About Mr. Garcia by Gabriel Garcia

Goku and Superman

gabrielcgarcia2020 — 2024-05-01 00:06:38 UTC

When I was young, I thought life was as simple as the manga and comic books that I read. I thought that life was black and white, and that all of the evils in the world could be fought by hard work and determination. I grew up with role models that taught me that a life in service to others is one well spent, and that being able to make the world a better place for all people should be the ultimate goal for everyone.

I grew up in a lower-income area of Arkansas, and didn't have internet access until I was almost an adult; however, I didn't let the lack of convenience hinder my access to knowledge. I loved manga like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Bleach, and I would check out dozens of volumes every week. I loved how the protagonists could always believe in themselves enough to be able to overcome any obstacle, and I wanted to be the same way.

America the Beautiful

gabrielcgarcia2020 — 2024-05-01 00:12:34 UTC

When I was in high school, I began to realize that the my history was like the stories I used to read, and that I had a place in the universe; I could be my own protagonist. I began to research the history of the United States, the different cultures across the world, and the diversity that was natural to the earth with a zealousness that bordered obsession. I fell in love with the earth and humanity in a way that I had never felt so deep in my life.

However, I also learned that the evils and sins that permeated the earth were more systemic than I originally believed. I learned about the horrific things that had happened both in American and abroad, and I was astonished that it took until I was a teenager to really understand my place in the world.

Out of High School, Into College

gabrielcgarcia2020 — 2024-05-01 00:20:11 UTC

After I graduated high school, and with all of these feelings in my head, I didn't know what I could do. I wanted to do something to make the world better, but I didn't know how I could make a difference. I worked odd jobs as a young adult, and eventually decided to go to community college to make something more of myself. I went to the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville, UACCB. At community college, I realized once again that I am the protagonist of my own life, and I had to choose to make a difference.

I decided that the best thing that I could do is to turn my obsession with history into a tool that could benefit society. I graduated from my community college with an Associate degree, and decided to pursue a career in education. From there I went to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville to get both a BA in History and a BAT in Social Studies Education.

Teaching

gabrielcgarcia2020 — 2024-05-01 00:22:32 UTC

I look forwards to teaching the next generation of Americans the history that they have inherited from their forefathers, how they can be active participants in our democratic practices, and how they can pursue their own path to change the world.