Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Alex Garcia

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage month. During this time, it is important to acknowledge the influence and contribution that Hispanic culture and achievements have had in the United States. We are proud of our Hispanic athletes and will be highlighting them throughout the month. We asked hispanic varsity athlete Alex Garcia about his culture and experience.
 

YEAR: Senior

ESPORT: Overwatch

MAJOR: Finance

HOMETOWN: Portland, Oregon

Q: What inspired you to become a varsity athlete?

A: My drive to compete and my love of gaming. Being able to represent the University with my passion is amazing.

Q: Do you have any role models that inspire you at school or at home?

A: My grandparents. They immigrated to the US from Argentina in the 60s and had to integrate themselves into a new culture while raising my father and his brothers.

Q: Have you experienced any challenges in school? How did you overcome them?

A: The hardest thing for me to overcome was trust. I’ve always tried doing things myself, especially in school, but self-efficacy is necessary to succeed in academics. Learning how to open myself up to teachers and professors has been extremely helpful in my academic career.

Q: Tell me about your family and community growing up.

A: I learned a lot about my family’s culture through my dad’s side of the family. My mother is white, but my father made sure that my sister and I can be proud of our heritage even if it may seem like we aren’t the perfect representation.

Q: What does being part of the Hispanic community mean to you?

A: It’s brought an identity that connects me to others everywhere I go, even if we’ve never met. This creates a tighter bond with my family as well.

Q: Has being Hispanic influenced the way you approach your studies or esports?

A: It’s acted as a chip on my shoulder. My father has taught me about how we have to work harder for everything, so that effort comes in everything I do.

Q: What are your goals for after graduation?

A: I aim to work in corporate finance out of college before getting an MBA to follow in my mother’s footsteps by becoming a financial planner.