“My dad would always tell me, ‘Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever,’” Garcia shared, reflecting on the words that anchored him through some of life’s most difficult moments. At just 12 years old, Garcia experienced a profound loss when his mother was killed in a car accident. In the aftermath, his family moved from Texas to St. Louis’ north side. The transition was challenging, but Garcia found comfort in football—a passion he shared with his father. It was through a coach that Garcia and his dad were introduced to Hope Ignites, where he discovered “the hope, love, and connections that changed my life forever.”
Entering the program as a freshman, Hope Ignites St. Louis also made it possible for Garcia to attend De Smet Jesuit High School—an opportunity he says would not have been possible otherwise. The adjustment was significant. “I went from an under-resourced community and living with just my dad and little sister to a house full of teenage boys and an all-boys private school, both with strict rules and high expectations,” he recalled. When he called home in tears, wanting to return, his father reminded him that leaving the program meant leaving behind the opportunities it provided, ending each conversation with his familiar refrain: “Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever.”
Over time, Garcia built a strong brotherhood with his Hope Ignites housemates and De Smet peers. He found guidance and encouragement from Father Ronny O’Dwyer, now President of De Smet; from his teachers, tutors, and mentors; and from Hope Ignites St. Louis staff members like Jan Wacker. “I set my mind to sticking with it and eventually began to embrace the challenges, knowing how much support was behind me,” Garcia said. “Success doesn’t come to the most gifted, but to those who keep showing up when things get tough.”
After high school, Garcia earned a football scholarship, but a torn MCL during his freshman year ended his athletic career. “I lost sight of hope for a while,” he shared. “I dropped classes, stopped returning calls, and wanted to quit school altogether. But Jan Wacker refused to stop reaching out, and my dad’s words kept me going.”
With renewed support from Father O’Dwyer—who at the time also served on the faculty at Saint Louis University—and through scholarships made possible by Hope Ignites St. Louis supporters, Garcia was able to complete his college journey at SLU. He graduated with honors in 2020 and is now a licensed real estate agent.
Earlier this year, Garcia lost his father—his best friend, coach, and greatest cheerleader. “I’ve learned that gratitude and grief can exist at the same time,” he said. “I am eternally grateful to my dad and to the Hope Ignites program for the lifelong relationships I’ve built and for giving me the courage to keep going when life gets hard.”
View photos from the event on our Facebook page.