Darren Garcia 2W4 – Machine Tool Technology graduate
“Over the last three years, the obstacles I have overcome, and the people I’ve met, have made me the senior I am today,” shared Darren Garcia, recent graduate from Machine Tool Technology. Darren’s journey before Williamson was not easy. His mother worked two jobs to support her five children. Darren saw firsthand what the use of drugs and alcohol can do to people in his life and he knew he didn’t want to go down that path. After graduation from high school, Darren started working and a family friend kept insisting that he apply to Williamson, saying “Williamson was made for people like you!” With this encouragement, he finally took the leap of faith and applied to Williamson.
With no prior experience, Machine Tool Technology was Darren’s first choice. He wanted to start fresh and do something different. Not only did Darren learn to use files and hacksaws, after his first year at Williamson, he learned what a brotherhood truly feels like. “Williamson has not only given me the core values of faith, integrity, diligence, excellence, and service – Williamson has given me memories that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. Strangers, I would never have met, have become brothers.”
“Growing up the way that I did, I’ve learned not to take anything for granted. Nothing is truly promised, and anything can be taken away in an instant. For that reason, I am blessed and thankful to have been selected to be a member of the Williamson class of 2024…..Without Williamson, I don’t know where I would’ve ended up – on the street, addicted to something – only God knows. Williamson has given me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime, and I have gained lessons that are only learned by experience. I’ve become a man that 12-year-old me would be proud of.”
Darren is a recipient of the John R. Thomas Jr. Memorial Scholarship funded by the Justamere Foundation. He is grateful for the generosity of people “who want to help those in need only because of the love in their hearts.”
Your support makes it possible for students like Darren to attend Williamson College of the Trades with a full scholarship that covers tuition, room, and board. You can help to prepare the next generation of Williamson Men to be respected leaders and productive members of society by Making a Gift Today.
