From a young age, Edna Garcia was encouraged by her parents to strive for a life that was better than their own, instilling in her the importance of higher education.
“I always knew I would attend college; my parents were both from Mexico and they always told me they moved to the United States to give me a better life,” Garcia said.
Both of Garcia’s parents are from Mexico. Once married, they moved to the United States seeking new opportunities and the pursuit of a better future. They were determined to build a foundation that would provide their children with great opportunities.
Garcia is a junior pursuing a degree in psychology with plans to graduate in May 2026. Throughout her academic journey, she has been determined to make her college experience the most that she could. As a freshman, she got involved on campus. She assisted with events the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted.
“SGA is really what helped me get involved at first,” Garcia said. “Erika Hernandez and Austin Rankin were two older students who were amazing leaders, and they really inspired me to become a leader on campus.”
Garcia found her passion for serving others and began to use it throughout her time as a Ranger. She then was accepted as a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador (NSA). Through this, she has been able to gain connections.
“NSA encouraged me to start serving others and get out of my comfort zone,” Garcia said.
Garcia was the student director of Camp Ranger 2024, a summer camp for incoming freshmen. She took this as an opportunity to grow and serve others.
“I have seen so much growth in Edna,” NSA Advisor, Ethan Sacket said. “She is so eager and open to serve others to the best of her abilities, and she has a heart for people.”
Taking on the position of student director was a big step for Garcia and was something she had never done before. Being the camp director, she was also in charge of the counselors who would mentor the incoming freshman. The counselors consisted of other NSA members and student leaders at Northwestern.
“Edna was intentional about the team she was working alongside,” Sacket said. “I thought it was mature and wise of her to be so encouraging to the other students she was serving with.”
Garcia also served as a student worker for Northwestern Student Services office during the summer of 2024. She shared that she was able to learn and grow more than she’d ever imagined. She assisted Sacket during this time, and she said that he had a huge impact on her success during her time at Northwestern.
“She has so much potential,” Sacket said. “When she leaves a place, people are better because she was there.”
She shared that she created a goal for herself to meet more of the Northwestern faculty. During the summer when the campus was slower, she would make a point to stop and go into offices to meet faculty members.
“I love being able to have intentional, fruitful conversations with others at Northwestern. It proves that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”
She believes this was one of the most beneficial goals she could have created because she was able to meet some of the best people who make Northwestern so special.
“I never thought that in coming to college I would grow so much as a person and as a leader. I have had amazing people who have poured into me.”