Meet Monica Garcia, 2025 Graduating Class Student Speaker

A Mentor is Born

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a common question that young people often get asked. And that answer becomes even more important as college looms on the horizon. As Monica Garcia approached college four years ago, her answer was clear and profound: to be her truest self.

As a local, first-generation college student, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus was the perfect opportunity to ‘try on her wings.’ That opportunity presented itself early, and Garcia became involved with student government and discovered her calling.

“It all just took off from there,” Garcia remembers. Now, four years later, “it” includes graduating with a double major in Democracy and Justice Studies and Psychology—plus minors in Social Justice and Political Science.

In the beginning, it was a struggle to feel connected to campus. “Going to college meant a lot, being a first-generation student and knowing that I’m giving myself an opportunity my parents didn’t have.”

Garcia admits to feeling out of place as a first-year Phoenix, but she was determined to make it work. Kristi Pearson, assistant dean of students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, recalls Garcia’s initial quiet determination that evolved into a remarkable transformation. “She wasn’t scared to reach out or talk to faculty and staff, unlike some students who are nervous at first. She definitely wasn’t,” Pearson remembers. “Monica indicated that she was interested in getting involved, with on-campus employment, being a student ambassador, and serving as a student services assistant at the Sheboygan location. She really took on a bunch of roles after that.”

Garcia worked hard to find her voice and quiet her doubts. “Sometimes sitting in a classroom with certain peers who may have had more to say, I questioned myself, ‘am I meant to be here?’” She shifted that mindset by connecting with her professors, seeing them as both mentors and advocates. “The professors genuinely care for their students and want you to not only succeed but grow as an individual as well.”

She also thinks her dual major will serve her well into the future. “I think that the Democracy and Justice Studies (DJS) major adds to the field of psychology I want to go into, which is based in community work and advocating for individuals regarding several social issues. The DJS major provides a whole new perspective to where I’m not only learning about the individual self, but also the social issues and historical contexts that shape people’s lives.”

Garcia excelled academically, demonstrating research prowess through projects like her podcast on LGBTQ+ discrimination in the labor market and her honors work in psychology. Her dedication to mentoring and creating a supportive campus environment earned her recognition as a finalist for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay First Gen awards, twice. Garcia has also left a lasting impression not just with fellow students, but with her teachers. As Katia Levintova, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay professor of Political Science and Global Studies reflects, “Monica is a mentor. Not just a peer mentor, but a true lifelong mentor, who is patient, warm-hearted, inclusive and sensitive to concerns and needs of others.”

Garcia also credits “cracking the college code” by regarding her professors not just as teachers but as mentors. “I took an interest in their classes and research, and they took an interest in me.” She has also paid that interest forward to other first-year students like her, joining New Scholars Rising, a mentoring program where upperclassmen students of color mentor first-year students who identify similarly.

And, despite the current political headwinds, she remains steadfast in her commitment to diversity and inclusion. “Unfortunately, a lot of things are uncertain when it comes to certain policies, jobs and other works related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I feel that it’s important to not back down when in these roles because these roles that support and uplift individuals are the most important thing that people need at this moment.”

Garcia prepares for life beyond UWGB, grateful for the support, recognition, and sense of belonging she found. She offers this bit of advice to anyone struggling with feelings that college is not meant for them: “Don’t be afraid to take on the whole college experience. Step out of your comfort zone and know that you are where you are supposed to be.”

Her efforts remind us that with courage and determination, every student can find the support and encouragement needed to discover their truest self. Moreover, being a genuinely nice person certainly helps. As Pearson puts it, ‘I’ve never talked to anyone who is not just in love with her personality and her drive. She’s truly amazing.’

Monica’s Advice to Fledgling Phoenix

What advice would you give to your first-year self?

“I would tell my first-year self to step out of my comfort zone and know that going to college is where you are supposed to be. You’re meant to be here.”

So there’s more to going to college, than just going to class and making good grades?

“Definitely! There are also sorts of ways to get involved on campus whether that’s through student organizations or campus jobs. I’ve gotten the chance to volunteer out in the community which has made me realize I want to work with families and youth. I like to say that you take what you put into your college experience.”

What advice would you give to a student who’s struggling?

“You are not alone, while it may not seem like it there are other students going through the exact same thing. Reach out to those around whether that’s a friend, professor, staff, really anybody. They want to see you succeed.”

What would you say to a high school student who might think that college wasn’t meant for them?

“Don’t be afraid to take on the experience of college. It may not be fit for everyone, but it’s about taking the opportunity. If it’s not for you, that’s okay. College will always be there, and you’ll always have the chance to continue your education if you really want to.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

“I really want to give a huge thank you to the faculty and staff that I’ve been able to learn from. The Democracy and Justice Studies and Psychology departments have been really supportive, by pushing me to do my best through my academic journey. I also want to give a special thank you to the faculty and staff at Sheboygan, who were the launchpad to my college career. Especially Kristi Pearson, who has done so much for me and was my first mentor on this journey.”