Mario Garcia (B.S., ’23) was always interested in computers and software. Throughout high school he participated in cyber security and information technology programs and had always enjoyed it. When it came time to enter college, he sought out the school with the best computer sciences program and, once accepted, packed up his belongings and made the 1,200-mile journey from Colorado Springs, Colorado to San Diego State University in Southern California. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Once COVID hit, all I could do was either be on my phone or on a computer and I realized I didn’t like sitting in a chair behind a desk staring at a screen,” Garcia explained. “It was at that point I began using fitness to push myself out of my boundaries, and I realized it was something I wanted to learn more about.”
It was a quick shift and just as quickly Garcia began looking for schools with health and exercise science programs.
“Luckily enough, CSU had a good HES program and it allowed me to stay close to home and family,” Garcia said. “It was tough, and the classes were hard, but in a good way. The more I learned the more I wanted to do it fulltime and make it my career.”
The desire to push on despite the difficulty wasn’t easy, and Garcia said he would have been lost had it not been for a work study program with the Division of Student Affairs.
“I started classes at CSU in the summer, so things were pretty empty when I got there,” Garcia said. “My girlfriend referred me to that office and said working for [Vice President of Student Affairs Blanche Hughes] would be a great experience, and it was. They gave me resources and were there to make sure I got the most out of my CSU experience.”
Even as an office assistant responsible for “helping out with their menial tasks so they could focus on the big picture,” Garcia said the experience was less like a job and more like a supportive family.
“They all took time out of their day to get to know me and who I was while giving a lot of guidance and tips. Especially working with [Hughes] and learning from leadership, who really makes CSU what it is,” he said. “With all the guidance, I was able to get through the times when I was struggling as a student.”
With that support, Garcia persevered, learning more about the capabilities of the human body and how to help people with their fitness goals. During his studies, he worked at a local school district as a track and field coach and that helped set the stage for his first internship out of college.
“When I was working with the high school kids, I loved how their workouts transferred to their sport capabilities and that caused me to look at working with a sports organization,” he said.
That organization is the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Garcia is currently working as a strength and conditioning intern. His daily activities run the gamut of spotting athletes, ensuring the equipment is being used safely, mixing sport drinks to enhance performance during games and recovery after the games, and making sure the right music is on at the gym.
“That one is really important,” Garcia said with a laugh. “But it’s been really humbling to realize I’m here every day. I get to see how much hard work the players put in to be able to do what they do on the field, and how the staff has just as much to contribute to the success of the team.”
Helping professional athletes with their workouts with dreams of opening up his own fitness facility is a far cry from the kid stuck at a computer, and Garcia couldn’t be more thrilled with the turns his life has taken. His only regret is not getting to CSU earlier and having the opportunity to spend all four years at the place where he discovered himself.
“CSU, the Vice President of Student Affairs, and the Health and Exercise Science program all made the difference in who I became and helped me find my true passion and true love,” Garcia concluded. “It was a great experience and I will cherish those memories wherever I go.”
