This is part of the Shore Stories: Life Along the Lakeshore series, which includes columns by local and former residents about their lives.
How do I say farewell to an organization I’ve devoted the past three years of my life to? After thoughtful reflection and planning, I decided to transition out of
LAUP. My last day with the organization was May 9.
I was hesitant to take the role in 2022, but I’m so glad I said yes. At the time, I had just left for Texas and wasn’t planning on coming back. Instead, I decided to trust my gut and try to make an impact in the role of programs manager. Programs manager turned into the director of programs, and then finally the director of youth programs and advancement.
Over the past three years I’ve learned just how important the power of mentorship is. During my leadership, I was able to build the foundation and pipeline for LAUP’s Youth Development Programs, empowering Hispanic and Latinx youth and all students to unlock their full potential through cultural pride, academic achievement, self-belief, and service.
The trust and relationships I built with the youth were so special and instrumental in a time when I was trying to discover more of who I was. I think that was my greatest asset — my vulnerability, relatability, and just being real. I wasn’t afraid to tell my students that it’s OK to feel fear, it’s OK to not have your whole future planned out, and it’s OK if you still don’t know who you’re looking at when you look in the mirror — we just can’t stay there.
We have to remind ourselves of the facts: We are a people of power, not deficit. We are resilient, not weak. We don’t need to be saved, we are resourceful, and all the tools and answers we’re seeking are already inside of us. We just need to dig deeper.
Expanding programs’ reach
Together as an organization and as a community, we expanded to younger age groups — looping eighth-graders into our signature Adelante! and Mas Adelante! high school programs for grades 9-12, and launched Aquí Jugamos!, our first elementary program focused on unstructured play and social-emotional learning.
We grew LAUP youth programs from 30 students in 2022 to 150 students in our K-12 pipeline now.
I also began proposals to launch Crecer!, our first middle school program, and a college access program to ensure that our seniors would not only get to college but through college. We were already closing the attainment gaps and Latino dropout rates in college. We just needed a program to track it and provide that continuous support until our students obtained their degrees.
I’m not going to sit here and make it all sound positive, because it wasn’t. Leadership is hard. Transforming a community and program from the ground up is a lifelong journey, not something one person can do overnight. It takes a whole village, an entire community. On my hardest days, dancing for my coworkers or making them laugh was something I loved to do. (They will say I was crazy or like a fly they couldn’t get rid of).
Sometimes, it was laughing with my youth when I would run over a curb during a college visit and they would make fun of me. Other times, it would be the relief on a student’s face when we finished their FAFSA, or making a cup of coffee for a student who was having a hard day. All of the small moments added up to the big ones.
Finding purpose
I went into the role ready to make an impact on the youth, and I left a new person because of the impact they had on me. After the dust settled, I realized that it was never just about the youth. I discovered that my purpose and passion lie in empowering and inspiring people to unlock their full potential and become who they were always meant to be. All the late nights and sacrifices I made paid off. Not only did I do a great job — I was exceptional. Because when I’m tasked with being a leader, I don’t half-ass anything. I pour my whole soul into it!
I want to thank my mom – I think you finally recognized what I was truly doing toward the end of my time at LAUP. You said, “You did an amazing job with that program and what you did for LAUP.” It all started with the seeds you planted when you encouraged me to join Upward Bound in high school. I watched you struggle to support your children as a single mother managing multiple health conditions and putting food on the table. But God always provided for your babies. We were never alone. Despite our differences and because of your sacrifices, I am here. Love you always!
To the Holland community and Lakeshore, thank you for your trust and support. I loved serving your children and the entire family. Even when we faced more challenges, we always figured it out!
To the entire LAUP team and staff, I will miss being at the office with you! I will miss being your cool office brother and entertaining you at each event. Whether it was getting on a table to sing or twerk, it didn't matter to me. I was just happy to make people smile. I will always be your “Seleno,” because anything for Selenas!
This isn’t “adiós”; it’s a “see you later.” This is the end of this chapter, but the beginning of my new one. I am so excited for my future and the impact I’ll continue to make globally. I guess Holland was too small for me, but it will always be where I call home.
Julian Lugo-Castañeda, a Holland native, is the founder and Purpose & Empowerment Coach of HYPE Coaching LLC, a company grounded in mental health support and self-love. His mission is to help youth, young adults, and professionals—including public figures—gain clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Through coaching, Julian aims to transform 10,000 lives. HYPE Coaching officially launches on June 20, 2025, with a nationwide tour of pop-up events and meet-and-greets in Austin, New York City, and California from July 2025 through March 2026. For coaching services or donation inquiries, email Julian at Julianferminlugo@gmail.com, or follow him at Facebook: @Julian lugo-Castañeda; Instagram: @julianlugooo and LinkedIn: Julian Lugo and CLConnect
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