Eric Garcia served as captain of the Packers soccer team the past three years — including the 2023 season , when the team went 8-0 . He also played for the United Futbol Academy in Tifton , which won the Georgia Premier League late last year .
been a great senior year ,” he said . “ We went undefeated , eight wins , no losses .”
Garcia said two unifying factors in all components of his life are leadership and depth of character -- both desirable traits he has developed quite well despite his young age . He ’ s served as a leader in the classroom , on the soccer field , and in a managerial capacity at work , although several employees are significantly older than he is . Each avenue of experience has provided him with the ability to lead and distinguish himself , regardless of the situation . “ In school , I like to set an example . I like to set the standard for my peers -- school , then soccer , then social life . I ’ ve got to get it done before I can have fun ,” he said .
Despite his innate ability to juggle the rigors of academics , sports and his role in the family business , there is one specific event Garcia is having a hard time dealing with – the recent passing of his father .
“ It was April 17th , not too long ago , and still to this day , it ’ s a bit troubling . It ’ s a struggle to focus , not only in class , but in all aspects of my life ,” he said . “ He was my hero . He is the most selfless , hardest working man I have ever met . He paved the way for myself and all of my family to prosper . I would be content if I ever became half the man he is . I love my dad .”
As for his future endeavors , Garcia ’ s plan is to graduate from Georgia Tech , gain training , education and experience in the business and computer science arenas and eventually use those skills in his family ’ s business .
All of my [ older ] brothers , they ’ ve gotten their college degrees , but my mama – she ’ s always pushed me . Her highest education back in Mexico was probably until the eighth grade . When she got here , she got her GED and then her associate ’ s , which I ’ m very proud of her for .”
“ A lot of the funnel companies after you graduate are tech companies – Google , Microsoft … I ’ d like to have a managerial role . Having background in computers , computer software , computer technology , will really give me that edge in the job market ,” he explained . “ Ultimately , I plan to build a portfolio , gain experience and when I ’ m older , come back and give back to the community by working on the farm here in South Georgia .”
Garcia ’ s advice to fellow students seeking to improve upon or make their own significant mark in high school is to continue striving for excellence – to always put one ’ s best foot forward .
“ I think my overarching theme is what have you got to lose ? Graduating high school is an achievement for everybody . So , finishing that last hurdle on graduation day and knowing that you gave it your all is a beautiful thing ,” he said . “ Any endeavor in life , knowing that you gave it your all , is beyond satisfactory at the end of the day . Do what you ’ ve got to do . Ultimately , education is for your own benefit . Do not let things bog you down . Perseverance is key . There ’ s plenty of ways to balance everything in life , and while most people have it easier than others , some have it harder . At the end of the day , you can always give your best effort .”
JULY 2023 MoultrieScene 27