Chapman University senior Fashion Castillo, 21, will work as a photojournalism intern with the Voice of OC this fall through funding provided by the Chapman University Marshutz Fellowship.
“The Marshutz fellowship means a lot to me because it’s not just a recognition of my hard work and passion for journalism, but also a huge help in easing the financial pressures that come with being a student,” Castillo said. “It feels very motivating that Wilkinson College is here to support me as I reach my goals and encourage me to make the most of every opportunity in my journalism journey.”
A scholarship is awarded to students majoring in English with a journalism emphasis or a journalism minor who displays a “growing talent” for journalistic endeavors through the Marhutz Endowed Journalism fund in the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
“Journalism is always about the now, and Fashion jumped on any opportunity to write and photograph a story,” said Julie Leopo, the Voice of OC’s Director of Photography and Castillo’s professor. “This is what makes a great student journalist and the making of a great reportage photojournalist.”
Leopo mentored Castillo through her photojournalism classes at Chapman University.
“My visual journalism classes at Chapman have played a crucial role in preparing me for the Marshutz fellowship,” Castillo said. “These classes have honed my ability to tell compelling stories through visuals, whether through photography, graphic design, or multimedia projects. The hands-on nature of these courses, including real-world assignments and critiques, has given me the confidence and expertise needed to do well in this program.”
The Southern California native started her photojournalism studies at Biola University, where she spent the first two years of her education studying public relations and journalism. There, she worked as the Arts and Entertainment Editor at The Chimes, the university’s student newspaper.
She has published traffic and construction stories with the Voice of OC through the newsroom’s partnership with Chapman University – the Collegiate News Service.
[Read: What’s With All The Traffic Buildup on Santa Ana’s First Street?]
[Read: What’s Behind the OC Streetcar Construction Along Harbor Blvd and on Fairview St?]
Castillo is currently focusing on covering community gardens throughout Orange County.
