"Everyone’s path after school is different, but the friendships you make and the people who support you along the way are worth holding onto." -Kae Castillo (class of 2020)

What made you decide to enlist?

I realised that I wouldn’t be happy in the long term with the study pathway I was originally planning to pursue (Health Science). Around three months before graduating, I came across a pamphlet from the school careers day that was tucked between my school books. That sparked my interest in the military as a possible career, and I decided to give it a try after a conversation with my parents.

What is a significant lesson you learned from your time in the armed forces? From your time at WHS?

One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of being adaptable and always willing to learn. At Wakatipu High School, I learned the value of working hard, setting high standards for myself, and enjoying the process rather than focusing on the end result.

Since joining the defence, I've learned to adapt quickly to changing situations, trust the people around me, and work with teammates who all bring different skills and strengths. I've also learned to accept constructive feedback and use it to keep improving, both professionally and personally.

Were there WHS staff or fellow students who taught you important lessons about leadership or service?

One teacher who had a significant impact on me was my English teacher, Mrs. Needham. As English is my second language, I lacked confidence in my ability and was satisfied with achieving an "Achieved" grade. However, Mrs. Needham created an environment where I felt supported and not judged, which made me believe I was capable of doing better. Because of that, I became more motivated to put in extra effort and challenge myself, eventually achieving Excellence in Years 12 and 13.

She taught me that leadership is not always about giving instructions; it can also be about supporting others, believing in their potential, and creating an environment where they feel motivated to improve.

How do you see WHS's values—Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Inclusion—reflected in your military service?

Looking back, I can see WHS’s values reflected in my military service every day. Excellence means taking pride in my work, doing my job to the best of my ability, and continually seeking ways to improve. 

Respect and inclusion are important because the military is built on teamwork, and everyone brings different skills and experiences that help the team succeed.

Responsibility comes from knowing that others rely on me to do my job properly and support the people around me. Resilience has also been important, as the military often requires adapting to new situations, facing challenges, and learning from mistakes. These values align closely with the NZDF values of courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity, and have helped shape how I work and contribute as part of a team.

What advice would you give to current WHS students?

Don’t feel like you need to have your whole future planned out. It’s okay for your goals to change as you learn more about yourself and what you enjoy. Work hard, take opportunities when they come, and make decisions that you can be proud of rather than trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. At the end of the day, if you’re proud of the effort you’ve put in and the person you’re becoming, that’s what matters most.

What advice would you give to WHS alumni?

Try your best to stay connected with the people you meet at school. Some of my closest friends today are people I met at school, and I’m grateful for the time and memories we shared. Everyone’s path after school is different, but the friendships you make and the people who support you along the way are worth holding onto.

Lance Corporal Kae Castillo, RF Technician in the NZ Army

Lance Corpora Kae Castillo, NZ Army

Kae Castillo and Friends at WHS Senior Formal

Kae Castillo and Friends on Participation Day

Kae Castillo and Friends Outside WHS