dr. catalina e. garcia's background
Dr. Catalina E. Garcia's parents came to the United States as children and firmly believed that education was the means for securing a good job. Dr. Garcia's father was a graduate of a technical high school and worked as a vehicle mechanic on everything from cars to tanks. Although she only completed fourth grade before having to work in the family laundry business, Dr. Garcia's mother was able to pass the her exam to work as a court clerk. Because both of Dr. Garcia's parents were essentially self-educated, they were sharply aware of the important of higher education for their children.
Dr. Garcia worked her way through school. Getting through school was hard work, but Dr. Garcia had a goal of becoming a doctor and was driven to succeed. Dr. Garcia was motivated by the idea that through hard work and learning, she could choose the direction of her own life. After two years, she left medical school. But through tenacity she was able to get back into medical school and complete here studies.
"I was fortunate to have a chance - even a second chance. We have many people in Dallas County who need that first or second chance to get the education they need to improve the future for themselves, their families and Dallas area employers. Dallas College can provide that opportunity," says Dr. Garcia.
"I know how transformational a good education can be. I thought, what could be better than achieving the job or career of my dreams," says Dr. Garcia. "Your education can never be taken away from you. It gives you the option of changing employers, moving up into managerial level positions, and having a real career path."