One memorable moment from the bridge program this fall for freshman Sophie Skidelsky was when “a spider hanging from a string was hovering over the table where we were all eating. People started freaking out and getting up, but Uriel [Castañeda] grabs his bag and knocks the spider down.” Skidelsky added that “it was a funny event that eased everyone into bridge.”
Uriel Castañeda is one out of the 23 new Parker students. Castañeda has always lived in Chicago and previously went to the George B. Armstrong Elementary school in Rogers Park from Pre-K to eighth grade. “At my old school all my friends used to call me Uri,” Castañeda said. “I wouldn’t mind if people called me Uri, just never ‘ooh-ree-ell.’” What comes as a surprise to many is that Castañeda has three brothers. “I have three siblings. One of them goes to college as a sophomore, one a senior in high school, and a younger one who is still in middle school.” Castañeda said he wanted to go to school away from his brothers.
Parker’s application is long, but this is to learn about students through the whole process. Parker’s application makes it clear how it is inclusive and encourages learning through students’ interests. Castañeda said, when it came time for him to shadow at Parker, he liked what he saw and knew this would be a great school for him. “The reason I chose Parker was because of how involved I saw all the students get, so knowing that I could get as involved as I was previously [at my old school] made me choose,” Castañeda said.
Everyone has their own unique personality and Castañeda describes his as “loud but energetic as I try to be nice and bring a lot of energy wherever I go.” Others agree with this statement. Senior Spencer Dunbar said that her “first impression of him was that he was very energetic, very out there, very comfortable with himself.” She added, “What makes him stand out is that he’s confident in himself, he’s authentically himself, he’s not trying to change for anyone.” Freshman Addie Williams said that Castañeda is “very confident, not in a bad way. [For example] I remember his OLAS MX he spoke very well and didn’t seem afraid to share his true thoughts and emotions.” Williams added “It’s not exactly positive but he’s never in a bad mood, and even when he is, [he is] still positive somehow.” Castañeda follows his words by bringing his positivity wherever he goes.
Being in a new environment calls for new bonds between individuals. Castañeda says that through trying to be nice to everyone and bringing high energy he has met a lot of new people. “I’ve met them through all my extracurriculars, seeing them in the hallway, my classmates, meeting friends from other friends.”
Some people like to be as involved as they can be, and Castañeda is one of them. He is a member of OLAS (Organization of Latin American Students), MOCHA (Men of Color Heritage Affinity), Pride committee, The Parker Record, and SCOUT. He is also in cross country and the fall play “Charlotte’s Web.” He also plans to do the musical and track. These are the groups where Castañeda has met many individuals. “Getting to know everyone at this school is one of my favorite things,” Castañeda said.
Castañeda enjoys conversing with everyone he comes across, even teachers. His favorite subject is math, which might shock others. His math teacher this year is Wendy Olt. Olt also agrees that Castañeda has a bright personality. She shared a story when Castañeda was compassionate to another student when they were both in the same boat. She explained that this was the moment when she got to learn more about Castañeda’s personality. “He turned around and he said ‘I just want you to know that i’m having a hard time too’ he said this to the other kid, he then said ‘but we’re going to be okay we’ve got this and it will all be okay.’” Olt said. She adds that “this was one the first interactions I had with him, and from that day I was like omg he’s such a positive, kind, and empathetic person.”
