Aaliyah Garcia
Beyond The Keyboard
I grew up in Bentonville, AR daughter to first generation parents, who migrated from California to Arkansas at the age of 18. My family had to work very hard to support a family of two children from a young age -- making a career more of a means than a passion. Though this was the case, a hard work ethic and sense of responsibility was deeply instilled into my sister and I.
I was quick to get into my studies at a young age, attending a Classical Education charter school from 7th grade onward. Here, math necessitated proofs and derived equations, philosophy was discussed in Socratic circles, Latin was studied and related to every course, and values were more significant than grades. It was in this environment, with no initial club organizations and supportive teachers, that I was able to find my passions. I helped run organizations from yearbook, calligraphy club, film club, and Latin bible study, to others like AutoCad club, and robotics. I kept myself busy, working a full 40 hours a week at Subway and as a nanny. Most significantly, robotics had a large impact in my decision to go to college and seek this career. My interest led to multiple fundraising events to fund robot parts and build a team. I led a team of 10 to compete in First Tech Robotics competitions, where we eventually got second in state. Here is where I got my first taste of computer science and engineering. My favorite part were the engineering camp fundraisers where we taught elementary students how to build basic toy robots.
Though my parents were very supportive of my interests, they were NOT supportive of me attending college. As Mexican Americans, again, work was a means to fund a lifestyle, and pursuing passion or higher education was a risk. I was even told that I would get disowned if my solution was student loans. My calculated risk made me start working harder and saving for college starting in 10th grade. Three jobs and a paid off car later, I got the opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas. My dream come true.
Throughout college I got to explore other interest and hobbies, such as painting and piano. I made plenty of friends through organizations such as the Profession Engineering Fraternity Theta Tau, and the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers. A highlight for me was the officer position I held through SHPE, where I got to present to majority Hispanic students
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at local high schools. These presentations involved providing information and resources to score high on ACTs, college requirements, college resumes, scholarships, and more. I realized many of these students had similar experiences to mine, with over half the class reporting that college never seemed like an option.​
Just this past May I received the privilege of finally graduating college-- and I celebrated by jumping out of a plane! These days I work at a local restaurant and have became a Fullstack Web Developer for a local alterations company. I also spend plenty of time with my family, including my young niece and nephew. I seek to learn everyday when I am not working, now that school has ended, constantly seeking new challenging projects and skills, awaiting the job opportunity to feed my passion.
