members, as well as military spouses, and offers professional development services throughout the duration of their military service, as well as in preparation for life post-military. This can include everything from training on financial readiness, assisting with educational opportunities, networking, career advice and so much more.

Through partnerships like the one with Penn State World Campus, the USO can support the people who serve, and their military families, at more than 250 locations around the globe — people just like Luis.

Luis encourages other service members to “always take a chance on an opportunity” by pursuing higher education with military-friendly programs.

“I’m learning valuable skills, supporting my family and pursuing my dreams.”