After moving to the U.S sixteen years ago from Mexico City, Ivan Garcia embarked on his educational journey at Everett Middle School and then continued on to John O’ Connell High School in San Francisco. Following graduation, Ivan attended a private university, Maharishi University of Management (MUM), to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science before switching his major to Business Management. At MUM, Ivan was the student body president and a resident advisor. He also interned at Lloyd, a firm in San Francisco, that granted him the opportunity to build his skills by shadowing the business management floor. Ivan earned his BSBM in 2016.
First Graduate® IMPACT
Ivan was part of the First Graduate® cohort six. He recalls his time at FG as community-driven and remains forever grateful for the support and encouragement the program provided. It introduced him to role models and mentors, whose emotional backing and positive reinforcements were inspiring and crucial to his success. He especially appreciates the college retreats during his senior year. They allowed him to explore and enjoy the different campuses while he worked with his peers on college personal statements. Ivan states that this experience was very reflective and one of the happiest moments from his time at the FG program.
WHERE IS HE NOW?
Ivan is currently a manager at Promise Scholar, a scholarship program funded by Caerus. He plans to further his education in the near future with a master’s degree in sports science or psychology. In pondering his success, Ivan credits curiosity and inquisitiveness as his biggest assets. He explains that in order to learn and grow, curiosity is essential in gaining information and knowledge.
ADVICE FOR FG STUDENTS: CA PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Ivan advises students to prepare well beforehand for college interviews. They can do so by watching online videos of interviews, participating in mock interviews, and practicing with a partner. He strongly believes that it is important for students to be their authentic selves rather than portray a “picture perfect” student. When waiting to hear back, they must be patient with the process and own their stories. Ivan stresses that there is no “written instruction” on how to get an A and that colleges are more impressed by a student’s sense of identity and vision as a contributor to the community.
Author: Uzma Gowher and Rafaelito Sy.
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