His life mirrored that of many in the city's urban schools. He and his twin brother, Joaquín, also Stanford- and Harvard-educated and now a state representative, weren't the first in their family to go to college, but their mom — who has a graduate degree — was the sole financial supporter in their home.
Castro's grandmother took care of the boys while their mother worked. And while Rosie Castro made a name for herself as a community activist, it wasn't a role that brought home much money.
Castro is quick to tell you he wasn't special. He wasn't exceptionally gifted. But he worked hard and had role models around him who encouraged him to do his best and to keep college in his sights.
That's what he hopes to do for thousands of young San Antonians. Castro calls education a top priority and has backed it up with multiple initiatives focused on motivating young people.
“I want every child in San Antonio to be raised with the aspiration and expectation of going to college,” Castro said. “They won't all get there, but it should be everyone's goal.”
Castro isn't the first mayor to focus on education. The city budget has long included money for education, including funding for early-childhood and after-school programs, scholarships, literacy initiatives and job training.
Former Mayor Henry Cisneros was a driving force behind the creation of t