Eric Garcia – Paying it Forward

By: The Staff of the Tyndall Park Drop-in Centre

Eric Garcia is a young person who has participated at the City Of Winnipeg Tyndall Park Drop-in Centre for several years. The staff at the drop-in centre believes that Eric is one of many youth that should be recognized for what he has accomplished so far in his young life.

Eric Garcia is a Grade 12 student from Sisler High School whose positive attitude, dedication and determination have guided his choices in life. As well, Eric's hard work ethic and leadership skills have provided him with many experiences that make him stand out from others. Some of these experiences include his passion for basketball, his high achievements in school and his involvement in promoting his culture.

Eric's passion for basketball started at the young age of 3. His father bought him a Fisher's Price basketball hoop and from that day he has practiced the fundamental skills of basketball. Also, throughout his childhood Eric used to tag along and watch his father play in the Filipino Community Basketball Leagues. His success however did not come without hard work and perseverance. In junior high Eric tried out for the provincial basketball team and was cut from the team. He worked very hard on his game after that. Due to his hard work Eric has excelled in the game of basketball to be one of the top players at the High School level in Manitoba. Confidence, leadership skills and teamwork are some of the life lessons Eric has learned from the game, and he has transferred these skills to many other areas in his life. Academically, Eric excels as well, with an average of over ninety per cent over the past four years.

Eric and his family dedicate many hours within his community to help promote his culture. Eric is involved in the Filipino performing group, Magdaragat Philippines Incorporated, and he dances at the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion during Folklorama. He has been dancing since the age of 12 years, and he dances every Sunday in order to prepare for the upcoming Folklorama. In 2004, Eric was Youth Ambassador for his Pavilion where his main duties were to be a spokesperson and to promote the Philippine Pearl of the Orient Pavilion.

Eric attributes his positive and "never give up" attitude to his great uncle, who died from complications with cancer. Despite the doctor's prognosis of giving his him a couple of weeks to live, his great uncle exceeded the doctor's prognosis and lived approximately an additional eight months. Eric attributes this experience as a huge motivating factor that drives him to succeed in everything in which he participates. As well, Eric believes that his family is a positive influence and provides enormous inspiration that guides his life. He is very grateful for having such a loving and devoted family.

Eric is a leader and a successful person in all aspects of his life. He is a great role model and is very much respected by the younger kids and the Drop-in Centre staff. A lifelong goal of Eric's is to take what he has learned in life and, as in the movie of that name, to "Pay it Forward" to the next generation of youth, particularly in the sport of basketball.

The high expectation Eric has placed on himself and the manner in which he conducts himself deserves recognition. In sharing his story, we hope to acknowledge Eric for his efforts, hard work and accomplishments. We hope his story will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

There is no doubt in our minds that Eric's future is promising and bright. His impressive values and belief system confirms that whatever path Eric decides to take in the future, success will follow. Eric Garcia is an inspiration to us all. It is encouraging to know that he is one of many young leaders of tomorrow that will make a positive difference for the next generation.