Alfredo Garcia
Alfredo Garcia

First-generation American, college student paves way for family

“Earning my bachelor’s degree means the world to me,” said Alfredo Garcia, who’s earning his B.B.A. in management this spring. “I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. Not only is earning a degree making my family proud, but my future kids can say, ‘If Daddy can do it, why can’t I?'”

Garcia, who lives in Waller, Texas, earned an associate degree from Lone Star Community College before enrolling in PVAMU’s College of Business (COB) to complete his bachelor’s degree. He recently secured a full-time position with paint giant Sherwin Williams, with hopes to one day become an operations or sales manager.

“I had former classmates graduate and tell me about this career, and they encouraged me to apply,” he said. “I am looking forward to using my skills I learned here at PVAMU and being the best I can be to benefit the company so later I can earn bigger opportunities as I climb the career ladder.”

Garcia said his experience at PVAMU has been incredible, providing him not only a foundation for his future career, but a place to explore his interests. While at the university, he was part of the Leaders in Management Association (LMA) and Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA), serving as president of the latter organization during the 2018-2019 academic year.

“My personal greatest achievement was becoming HBSA president and being able to lead a group of like-minded classmates to give back to the university and our surrounding community,” he said. “I feel that every day at PVAMU, you are pushed out of your comfort zone, so you can’t help but leave with tons of confidence.”

Garcia worked in the COB as a counselor for its summer programs. It was a chance for him to impart knowledge on young people and show them how college can make a difference.

“I want to tell current students to never give up their dreams no matter what,” he said, “to always believe in themselves and for them to do what they love.”

As he readies for commencement and his future, he’s grateful for his faith in God and the support of his family and professors at PVAMU.

“What PVAMU has that other universities do not is that small school feel,” he said. “The student to professor ratio is small, which makes it for a more personal hands-on experience. And I love the faculty and staff! They genuinely care about your future.”

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By Holly Beretto