Carlos Antonio Garcia Tovar

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

It is really hard to think that in my family there has not been a person who has accomplished this. My parents finished high school, my grandparents only went to 2nd grade of Elementary School, my great grandparents did not have access to school, and so on. This is truly an honor and a privilege to be completing something that I wish my ancestors had the opportunity to do. But I hold my head high with pride and in honor of my ancestors that had lead to this moment for me to have an opportunity to graduate

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

Leaving home at the age of 15 years old to follow the American Dream. Every struggle I went through and fending for myself along with my brother. Waking up at 4am to cross the border to go to high school. I am proud I made it this far, proud of prospering through everything and proud of this amazing accomplishment in my life.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

I wasn’t able to prosper alone, and I am thankful for the reason I kept pushing forward, the reason I did not give up, the reason I woke up every day at 4am to cross the border just to go to high school, that reason taught me to fight for my goals, gave me the opportunity to have these goals, the opportunity to reach those goals. That reason are two people and they are my parents, Ana and Carlos. My parents not having the same resources as I do now went through so much more, and maybe my struggles are not as challenging as theirs, but with this accomplishment I want to recognize my efforts for what they have been able to give me, an opportunity. This opportunity to have goals and the opportunity to reach for my goals. My parents couldn't go to my high school graduation nor they couldn't go to my college graduation but no border, no matter how tall, will keep us apart. They were always in my mind and heart in everything I do.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Many staff members I would like to thank like Dr. Burgos for being a great mentor and friend in guiding our non-profit organization and in understanding the importance of providing health to underserved communities. Professor Ojeda for providing great information on Global Health and the importance of this field to identify health disparities and inequalities that need to be addressed. Professor Catalina Reyes for being the best professor in my college career and a friend that is compassionate and understanding of what students are going through, taught a great amount of topics which I find fascinating and prove that this major was meant for me, thank you for providing guidance on how to succeed in animal physiology lab and how to teach my discussion section, also thank you for bringing Willy to class.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

I plan to take 2 gap years before I go to medical school. I wish to become a Pediatrician and become financially stable. In my hometown in Mexico there are not many resources for people to access primary healthcare, they would travel hours to see a doctor and wait long periods of time to see a physician. I wish to help in some way or form, as in establishing a free-clinic with friends from back home that are licensed medical providers and serve our pueblo and the people.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Head-Clinic Coordinator, Health Frontiers in TIjuana (HFiT)

• Mexico Liaison, Flying Samaritans at UCSD

• Vice-President, Minority Association of Premedical Students

• Instructional Assistant, Human Physiology

• Member, Red Cross at UCSD