Kim Garcia
Music/Catholic Studies (joint major)
San Benito, Texas
Kim Garcia dreams of fixing what’s broken. This
University of
St. Thomas senior longs to transform the impoverished area in the
Rio Grande
Valley where she grew up. Kim’s heart bleeds for this area—for families in need of life’s basics, for a Catholic studies program for children that is in need of updating, for people who need to know that someone cares.
 It’s a void she’s witnessed all her life, and one that she’s determined to fill. As a music/Catholic studies joint major, Kim plans to complete graduate work in theology and eventually go to law school. At UST, she is developing leadership skills that will allow her to impact lives now and in the future. Kim volunteers at the Palmer Way Station, a shelter for the homeless at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church which is close to campus. She works with other volunteers to make and serve breakfast to homeless people.
“The experience has been very enlightening. It’s opened my eyes and my mind to the realization that not all homeless people are the same. Each person has his/her own story…everyone has problems they are working to overcome and get back on their feet,” says Kim.
She is the president of the UST Presidential Ambassadors a group of students who represent the University and the Office of Admissions by attending college fairs, giving tours of the campus and assisting with campus visits. Kim showcases her musical talent with the University Singers, Pop Singers and Opera Workshops groups throughout the school year. She also helps during the annual Augustine Hall Celebration, a community-wide event that draws nearly 2,000 people from the surrounding area for food, games, and fun.
“UST’s promise of educating leaders of faith and character holds true,” says Kim. “We (students) are required to take several classes in philosophy and theology. There is no separation of faith and reason—they are integrated into each discipline. And we develop our character in the process—who we are, what we stand for, and our respect and understanding of others as people—through service learning and other volunteer work,” she says. “Along the way, we learn from each other and build upon that as a community.”
In fact, it was community that drew Kim to UST. “This is a really good place to grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. UST gives you the opportunity to be involved in anything you want to be—in internships, study abroad, and much more. A UST education is personalized to who you want to be,” says Kim |
