Behind the Scenes3! Introducing MOTAL's Intern​Cecilia Castillo

Throughout my few years studying history at Cal State Fullerton I learned that history means so much more than just facts and figures. I believe that the most significant effect that historical knowledge or understanding can have is in its impact on the public through exhibits and interactive experiences. For this reason, I chose to study history and I continue advocating for equal opportunity and education for people of all backgrounds.


I began my work for MOTAL a little over a year ago as an intern and have learned an immeasurable amount about myself, museum work, community engagement, and exhibit installation. My experience as a docent for A Class Action allowed me to see, first-hand, the impact that exhibits and history have on the community, especially children. I have also done exhibition installations, presentations, and digital work of all kinds. I very recently graduated with my undergraduate degree in History and minor in Spanish. I consider this achievement only a minor step in my education and hope to continue learning, attending graduate school, and working in public history.

Similar to countless immigrants across America, my father came to this country to provide a better life for his children. I do not consider my achievements and experiences solely a product of my own efforts, but a culmination of generations of hard work and sacrifice from those that came before me. Through museum work I choose to recognize the immense privilege that I have and commit myself to educating the public and sharing the story of those communities frequently ignored by history.

Cecilia Castillo


Cecilia Recommends:

• Take advantage of this time at home with family (of all ages!) to learn about your own personal family history. Understandably, exhibits and research based on distant people and places are sometimes hard to connect with. Although a majority of Americans would definitely not consider themselves “history enthusiasts,” we ARE practicing a form of historical thinking in every photo we take and every nostalgic conversation we have.
• Pick up a book about a topic that interests you and you’ve never had time to learn about until now!