Enrique Garcia

What does Commencement/graduation mean to you?

Graduation for me means everything! Growing up, I was headed down a troubled path throughout my early youth & adolescence and I was able to figure out a way to make this ambition of becoming one of the first-generation college students within my family a reality. 

Did you have to overcome any difficult challenges during your education to make it to graduation? If so, what were they?

Over the last four years, one of the most difficult challenges throughout my undergraduate experience was the Pandemic and how it essentially destroyed myself and my peers who had to adjust and switch to an online format. On top of the pandemic, I had to deal with death and loss that was so unexpected and sudden. One of my instructors passed away, and it shook me the most because I remember my relationship with my instructor (Gina Pisano)  growing and I always looked forward to going to her classes. Aside from her passing away, my grandpa also passed away unexpectedly, and mentally it took a toll on me during the beginning of my senior year, but I have willed myself to get over these losses and difficulties that at times felt like they were breaking me. 

What has your experience at NLU been like?

My experience at NLU has been amazing, and I want to give a special shoutout to the instructors and success coaches who have made my experience at NLU amazing, along with Braven. 

What are your plans for the future?

To further my education, and to apply my Human Services degree in a position where I can be an impact on my friends, family, loved ones, and community.