<p>A Queens native with a passion for both physical culture and creative exploration, Hamid Castro has carved out a career that blends leadership, athleticism, and storytelling in unexpected ways.</p> <p>Drawn to the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management.html">BS in Leadership and Management</a> at NYU SPS because of its emphasis on strategic thinking, organizational dynamics, and problem-solving, Castro wanted “a solid foundation that would serve [him] in any career path. That foundation proved invaluable as he transitioned from student to personal trainer, where he applied leadership principles in real time—motivating clients, managing progress, and designing their personalized fitness regimes.</p> <p>As a member of the NYU wrestling team, Castro learned resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt under pressure. “Those lessons translate directly to leadership and filmmaking,” he says. “On the mats, you learn to embrace challenges and stay focused—skills that are just as critical on a film set.”</p> <p>Castro’s debut feature, <i>Lake George</i>, was a self-funded project that demanded every ounce of the discipline and strategic planning he’d honed through both academics and athletics. “Producing a film is essentially managing a complex project with a creative lens,” he notes. “My background helped me coordinate a team, manage resources, and solve problems on the fly.”</p>

<p><i>Lake George</i> garnered Castro best first-time director awards at the 2024 Portugal Indie Film Festival and the 2024 New York Lift-Off Film Festival, as well as an award for best original story, feature script, debut screenwriter, and actor at the 2024 Asian Independent Film Festival. He credits his favorite classes and instructors with preparing him for the unpredictable nature of creative work. “I really enjoyed courses that emphasized real-world applications,” he reflects. “The best instructors challenged us to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles.”</p> <p>Castro is planning more film projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. He’s drawn to character-driven narratives and visually compelling experiences, always seeking to challenge himself creatively. He encourages current NYU SPS students to “embrace flexibility and never underestimate the value of transferable skills.&quot;</p> <p>As Castro continues to explore new creative terrain, he hopes his story inspires others to trust their instincts and pursue the paths that genuinely excite them. “Whether it’s in business, fitness, or the arts,” he says, “following your passion while applying practical skills can lead to opportunities you never imagined.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>