James Garcia of Questa, son of Marina and Eustacio Garcia, is a senior at Questa High School. From ranching to music to already picking his career, Garcia is an individual that stands out in many ways. Local community leader Louise Gallegos describes Garcia as “dependable, outgoing, and charismatic.”
When he talks, he quotes the older folks (his preferred demographic) that he hangs out with and gives you the impression of being an old soul. One of his quotes is, “Those old timers will teach you a thing or two.” And Garcia doesn’t just hear the old timers, he takes their advice. He talks fondly of his “Po,” grandpa Robert on his dad’s side, and “Coony,” his grandpa on his mom’s side, and how they are huge role models for him.
Garcia is involved in many activities, school-related and otherwise, but most of his interests come from growing up on a ranch and helping his family and friends by bailing hay, welding, and other ranch duties. These activities have led Garcia to become an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) where he participates in livestock competitions as a judge. Garcia is also an active athlete at Questa High, participating in varsity track, varsity football, and varsity baseball. He says football is his favorite sport.
Something Garcia is not shy about and openly shares is his struggle with ADHD, a chronic condition that includes attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Even with his condition, Garcia has maintained a GPA above 3.0 throughout his high school career. “Academics are a struggle for me, but I have fought through it and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Garcia mentioned the help he has received from teachers and coaches that understand his condition, having provided support over the years. His mother, Marina, has been a huge advocate for her son as well, learning about his condition and sharing it with others so that people understand his struggles. “The community support for my son has been huge,” says Marina.
Outside of school, Garcia is employed at Red River Stables where he’s learning the skills of a horseman. He mentions his teacher, Clara Adams, who has been a champion for him in school as well as at his job.
With graduation only a few months away, Garcia has a good grasp on that age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Garcia is planning on attending the welding program at Trinidad State College in Alamosa, Colorado. “I hope to obtain a variety of welding certifications to expand my knowledge in this field. Long term, I plan on turning welding into a professional career and using my skills to contribute to my family’s ranch as well as the ranches and members of my community. Ideally, I would like to live on or close to my family’s ranch and use it as a home base for my welding.”
Garcia expresses that he is excited about returning to Questa after college and bringing his skills back to his hometown. “Why would I go anywhere else? Everyone I know is here,” Garcia says with an infectious smile. Many people have helped shape the kind of person Garcia is now, at age 18, but ultimately he gives all the credit to his parents. “I want to thank my mom and dad for putting up with me all these years.” He leaves our readers and younger generations with these words, ”Don’t give up—just keep truckin’.”
