Jacqueline Garcia ’29

Jacqueline GarciaHometown

Bergenfield, New Jersey 

Intended major

  • Major: Biology
  • Minor: Chemistry, Honors
  • Focus: Pre-Dental 

What is a big question that you think the liberal arts help us to explore? 

I believe the liberal arts help us explore the question: How can we use our education not only to build successful lives for ourselves, but also to create meaningful change for others? The liberal arts encourage us to understand people from different backgrounds, examine difficult ethical questions, and recognize our responsibility to the communities around us. 

What is one favorite quote or idea of yours from any class you've taken in the foundational core? 

One idea that has stayed with me is that education should not simply prepare us for a career but should also teach us how to think critically, understand others, and live with purpose. This idea is especially meaningful to me because I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility to help others being the only girl in my family to go to college. 

How do you hope your studies will help you make a positive impact in your community? 

As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, I understand how life-changing access to education and healthcare can be. My parents did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school or attend college, so I have worked extremely hard to honor their sacrifices and create opportunities that were not available to them. Through my biology and pre-dental studies, I hope to become a dentist who provides compassionate care and oral-health education to underserved communities. I especially hope to give back to children and families in Guatemala by improving access to dental-hygiene supplies, education, and preventive care. 

What are you most excited about for the future of the Pioneer Scholars? 

I am most excited to see the Pioneer Scholars continue developing into a supportive community of students who are intellectually curious, service-oriented, and committed to becoming leaders in their fields. I look forward to learning from scholars with different majors and life experiences to be able to create meaningful service initiatives together and help future students feel that they belong and are capable of achieving ambitious goals. 

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to have after graduation? 

After graduation, I want to provide excellent and compassionate dental care while helping reduce barriers that prevent underserved families from receiving treatment. I also hope to expand my efforts to provide oral-health resources and education to communities in Guatemala. I want my journey to show other young people from immigrant and underrepresented backgrounds that their circumstances do not limit their potential. Ultimately, I hope to use my education to create opportunities, improve health, and make the sacrifices of my family meaningful.