Meet Joshua Castanedas ’23
Joshua Castanedas ’23
Communication & Political Science
Joshua Castanedas, a sophomore communication and political science double major, has always had a passion for politics and activism. Originally from the Bronx, New York, Joshua transferred to Seton Hill to explore an athletic opportunity as a football player. Since transferring, Joshua has become a Student Ambassador and manages to balance his coursework and his extracurriculars to maintain a high GPA.
“I wanted to become a Student Ambassador because as a person who has aspirations to pursue a political career, I felt that this would be a great opportunity to not only learn from, and be a part of the university, but also continue to help the Seton Hill community in any way that I can,” Josh said. “I also felt that this would be great representation for not only the current minority students attending Seton Hill, but for the future ones as well.”
“My time as a student ambassador and as a Seton Hill student has been such a surprise for me,” he added.” I have been able to grow as a student and as a person in ways that I could have ever imagined. What’s great about it all is - I’m just getting started.”
Joshua says a goal he has always had is to create change and he feels Seton Hill is helping him do that. In fact, during the Spring 2021 semester, Joshua made time for several important Projects. During his internship with Keisha Jimmerson, Associate Dean of Students for Diversity,
Inclusion and International Student Services, he introduced the “My Name, My Identity” campaign to Seton Hill. The “My Name, My Identity” campaign helps build positive connections, promotes diversity in and outside the classroom, and builds the importance of understanding perspectives and others’ backgrounds.
He received assistance from Jimmerson and Jen Jones, Ph.D., Associate Communication Professor and Communication Department Coordinator. To bring awareness and respect to the cultures and identities behind our names, and to bring people of all backgrounds together, events were held on campus for student participation. “My proudest accomplishment so far has been bringing the ‘My Name, My Identity’ campaign to Seton Hill,” said Joshua. “Before introducing it to campus, there were zero people in Greensburg who had signed the pledge. After our events, 60 people from the area had signed it.”
For Joshua the message of the “My Name, My Identity” campaign is important. “We’re in a time where political activism is highly stressed,” he said. “After all the events of the past year and current events, I believe it is necessary and important for a university like Seton Hill to embrace diversity and bring people together.”
Joshua believes he made “a great choice” in transferring to Seton Hill. He appreciates the support he’s received from his coaches, professors and staff members. “I’ve learned more in a year here than I would have anywhere else,” he says. “I feel I finally found a home in Seton Hill.”