By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

Melany Castillo, 20, is a second-year student at KCC majoring in marine biology. She moved to Hawaiʻi with her twin brother after graduating from high school. Growing up in Ripon, Wisconsin, Castillo was always curious about what the ocean was like.

“I would only see the ocean in movies or TV shows and I really wanted to come to Hawaiʻi and see it in person,” Castillo said.

After going on a trip to Maui, she settled on marine biology and hopes to show more people that the ocean isn’t all that scary. In addition to her passion for the ocean, Castillo loves to bake muffins and cupcakes for her friends. She mentioned that pursuing a culinary degree in the future is one of her goals, though she plans to complete her degree in marine biology first.

During her free time, Castillo likes to go to the aquarium and look at the cowfish exhibit.

“They’re probably my favorite fish ever since they’re super cute and tiny,” Castillo said.

She plans to apply for a volunteer position with the aquarium this summer and can’t wait to go to the beach every day.