Antonio Garcia

Hello my name is Antonio Garcia. Houston Texas is where I live but I have traveled far and wide. Throughout my adventures both at home and abroad I have discovered that I enjoy helping people. Although not all of my journeys have been philanthropic, it has been a long road to find myself.

TIP is an academic summer camp held at a prestigious college every year. TIP has a very special place in my heart.. I like to think I found myself there. Growing up a minority I never really felt like one until I went to camp that mirrored the college experience. I matured more and more every year.

This past summer I spent a month and a half living in rural Ecuador with an indigenous host family. The time spent away from the U.S. has taught me a lot. I thought my family was extremely different from me but talking to them about institutional racism, made me realize we are more alike than ever.

Texas's Governor School is a program similar to TIP. A summer camp at Lama University. Here I have made lasting friendships and taking very interesting classes such as, Chinese, computer and game design, Number sense, International Relations and Tennis.

I discovered my love for soccer later than most of peers. Soccer has taught me the meaning of persistence and dedication. Playing with my peers who have played since they were kids meant I had to work twice as hard to compete. The discipline to become better is something I will apply forever.