Ashleigh “Nikki” Castilaw sees no greater joy than in serving others.

Castilaw, 20, is a Wesson native and has lived there her entire life. She is the daughter of Mark Anthony and Katrina Castilaw. She has two siblings; one brother, Brandt (wife Rebekah), and one sister, Shelly.

She has been dating Justin Hynum of Wesson for four and a half years. They met as kids, and they grew up together by attending the same school and church.

Castilaw is a 2016 graduate of Wesson Attendance Center. She is also a 2018 graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she earned an associate degree in psychology.

She currently attends Mississippi State University, where she is majoring in family and consumer science of education. Castilaw plans to graduate in December 2020.

At Mississippi State, Castilaw is involved with Montgomery Leadership Program, HDFS Club and the Baptist Student Union.

When at home, Castilaw attends Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she participates in mission opportunities, Vacation Bible School and the food ministry. While at school, she attends First Baptist Church Starkville.

Her hobbies include fishing, hunting, kayaking, riding bikes and crafting. She doesn’t watch a lot of series-based TV, but enjoys watching anything on HGTV.

She loves to eat anything her grandparents cook, but she has a soft spot for her Nana’s egg custard. Something many people may not know about her is how fitness- and health-oriented she is.

An interesting family tradition Castilaw has is at home, her family, her uncle’s family, and her grandparents eat supper together every night. It has always been this way during her life.

Something she can’t do without is spending time with either her family or her boyfriend’s family.

Castilaw says her best quality is how she is servant-leadership minded, and she believes this led to her choosing teaching as her occupation.

In five years, Castilaw sees herself married, teaching close to home and graduated with her master’s degree. Her life’s biggest goal is give generously, live fully, and in a way that brings honor to God and His purpose for her.

Story by Gracie Byrne