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Hancock Conversations
Hancock Conversations
Ep. 22- Marcos Garcia
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With a fresh voice and a renewed focus on student stories, Hancock Conversations is back.
In this first episode of the relaunch, ASBG President Annie Ruiz steps in as host, bringing a student-centered perspective to conversations that highlight real experiences from across the Hancock community. Annie sits down with fellow student Marcos Garcia, who shares his journey of leaving college, finding his way back, and discovering purpose through leadership, connection, and personal growth.
From navigating uncertainty and changing majors to building confidence as a student ambassador and ASBG leader, Marcos opens up about the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path to success, and that growth often comes from the moments when we feel most unsure.
Welcome to Hancock conversations, the official Allan Hancock College podcast. Each episode features conversations with past and present Hancock students, staff, faculty and community members as they share their stories, experiences and perspectives on issues that matter to our college and community.
Annie Ruiz:All right. Welcome to Hancock Conversations. I'm ASBG President Annie Ruiz, and today I'll be talking with Marcos Garcia, after taking some time away from college and navigating uncertainty, Marcos returned to Hancock with a new sense of purpose. He found community confidence and opportunities through roles like student ambassador and ASBG leader. He explored everything from art to architecture and now even therapy, all while discovering who he is and who he wants to become. We're excited to hear his story and lessons he learned along the way. Hi,Marcos! I'm so excited. So if I'm smiling, I'm not trying to be creepy. I was so happy.
Marcos Garcia:Pretty tough intro, like, all right, I'm gonna lie
Annie Ruiz:Allright. I'm gonna' start with the first question.
Marcos Garcia:Gotcha.
Annie Ruiz:Tell me a little bit about your background. Where'd you grow up, and how did you end up attending Hancock?
Marcos Garcia:My background? No. I'm just trolling. Sorry. Okay, so my
Annie Ruiz:Yeah, background? Shoot. What is my background? So,no, okay. So I grew up in a family all sisters. I'm the only boy my dad was in or not just my dad, both my parents, both my parents, were immigrants from Mexico, Zamora Michoacán, and my dad immigrated here to work in the fields and to build up a life. And eventually he met my mom, who also immigrated here, but from the town next over, so they didn't meet each other until they got here. Oh, okay.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah. So their whole life was just kind of like an uphill battle, where they were just constantly working like hard. And with my mother, it was with education. With my father, it was just purely, like, like, field work and other things, jobs that he could find. And, you know, eventually they, like, had their family. They had my oldest sister. Next, they had my older sister, then they had me, and then my little sister. You know, from there, that's kind of like where I'm at with my family, or where my family got to at this point right now.
Annie Ruiz:Where did you grow up and how did you end up attending Hancock?
Marcos Garcia:Okay, so I grew up here in Santa Maria. I've lived here my whole life, right? My sisters and my family moved around a lot, like within the town. I've only moved like twice. So growing up, it was always like my parents intention for all their kids to go to go to college. And so with me that was, I feel like that was kind of a bit more pushed on to it, because in high school, I would get, like, really good grades, significantly, I think, significantly better than, like, some of my other sisters. And so I was getting like, all A's, B's, and they were like, they're like... This kid's got potential. And but to be honest,
Annie Ruiz:Pop off. at the time when I was going to high school, before I got to college, school was like the worst year. Was like the worst thing for me. I hated school so much growing up. I think I hated it. I hated high school. To be fair, I was not a fan of high school.
Marcos Garcia:to Hancock, I hated school was like the worst thing ever. I couldn't stand it. I just didn't want to even further attend anymore at that point, and but I still ended up going to college. And originally my my degree was in art, because I was, because I still am very passionate about it, but it was what I was passionate about at the time as well. So I go here, and I come here with all my friends right after high school, but it felt like I didn't belong here, primarily because it felt like I was comparing I was comparing myself to hard other people.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:Like, I didn't have a driver's license, I didn't have a job, and on. To top it all off, when I started going to the classes, I was incredibly unprepared, like I had a notebook and a pencil and, yeah, I was taking these classes that required a lot more than that. And whenever I would go to these classes, like every other student there, just like already had what they needed right on top, including other students that were also new to the campus that I recognized. And so it just felt like I was completely unprepared. And then eventually, one by one, all my friends started leaving college too. Like they all started dropping out. And I guess I kind of just followed the herd, because eventually I was the last one to drop out. And so that's what I'm with me. I was like, I told my parents straight up, like, I can't go to I can't go to college anymore. Like it just doesn't feel right, right now. And then they told me, like, okay, but you're gonna work. I was like, Okay. I mean straight up, yeah.
Annie Ruiz:I have to
Marcos Garcia:And so from there, for like, the next year or a couple months, I don't even think it was year beyond next couple of months, I just started working, like, fast food to fast food job, like, I worked at Crumble when it first opened,
Annie Ruiz:Really? Yeah. Like, in there the crumble scoop?
Marcos Garcia:It was horrible. They hired 50 people.
Annie Ruiz:I know they had such a big like, I remember I was in line for Crumble, for, like, the around opening.
Marcos Garcia:It's horrible. Yeah, they hired like 50 people, and nobody was getting shifts. At one point. It was really bad. So eventually I had to leave that job and go work at other places. And the last job that I had before coming back to school was Firehouse Subs, also when it first opened.
Annie Ruiz:Where's that by?
Marcos Garcia:It's actually by crumble, oh, by the Greek food place. I don't know the name. I think that's what it's called. So I worked there for a while, and then, but like, throughout the entire time, I wasn't going to school, and I was just working my, like, I eventually got my license, and then I got all my other stuff sorted out, and I was finally getting everything together. And it felt like I was really, like, I was really, like, becoming more and more into who, like, you know, more responsible, basically. But I still was too lazy. But at that point I was just lazy to go back to school. But it wasn't until my father, and who I will say was one of the best things he ever did for me, like he just one day, like, came into my room and, like, he got mad at me. He was like, when he went back to school, and I was like, it's like, I don't know, and I'm just over here, like, playing on my, like, my PC. I'm like, like, dude, I'm in the middle of like, a CS 2 match. That's calm, man, no or no. This is CS GO.
Annie Ruiz:(Laughing) I'm gonna get my rank up.
Marcos Garcia:I'm off I'm off topic. Yeah, this is CS GO at the time, but I'm like, in the top match, and he's like, he's like, looking at me, he's like, he's like, when are you going back to school? I'm like, I School? I'm like, you know, I don't know, man, like, like, he's talking all in Spanish.
Annie Ruiz:Did you think about school while you were working? Did it was, like, in the back of your mind that maybe I'm gonna go back, or did you have a timeline when you'd go back?
Marcos Garcia:Not really okay, to be honest. Like, my intention was that at this point I was too comfortable working, and so I was like, probably never gonna go back. But then after he said that, he was he, he had said, like, like, I don't care anymore, you're gonna go back. And I was like, (sighs).
Annie Ruiz:That's so sweet. Like, a hard like, hard, I guess...
Marcos Garcia:He was very mad. He was very mad when he was speaking to me on that, he was like, he was like, You're going back to school. I don't care you're going back. I was like, Okay. And like, the whole time while I was out, while I was out of school, they were just discussing with they were discussing with me, telling me, like, like, No dude, like, like, You should do this major. You should this major. And then finally came back to Hancock. And so, like, my first two semesters back, I was just doing a certificate of completion for architecture, and eventually I quit my job at Firehouse, and I was like, jobless for a bit, but I wanted money.
Annie Ruiz:The money
Marcos Garcia:I need money. Yeah, I need that money. So eventually, my mom was giving me ideas where I could apply. She was like, why don't you apply for a job in school? And I was like, I was like, that doesn't sound too bad, you know, yeah, like, avoid commute outside of school and just work here instead.
Annie Ruiz:I didn't know you could get a job. I didn't know student worker was a thing. I didn't know until my sister recommended it for me. She was like, you know that you can work on campus? And I was like, you can? I was like, was like
Marcos Garcia:Shoutout Angela. But so that was when I finally started to, like, search around for jobs at the school. Eventually, I applied to the library, but somebody else had eventually they came to conclusion where it's like, you already gone the position at the time, and then the last two positions that I applied to was, what was it? Was working at the Veterans Center, and this other one that was told by somebody at the Career Center, because I went to the Career Center to look for help, and they were very helpful, and they even were the ones that suggested me the job as a student ambassador. And I was like, what's that? And he's like, you're basically, like, a student T.A. around the school, and, like, outside of it. And I was like, it was like, it's like, you'll go get it. That sounds fun. I was like, I'll just do it. And so I applied for it. And surprising, I was really surprised that actually got called in for an interview. And so when I got called in for the interview, like, obviously, I was like, really nervous, because someone, like, like, I have no connections. Like, I have nothing connecting me to the school at all, and I'm over here just about to, like, go into it, like, with nothing
Annie Ruiz:You said, you put it as you just came in with the resume and yourself. Or how would you put it?
Marcos Garcia:I literally just came in, yeah, again with the resume and just myself, because I do know some, a lot of the other ambassadors, like had connections already and suggestions, but with me, like, I went in with nothing at all.
Annie Ruiz:So it was, like, a little leap you got to take.
Marcos Garcia:I just said, like, Screw it. And I went for it. And so when I did, like, they were filling out a piece of paper in front of me, like, the whole time, like, right now, notes. And my whole idea was just like, like, I'm gonna fill out this paper like, as much as possible, or like, I'm gonna get them to fill out this paper as much as possible.
Annie Ruiz:Oh, so you're gonna tell them, like, a lot about yourself.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, that's what I did. And so not gonna lie on my end, I felt like I probably didn't get the job. But then they called me back, and they were like, they're like, Hey, could you come up for training? It was like,
Annie Ruiz:Oh!
Marcos Garcia:Being an ambassador has been one of my favorite jobs at Hancock.
Annie Ruiz:Its's such a rewarding experience.
Marcos Garcia:It is a rewarding experiences, experiences. It is a rewarding experience. And on to top it all off, what makes it best is that our our bosses, they're some of the nicest people and most understanding.
Annie Ruiz:Stephanie, Patty, Maggie, oh my gosh. They are such the sweetest people.
Marcos Garcia:They are the sweetest people ever, and they're so understanding to like all to like my situations and everyone else's and like they're the best, they're the best. Shout out them.
Annie Ruiz:So I know they I remember when I was an ambassador, they were just so understanding, and especially with Stephanie now being my advisor, she's like, we've gotten so close, and it's just like, love you, Stephanie. Love
Marcos Garcia:They're some of the most caring people in the you, Stephanie! world. And I genuinely cannot appreciate them more. I hope they I hope they see this and know that.
Annie Ruiz:When you first started at Hancock, because I know you started with architecture. When you first started at Hancock, how were you feeling? What was like your kind of thought process? You know? What were you scared of? What were you excited for? What was your mind going into it?
Marcos Garcia:My mind going to Hancock. So my mind going into Hancock was that, all right, well, up to this point in my life, I've only had bad experiences at school, like, I just absolutely hated it, and with me, I'm just gonna, like, get this over with, like, I'm gonna come here, I'm gonna get my certificate of completion after every class, I'm just gonna immediately go home and just not do anything. And that was honestly, like, one of my biggest mistakes in terms of coming here for my first two semesters, because it was because I should have done more when I could have, especially since, like, I've learned, like, the longer that I've been here them, the more the longer that you're here, the more that you realize that it's a lot better for you to, like, put yourself out there and actually participate in the events that we have around the school, because that's the best way that you're going to make friends at this campus. Like, everybody, everybody new who comes into Hancock or, like, college just, no, just college in general. They all expect, like, Okay, I'll just meet some people, like, through my through my classes.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:But what they don't realize that a lot of classes are just lectures and note taking.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah. I think if I could, like, give one advice, it would be like, don't just go to class and go home. Like, stay, like, interact. Look at, I think the bulletin board that always has events up, just go, because there's, it's just. So if I could implore, I implore people, yeah, stay after class. Like, talk, converse. Because I know classes, most people are like, they're like, locked in. So they'll, like, be taking notes. You won't have a lot of conversation, and there's not a lot of group work. In some classes, there isn't a lot of group work. And but when you get to events, you get people in their, like, happy place. They're ready to communicate, they're ready to talk. It's like a space to, like, kind of mash
Marcos Garcia:think that's a big mistake that a lot of people and converse. make they never, like, they always just go home right after class, and it's like, don't do that. Like, stay as long as you can and try to get to know people. Because I'll tell you right now, with most of those classes, you're not going to meet people naturally, like you, you'd have to really go out of your way to, like, actually talk to people on that class. And even then, you're not going to have much opportunity, because the expectation when you come into class is that you're there to learn, and that's literally what that's for. You're there to learn and you're there to get a good grade. That's because everybody's trying to take notes and pass the class. Everyone's too focused on their education when they're in class. But outside of class, it's the complete opposite. That's where everybody converses and has fun. So that's that's a big mistake that people have to avoid, is that they can't rely on class to make friends. They have to actually go out of their way to make friends outside of class.
Annie Ruiz:Because I know professors like I know a lot of professors really try to incorporate group work so they like people talk and converse. And I know like with communication classes and English classes, that's a lot of it, but I think going out and participating events will really form those connections.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah,
Annie Ruiz:Like, it's crazy.
Marcos Garcia:It really, it really does, like, that's probably the only opportunity you're ever going to get with making friends is in, probably, like, an English English club, in an English class or communications class. That's probably your best bet to make friends in class. But don't try to, like, in other classes. Basically, don't try to make friends in a class unless, like, you think it's possible.
Annie Ruiz:I wouldn't say, like, not don't try, but just, like, be warned.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, you know, just be warned that, like, you're most likely not gonna be able to because everybody's there to focus on the work and to get it done. And this is in high school where you can just, like, mess around and, like, disrupt the class whenever you want. Like, we're all adults here. Yeah, you have, like, this is your future to focus on, and so that's why everybody's so locked in.
Annie Ruiz:And also be yourself. I think people are getting definitely more quiet. Oh my goodness, everyone's so quiet. And I understand it. It's just like nervousness and fear of, like, saying the wrong thing. But being in Student Body Government, it's like you can be yourself, like you be yourself, and people will come to you, you know. Like, don't be afraid to, you know, just share what you have, you know?
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, because everybody's so afraid that, oh, it's just like high school. Like, I'm gonna get made fun of if I, like, try to do my own thing. It's like, No, dude, we're all adults here,
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:Like, if you were to make fun of somebody for being themselves, like, you'd be the one getting made fun of for that. Like, in all honesty, everybody would like, hate you if you try to, like, hate on somebody for being themselves.
Annie Ruiz:Well, no one's like, no one that like, cares really. Like, if you're yourself, people are like, Oh, that person's so cool, like I see in the G building when I'm getting my coffee, so much diversity and seeing people like, with all their like, so I see some people that have, like, these thrifted finds and these cute little things in there. I'm like, oh, I want to be you. It looks so cool.
Marcos Garcia:I feel like, especially at this campus, like nobody cares, like, like, if nobody cares, like, if you're putting up a performance, because, like, everybody here really loves it when you're yourself.
Annie Ruiz:During your break from college, what did you learn about yourself? What did you figure out? Like, your self discovery era?
Marcos Garcia:My self discovery and my gap year?
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:I actually discovered more after my gap year. Like when I came back to Hancock, I discovered more that I'm a lot, that I'd like to be a lot more social than I actually am. Like, I'm not the type of person to approach people first, but well, if I, but if I get used to somebody like, I can get very like, social like, and it's really awesome.
Annie Ruiz:I think, yeah, I've I noticed that there's so many like, beautiful people hiding under, like, shyness and nervousness. Because I'll go up to people and be like, hey, and they'll be shy at first, but once you build that connection, it's like, literally, like a firework. It's like, like, they explode into this beautiful personality. And so I've learned to be very patient when it comes to because I'm shy, I feel like I'm very introverted sometimes. So I'll be like, because you kind of lose your spark, I guess because you get really nervous, like, I don't want to mess this up.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah.
Annie Ruiz:But you're really not messing anything up. You're just being yourself.
Marcos Garcia:I did fall in love with this campus through the people. Because when I started off as an ambassador, that was when I really started to meet, like all these incredible people. I met you, I met Avery, I met all my friends that you had mentioned. And then it was through that that I also joined ASBG as well, eventually, because of my position as an ambassador and so a species leadership.
Annie Ruiz:The leadership, oh, it's on the other side,
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, leadership right here. So through ASBG I met even more incredible people in my semester going there, and it's just been, like, an uphill it's just been uphill since, since, like, since, like, I became an ambassador, like, with my experiences here at Hancock, it really, like, opened up my view and really helped me become a lot more of a social person. Like, it's really incredible how much like that Job has done for me in terms like, my social skills. And then let's see, to honestly, like, like, oh my gosh, it's it can honestly be like, such a struggle to get out of bed. But like, what gets me out of bed is, like, knowing that if I come to school today, I get to see and, like, I get to converse with all these amazing people and just like, enjoy my time. Like, at school.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah, you really build that connection, and then you have people care about you. Like, genuinely. I remember I didn't go to school because something had happened, and then Avery, and all the ambassador to me, like, are you all right? And it's just like, it's just heartwarming to know that, like, I've made so many connections in this school, and I've also grown a lot. We've also grown as, like, people and our character. Because I remember when I first started here, I was definitely like, had, I guess, the high school mentality. I was like, Oh, just the same thing. I'll just go to my classes and leave, or, like, I was super immature as well. But then...
Marcos Garcia:Like, nervous.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah, nervous. I think you're still, like, figuring everything out.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, definitely.
Annie Ruiz:And so having Ambassador just going, up, up, up, up, I just discovered, actually, who I am and how, you know?
Marcos Garcia:You definitely grow a lot more as a person once you start attending college.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:Because that's like your real first introduction to the real world.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah. It's like your first, like, screening, I screening, I guess.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, screening, like, preview, yeah. And it's, it's an, it's your really incredible thing, just like, how close and just how many amazing people you can meet here, because you decided to open up a little bit.
Annie Ruiz:I know. If you just share a little bit of yourself, you'll just get all this, like, love and warmth. Warmth is, I can describe it like warmth, like joy.
Marcos Garcia:Honestly, I fully agree. Like, you'll have the best time at college if you really put yourself out there. It's incredible. It's not like high school where people are like, I swear people are just going to make fun of you for being yourself, because at this college, you get praised for being yourself. And it's just an amazing like, I've, like, I've had such incredible experiences here, and in all honesty, this has been, like, one of the better times of my life from just like, all the amazing people that I've met here, and like, I'm and every day I'm grateful for that.
Annie Ruiz:I know I've met all of my friends come from Hancock. I don't think, I think that was really lonely starting at Hancock because and also it was kind of all of my high school friends were going to a four-year university, and I decided to stay because I didn't want to leave my family. I felt like I wasn't ready to leave. And so that was definitely something that picked up my brain a lot. I was like, oh my goodness, I'm here at community college, and I see on social media everyone's at a four year, and it really did make an impact. I wanted to ask you, was that ever something that crossed your mind? Was that something that was a challenge for you?
Marcos Garcia:Same thing seeing like other people? Yeah, that was a it still is to this day, in all honesty, just seeing like all these people my age, that I used to know just like be so much further than me in life, and it's one of the hardest, like pills to swallow, because you have to, you have to realize that everybody moves at their own pace. And I know that's something that people like drill into your head a million times over and over and over again, but that's because it's the truth, if it wouldn't be said so much, if it weren't factual, like everybody moves at their own pace, and everybody does their own thing when, when they like, whenever they do it. And it's harsh, but it's true, you know. And in all honesty, like I still have a hard time like processing that and like accepting it, and sometimes I do wish, like, like, oh, like, I wish I knew what I wanted to do sooner, because then I would be, you know, I'd be out of here by then, and this and that and, but no, because, like, I'm switching majors, like, I'm gonna be here for even longer. I want to fall behind even more. But at the same time, it's like, it's like, so what?
Annie Ruiz:That's what I think, yeah, I was always so honed in. I'm like, Oh my goodness. Like, I'm gonna be at community college. Like, everyone's posting about this, and there's so much ahead. I was like, there's so much ahead of me. And then I talked to students in my classes, and they were like, you're at the perfect time. Like, there's nothing, there's you're putting a time limit on yourself. I think that's the best advice I heard is that you put your own time limit, like my parents or none of my classmates are like, you have to do this by this time. This time. It's just me having those expectations. And it's definitely something that never really goes away. But it was definitely a lot stronger in my first years. It was like a
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, it's definitely something where, lot. whenever I do bring it up with my with my mom, like that feeling, she always tells me, like, the same thing where it's like, make sacrifices now so you can enjoy the rest of your life. And that's kind of like one of those things, sacrifice some of your time in your youth for education, that way, like in your mid or late 20s, and from then on, afterwards, you can live an easy life.
Annie Ruiz:I know my dad is, my dad's all about school. My mom too, because they weren't, they didn't go to college, so they're just high school, and they're always telling me, like, take your time, like, just get through school. Like, that's all you have to do is just get through school. And I know you were talking about challenges, so I do wanted to get into challenges. What's some challenges you faced at Hancock.
Marcos Garcia:In all honesty, I've had such a great time here that I haven't really had many challenges here. The only challenges that I've had here at school were a direct result from things that have happened outside of outside of my life. Like, I remember there was one semester I was really, like, going through it because, like that was when my that was the same. It was like, what, it was last semester, actually back because back in February, my father passed away, and so I failed a lot of my classes that semester. It was a really big struggle at that time. And not only that, it was kind of like the whole like thing that my dad taught me in itself, where definitely on the day that it happened, I was like a mess, but after that, like, even to that, even up till now, I'm still sad about it, and it's something that's really hard for me to think about, but at the same time, I don't react to it, because it was just something he taught me growing up, you know, where? Because, like I mentioned, I'm the only boy in my family, and so when you're the only boy in like a traditional Mexican family, you're gonna get treated a lot differently from your sisters, and so with him, his old goal was just like making me, like, emotionally tough, because I was a crybaby growing up. So I guess that it's a direct result of that. From what he taught me was that if you want to, if you ever want to be like a strong person that can take care of his family, you have to have like, a strong mental fortitude, like, in order to handle like this, like the struggles of being a parent and of just like being a family man. And I was like, Okay, and so that was like, basically, like my whole shtick was that I took those lessons into fruition, and it's kind of like, built, built me up to like,like, I guess, like, who I am right now, where it's like, a lot of like, a lot of bad stuff is always happening, like, around me, but in terms of like, that's always attacking, like, my mental but like, I never, like, really show it, because that was how my dad taught me to, you know, it's not really repressing it. It's just more of like, don't let it affect what you're doing.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah? So, like, focus on the here and now.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, what I will say. It was, like, what I will say is that it was a bit embarrassing, though, because when I did get the news and Avery was actually there when it happened to, like, when I did get news it was, like, I just started, like, crying, like, while I was in, like, the ASBG room, or not ASBG room, but like, the, or no, it was the ASBG room. I started, like, actually, like crying in earlier around me, like, like, didn't know what to say. So, like, everybody, it was just, like, kind of off to the side, which I'm not angry about either, because I can really understand, like, what are you gonna do? Like, if someone just starts suddenly crying, like, like, I just then, then I left afterwards, and then, so that was probably, like, the only time like, I ever showed emotion that situation, like here at school, but, but, yeah, I have my dad to thank for, for building up, like, how I react to like situations like that, or how I react to it afterwards, and like not showing and like focusing more on, like, what's important in front of me. So that's definitely like, something that I have him to thank for.
Annie Ruiz:That's so sweet. So I was like, I'm a crybaby, so I'm like, I'm trying not to shed a tear.
Marcos Garcia:Look over at Avery real quick.
Annie Ruiz:But I want to talk about, did you your support system?
Marcos Garcia:Support System?
Annie Ruiz:Yeah, so I know you had the ambassadors. Was that really what helped you continue in going? What was your motivator to continue at college?
Marcos Garcia:I didn't really have a motivator, really. I mean, I had people there for me, obviously, obviously, you have people there for you. You have your friends, your family, and, like, I had everybody around me that was there for me. And as much as people try to check in on me. I was always just like, I'm chilling so but I'd say my main motivator for me was going back to what my father, because he was so, because he was so focused on, like, trying to set me up good and just trying to, like, his whole thing was just making it so that way, like, I don't know how to explain it. I guess the best way to explain it is that the reason why I kept going to school, even after that happened, was just because I kept hearing him tell me in my head, like, or because I kept hearing myself in my head saying, like, this is what dad would want. I was like, okay, that's really why that was like, what got me to keep on going because he because he was the kind of person where he wouldn't want something like, as tragic as that, to, like, put my life on pause. And so that's why I kept coming to school, and why I kept acting so normally afterwards, you know, like, obviously it's something that still affects me to this day, and I still get really upset about it. Like, like, but I don't show it, because that was what the kind of man that he raised me to be on top of it, he that was the kind of man that he told me, wait, hold on. Let me rephrase that, but it was the kind of thing that he told me where like to not let things like that affect what, what's important, you know. And so that's how that kept me going.
Annie Ruiz:I know a lot of students would share your same sentence, because I've talked to many students who had sadly, had a parent pass away. What would advice you would give them if going through a tough time like what helped you? You know,
Marcos Garcia:Advice? Well. One thing I will say right now is that everybody is incredibly different, yeah. So the way that I handle things is definitely not healthy for other people or for a normal person. But I guess my best advice is to not, not, don't do escapism, like don't those don't, don't participate in escapism. And how I like to phrase it is through like a thing that I watched in the past. I'm not going to say the name, because everyone would like, immediately cringe. I was like, Neon Genesis Evangelion. The whole purpose of the show, like, as weird as it is, the whole purpose of the show is to teach you that escapism is not the answer. And what it is is that when you use like, alternate, like alternate things to, like, escape reality. Like, like, it's like, you don't like what your reality is, or you don't like how life is looking. So you escape to something else to distract yourself, or to just, like, escape the world as it is, you know. So like, an example would be like, like, Oh, my father passed away. But, but, like, you know, but drugs would help me, like, like, cope with it.
Annie Ruiz:Like, not finding a bad coping mechianism.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah. Like, like, basically, it's like, it's like, yeah, but this would like, but like, this bad substance would like, help me escape from, from, like, my reality. So that's all I'm gonna do. It's like, no, like, don't do that. Like it's like you said, don't find a bad coping mechanism, you know, find something that's healthy. Find something that that consume like, really, like, ah, I don't know.
Annie Ruiz:Facing your fears. I think I understand what you're saying. Like facing reality and learning to kind of like...
Marcos Garcia:Face reality as it is.
Annie Ruiz:Live like you live with the reality.
Marcos Garcia:Don't, don't escape reality through through bad ways or through, like, major distractions that are that's gonna put your life on pause. The best way I can think about it is that you have to face it directly, and it can be something very difficult to do for anybody but you. That's honestly the only way to like, heal and move past like, every situation is just to face it directly and, like, handle it, it was more of like, the way that I kind of learned how to because you're probably, you're always gonna have, like, a support group around you. There's always gonna be people like, deal with that kind of stuff, was like, it was like, it that care about you. And so the best thing you can honestly do is just like, is have the let those people, let those people into your barrier and let them help you, and then to face your to face those, those hardships directly, because you'll never get anywhere in life if you're too afraid of confrontation or
Annie Ruiz:If you feel comfortable sharing, what was being honest. your kind of coping mechanism that you found to help you through that?
Marcos Garcia:My coping mechanism? My Honestly, my coping mechanism was just, like, just to keep pushing forward and like I said I and I the reason why I said like, I didn't want to, like, have that be the thing that I share for everyone else to have their as their coping mechanism, or one that I recommend is because, like, like as much as as I love my father, wasn't his intention to teach it to me like this, but it's how I ended up learning it from, like, how he taught me, was that, like, to kind of, like, push down your emotions.
Annie Ruiz:It's like, the sigma real men, like, don't cry. Like men shouldn't cry.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, yeah. That was, like, that whole thing. And so that's was, like, the whole thing that made me, like, quote, unquote, cope with it. Was it just like, like, focus on, like, what you're doing right now and then. Just like, if you get sad about it, like, don't get upset, you know? That was like, the whole thing growing up. It was just that, like, if I cried, or, like, did anything, like, if I ever had any negative emotions at all, it was immediately like, like, it was like, punishable, basically. So it's kind of like just being like, forced to like, forced to like, Be always happy. But that's not healthy for a human.
Annie Ruiz:I know.
Marcos Garcia:So that's something that I really can't recommend to anybody. Yeah, it's just like for me, it's just like, so integrated to the point where, like, it's stuck with me.
Annie Ruiz:I agree with your sentiment. I think the same thing Hispanic household. It was way when I was young, it was like, don't cry. Like, toughen up, you know. And so, oh, that's fine, um, but it was kind of like, just toughen up, don't cry. Like, don't let your emotions show. And I think coming to college and seeing these people comfortable with like, Let all your emotions, like, tell it how you because I went to an Active Minds, a club on campus, and we had like, a sit down group, and it was the first time I was able to kind of share how I'd be feeling. I almost I start bawling, and I even know I was gonna cry.
Marcos Garcia:It's, like, the emotional release, because you stockpile it, and then when you finally let it go, it comes out in like, waves.
Annie Ruiz:I think that's what I've really tried to work on and share the sentiment of, like, Don't bottle it up. Because,
Marcos Garcia:up that I'm kind of, like, stuck on doing it. So like, the more you bottle up, the worse the outcomes. It's like, like, the little lava, like.. it's something that I definitely have to work on. But just like, letting myself be more, like, emotionally open, but to also control it too, because whenever I am emotionally open about how I feel, I can get really annoying with it, and then I can get I can talk way too much about it too. And my friends definitely, like, definitely, like, have had to deal with that in the past before, like, multiple times, but I do think I'm a lot because they have dealt with that.
Annie Ruiz:I know it's had such a big impact on you during school. Would you also like to mention someone who had, a person who had an impact on you from this campus.
Marcos Garcia:A person who had an impact on me on this campus. That's really difficult.
Annie Ruiz:Because there's so many I can make. I have a list.
Marcos Garcia:It's like, my guy, don't ask me that. Don't ask me that, it's too difficult.
Annie Ruiz:Well, let's, let's do like a list.
Marcos Garcia:We'll do a tier list?
Annie Ruiz:Not a tier list.
Marcos Garcia:Pull up the tearless right now,
Annie Ruiz:Not the ratings, but basically just name, I guess, like a little shout out, because I've had a lot of people impact me, I can't just one.
Marcos Garcia:Okay, shout out?
Annie Ruiz:Yeah.
Marcos Garcia:Okay.
Annie Ruiz:So explain. Explain how they impacted you.
Marcos Garcia:Okay, so I would definitely okay. So in no particular order, let me start off with the easiest people that off the off the top my head, are my bosses. They were, they're incredibly they're amazing people. They're so understanding, and they have helped me with a lot of things, and even when I screw up, they still stick. They still have me stick around. And I cannot appreciate it enough. They're genuinely like some of the best people that I've met at this campus. And I appreciate every day that they're my bosses and oh my gosh, I really can't thank them enough everything, and they've just had an impact on me to teach me that they've taught me that, that, that that kindness is just always like it's just always something that's free. They've taught me that kindness is free to give to other people.
Annie Ruiz:I don't mean to cut you off, but you said something where, where you've made mistakes and they forgave you. It made it literally made me remember of first attending college. I think a lot of people think they make one mistake and it's over.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, they do.
Annie Ruiz:Because I think in, I don't know why I, like a lot of people, share this, but it's just that you make one you fail that one class, like, it's over, it's done. Like, that's you're never gonna get built up. And I know, I've struggled with it, and I wanted to ask you, I know, because I was gonna lose my thought, I wanted to ask you, what was that? What was that realization? Like, no, it's not forever. This is, I can try again.
Marcos Garcia:That realization probably like the first time I started talking to people and like the ambassador group, or like my co workers, because I definitely did not give because definitely, at the beginning of me working there, I was still in like, like, again, my social skills were really horrible, and I was really bad at picking up on cues, so a lot of, like, my jokes in the way that I acted at the start of it, I knew I definitely messed up on that, because I also I definitely know that a lot of the ambassadors weren't very fond of me when I first started working there. But eventually, over time, I I finally started to mellow down, and my social skills got better, and I started, like, pick up better on cues and everything. And so it was able to really help me, like, realize that, hey, like, I'm, like, I can interact with these people a lot better, and thankfully so because of that, like I'm I can proudly say that I'm, like, basically friends, like all the ambassadors, and that I and that I definitely am a lot more warmed up upon or warmed up to than I was at the start of it. Yeah. So that was, that's a really great thing. It's a really it was a great it was a really great reminder that even though at the beginning I was really messing up, like how I came off, like, I still ended up getting accepted by the end of it, because I grew and changed as a person, I was given that opportunity to by them.
Annie Ruiz:I love how you figured socially, that, you know, you built that up, and you create a great group of friends. Academically, I know you said you've changed your major multiple times. Did you ever have that feeling towards, like, changing your major or like, failing a class? If you have where it's like, damn, this was my one shot. But then realizing no, I have many more, like, academically.
Marcos Garcia:Academically? Not really for me, it's just more like, I kind of already know that changing your major multiple times is, like, different, like, and I already know it's not too much of a problem. Well, it kind of is, but like, at the same time it's like, it's one of those things where you're young, and so you have this opportunity to, like, look around different career paths. And that's the really wonderful thing about college, is that they really give the opportunity to, like, search around and look for and look for, like, these incredible things around the campus and like, icredible, incredible job opportunities. So, and I really had that with with that, it's, I guess, just more of like, I'm more fearful, just that, like, I'm gonna take way too long finding a career that I want.
Annie Ruiz:I know I was nervous about changing majors. I thought like I had that thing. It's, is it sunken clause fallacy?
Marcos Garcia:Sunken claw? I have no clue, you're asking the wrong person.
Annie Ruiz:It's the fallacy where, because you spent so much time into it, you have to stick with it. And I think, have you ever experienced that? Because I know a lot of people think that just because they've done all these classes for their major, they're like, I can't change.
Marcos Garcia:So that's how I'm feeling with architecture, not gonna lie.
Annie Ruiz:Really?
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, but at the same time, it's like, I hate architecture.
Annie Ruiz:Yeah. I mean, if you're not passionate about it..
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, I'm not passionate about architecture at all. Here's what I will say, architecture classes here are great, right?
Annie Ruiz:I'm taking one?
Marcos Garcia:Like, you know, like, architecture is like, one of the best careers you can go into. But it's just not for me. It's just not for me at all.
Annie Ruiz:I know I was, I was really before I was medical, and I was doing a bunch of medical and I was really nervous to tell people I had switched. And then I went to a counselor, Maria. She was so sweet in the Transfer Center, and she told me that, yeah, no. Like, it's really normal for people to switch and change career path. You're so young, so it's like, why not just switch? I mean, the time's gonna pass anyway, so you might as well do it with what you love to do.
Marcos Garcia:Definitely, for sure. And I can agree with that 100%. Real quick...
Annie Ruiz:Back to the tier list. I totally forgot.
Marcos Garcia:No, you're good, you're good. So the tier list All right, so I think so there was my bosses. I gave him a shout out. Then there are the ambassadors themselves, some of the most incredible people I've ever met. Every single one of them are so amazing. And there's some of, they're, they're super fun, they're super social, and they're, they're the reason why it led me to to growing more as a person, social, social ability wise.
Annie Ruiz:Hard working. Like, yes, I see them out there setting up those event.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, they're, they're all amazing. They're all amazing and, and, like, they were, they were the starting reasons as to why I wanted to come to school more.
Annie Ruiz:Oh.
Marcos Garcia:Let's see what's up next? I'll give a shout out to this class. Shout out ASBG, one of the funnest classes I ever had. A plug.
Annie Ruiz:A plug!
Marcos Garcia:It's a plug. Yeah, no, so shout out ASBG, one of the best classes I've ever had. I highly recommend it something that you take. I really, I really wish I could take it spring semester, but unfortunately, I can't, because I take another class for my major that I'm switching to, so it's really sad, but I recommend that if you see an ASBG event going on on campus, please, please, please attend it. It is an incredible class. Try taking the class, even if you can't show up to the meetings or to the meetings.
Annie Ruiz:Take it. I'm saying the same.
Marcos Garcia:If you can.
Annie Ruiz:I'm not biased.
Marcos Garcia:Like if you, if you can't join the class, you still can attend the meetings, right?
Annie Ruiz:Yeah, you can attend the meetings.
Marcos Garcia:Attend the meetings, attend the meetings. Don't expect the food though.
Annie Ruiz: Monday, 12 to 1:50
Marcos Garcia:Don't expect food, though.(Laughing) Yeah. Don't expect food if you're not in the class.
Annie Ruiz:On the topic of ASBG, what made you want to? Because you were previously an ASBG student, what made you want to join ASBG?
Marcos Garcia:It was my friend Kayleen. Shout out, Kayleen. Yeah, so I'll give those guys a shout out last but so my friend Kayleen was in ASBG, and sometimes I would go into the class just so like me and JP and Dom would go into the class sometimes just to, like, check it out and say hi to her. And it was really cool what we saw in there. Then with the we always went to the events too, because, because we would help out with this, we would help out with the setup too. So I guess, like at the time, there wasn't many students like helping with the So a lot of the time there would be a lot of setup. So...
Annie Ruiz:It was a little sparse. ambassadors. They'd ask for the ambassadors for help. And so we would help out with the events lot, and I'd also end up helping out with the events a lot, too. And so through that reasoning, I got to help the setup. I got to meet some of the people in the class, and I got to attend the events afterwards as well. And they were, they were great. And I enjoyed the events so much that I was like, I kind of want to be a part of this more. So that was what really pushed me, like, join ASBG, and when I did join it, it was, like, some of the it was like, like, one of the best classes I ever had. It was awesome. I love that class so much. ASBG, not biased. I love ASBG.
Marcos Garcia:I love ASBG so much. It's so incredible. Yeah, look at Avery, she's like, jumping in her seat right now.
Annie Ruiz:How did you first grow? I know you start AS... Did you start ASBG In your first year? When did start ASBG?
Marcos Garcia:No. I started ASBG my second year.
Annie Ruiz:Oh, how would you say you've grown from starting ASBG to maybe starting ASBG again, but ending ASBG,
Marcos Garcia:Wait, what do you mean by that?
Annie Ruiz:Like, How have you grown as a person?
Marcos Garcia:Grown as a person?
Annie Ruiz:Did it mold you? Did it change you? Oh! Did it change me? Oh, my bad. So with ASBG, the whole point of the class is, like leadership and to end, like, putting things in action. And so I can definitely say there's opportunities for me to do that, and when that and when that did happen, I did take action. Because I remember, for one of the events, like, things got, like, kind of uncoordinated for a bit because of how just, like, how out it was, like one of the first events of the year. And I worked with a lot of, like, the newer students in ASBG, and like, the only experience I had with it was just helping with setup and participating in, like, the previous events. So I kind of knew a bit what was going on already, and so it was a bit wild, because it felt like with that one event, I ended up taking like initiative and really, like stepping up and started getting everything, like around us done, like, like, I was going from place to place. I was asking, like, people to do this to that. And then the guy was even, like, doing stuff myself and like, so, like, it was probably, like, one of the very few times in my life where I actually felt like a leader. Oh! A leader! I love that little. I love, like, being the because I always for I don't, like, not forget, but I'm just like, oh, when someone tells me like your leader on campus, you guys are leaders, I was like, kind of like, oh, okay.
Marcos Garcia:Lowkey, we're kind of leaders.
Annie Ruiz:Lowkey, I
Marcos Garcia:Yeah.
Annie Ruiz:I know you mentioned switching your major, so let's talk about that. Why did you choose to switch majors? I know you said you were uninterested, but was it just basically career? Where did you change it to? I'm sorry. therapy?
Marcos Garcia:Uh.
Annie Ruiz:Sorry.
Marcos Garcia:Like, kind of right now, yeah. I'm still trying to get into, like, the motion of it, but I kind of already have all the classes lined up for it, yeah.
Annie Ruiz:Oh. Okay.
Marcos Garcia:The whole reason I'm switching is because it kind of like takes in a place, like, where I want to be at in life, in the future, where it's like, my goal is that I want to be like a family man, where we're like, I can be able to work at home and like, I can be like a stay at home dad while I work well, while I work and make money for my family, and then my wife can just do whatever she wants. Like, yeah, she she can go follow her dreams while I'm like, at home, like, being a stay at home dad and, like, still earning money, that'd be pretty tough. That's a really awesome that'd be real.
Annie Ruiz:So you would, like, you're like to work from home?
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, I'd. I like to work from home so I can, like, raise kids. Like, raise my kids. Okay, okay, that's why I said like, like, like, the whole intention is like, like, that's like, the perfect picture for me. It's like, okay, like, my wife, she can go to go do her own work, or follow her own dreams. She can do whatever she wants, and then, like, I'm gonna be at home, like, taking care of the kids while I like, work. While I, like, work, like, because, like, I'll just be that GOATED.
Annie Ruiz:Of course, what really...
Marcos Garcia:And so I think therapy would like be real. So I know, and I know therapy lines up with that really well, because that's literally what my mom does.
Annie Ruiz:I know she's falling in her footsteps.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, yeah. She's, she's, she's, she's like, say she works at home, and like, we see her all the time. Now, it's not like in the past where, like, she worked at an office before, prior to that, and like, we wouldn't see her till, like, the afternoon. But now she, like, she she does online, she works at home, helps her patients through calls, because obviously, there's always going to be those patients where they just can't stand like the in-person interaction. So they work better through like calling or or other things like that.
Annie Ruiz:Okay?
Marcos Garcia:And so she helps out with them on call, and then when she has time in between calls, she'll do what she needs to run the house. And so it's just really liberating for her. It gives her a lot of free time. And on top. And to top it off, she makes a lot of money off of it too. It's like, I'm gonna be like, dang, I want to be the same thing. I'll do the same thing.
Annie Ruiz:Is that what really pushed you and like, that was like, kind of your motivation? Yeah, I'm gonna choose this.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, also, because architecture is not working out for me, I can, I can not do math. I can't do math.
Annie Ruiz:Math.
Marcos Garcia:No, no, don't. Don't even see the word around me. It's like, it's like, it's like, it's like, the word job application for some people. Oh, sorry. You might have to censor that. I said it again.
Annie Ruiz:currently unemployed. Well, not right now.
Marcos Garcia:Ambassador,
Annie Ruiz:Amabssador. Soon, soon to be well, we'll see.
Marcos Garcia:Be an ambassador again.
Annie Ruiz:Maybe. I have to wait till training happens.
Marcos Garcia:Let's kick out. Let's kick out. JP, sorry. JP,
Annie Ruiz:I think you should kick out. Marco, make room.
Marcos Garcia:No!
Annie Ruiz:So what would you say to students right now who are feeling stuck or unsure what to do, or really at a crossroads, like, I want to do this, I don't know how to do this, like they're just unsure. What advice would you give them.
Marcos Garcia:What advice would I give them?
Annie Ruiz:As like, a seasoned expert.
Marcos Garcia:My advice for that would be, like, think about, think about where you want to be at in your future, right? Like, picture what your perfect future would be, and then think about what kind of job would get you there, but do it in a way where, like, think about one that you would thoroughly enjoy, or just like, something that you're already good at. That'd be my like advice.
Annie Ruiz:I think, talk to a counselor.
Marcos Garcia:Definitely talk to a cousnelor as well.
Annie Ruiz:Talk to a counselor,
Marcos Garcia:Talk to a counselor and stick to one counselor if, after you found the one that you really like that's like, something that should be highly recommended is that you should really find a counselor you're really comfortable with and just stick with them, because you don't want to, like, meet up with multiple like, like, counselor, different counselors each semester. And like, have them all. Like, say different things. It's a lot better. I highly recommend that you just stick with one counselor after you found the one that you like.
Annie Ruiz:Also like making connections with staff.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, definitely making connections.
Annie Ruiz:There's so many sweet stuff I could shout Stephanie, Patty, Maggie.
Marcos Garcia:I'm gonna give a shout out to Dr. Walthers. One time, I was working in an event with with Avery off camera and another one of our co workers, Kyler, we're working, like, a really big event in Lompoc, and Dr. Walthers, just like, passes by our table. He's like, You guys hungry? And I was like, I mean, you know, like, I can eat. Probably get something after he opens up his jacket... It's just in his jacket? A pack of beef jerky, and he tosses on the table. He's like, there you guys go. I was like...
Annie Ruiz:Did they do it, like, the cloak, where they have it in that pocket?
Marcos Garcia:Yeah it was a secret pocket? Like... up in there with, like, all these, like, like, like, like, fancy, like, goodie bags and all that stuff. And Dr Walthers is, like, a real, like, a real one pulls up in there. He's like, Yeah, I just talked about the gas station got like, a Pepsi and like, some beef jerky.
Annie Ruiz:He's so casual about it too.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, and then, like, an absolute real one, he just, like, tosses it on our table. He's like, he's like, he's like, I got you guys
Annie Ruiz:I'm imagining.
Marcos Garcia:And he walks away. Or, like, like, how much like, like...I can't even describe it.
Annie Ruiz:It's just an experience. you know, like they started tearing at the bag.
Marcos Garcia:No. Kyler's. Kyler doesn't eat that.
Annie Ruiz:She's a vegetarian?
Marcos Garcia:Yeah.
Annie Ruiz:Okay,
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, she's a vegetarian. So it was just me and Avery, and, like,
Annie Ruiz:munching on the beef jerky.
Marcos Garcia:Well, no, like, Avery, like one piece of beef jerky. And then, like, she was, like, she like, she like it, like, this, like, and then, like, snatched out of her hand.
Annie Ruiz:I love beef jerky Terayaki.
Marcos Garcia:I was like, this is my beef jerky.
Annie Ruiz:Well, yeah, I would say make connections. To sum it all up, make connections with staff. I think I've had the best experience with I could gush about them. Staff. Talk to a counselor, Kurt.
Marcos Garcia:I love, I love participating in his midterms.
Annie Ruiz:Oh my goodness. I love seeing his crime scenes out there.
Marcos Garcia:I love just acting in the in the in his midterms. It's so fun. I love just making the students as confused as possible. Like his whole stick is, he tells me, like, just make the students as confused as possible. I'm like, that's gonna be so easy, because I already make people confused on the daily normally.
Annie Ruiz:I think I was another sentiment. Talk with your professors. I know Kurt is a professor. Talk with your professors,
Marcos Garcia:He's in criminal justice.
Annie Ruiz:They're so sweet. I've met so many professors where they're actually the sweetest people of my life. And they're just like, they just want to talk. They're just like, what's up? They want to help you. Oh, everyone here is for you to help you.
Marcos Garcia:Yeah, yeah. Literally, there's so many people. There's so many people here who are very passionate about their jobs. And, I mean, it clearly shows you, like the amount of effort and like things that they that they do for their students. I mean, like, shoot, like, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be in this podcast
Annie Ruiz:I know, without staff, you know?
Marcos Garcia:Shoutout the staff. Stephanie, right there.
Annie Ruiz:Right there. Chris, Ricardo, Jeremy.
Marcos Garcia:Yes, everybody in here. All right, so I think that I thank you. Marcos, oh, one more shout out?
Christopher McGuinness:One more shout out. So, one more shot. Oh, yeah, I forgot about that shout out, yeah. So I'd like to give the biggest shout out to my, my four friends that I or my three friends, like the friend group that I mentioned, yeah, that's JP, that's Kayleen, and that's Dom. You guys are amazing people. And I could not give enough words to like, no amount of words could purpose. Like, no amount of words can, like, justify just how much amazing people you are, so I'm not even gonna try, all right. So don't feel like this is a cop out, but just know that there's way too many good things about you guys to say that I just cannot, like, describe here and now, because there wouldn't be enough time for it.
Annie Ruiz:So thank you Marcos, and this has been the conclusion of Hancock conversations. And thank you to everyone in the back. We have Avery, have Chris Ricardo and Jeremy back there. And yeah, I'll see you guys next time for more students and stories.
Announcer:Thanks for listening to Hancock conversations, the official podcast of Allen Hancock College. If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe, share the episode and follow Allan Hancock College for more stories, insights and opportunities until next time, thanks for being part of the conversation.