Michelle Garcia
Hometown
Tucker, GA
High School
Tucker High School
Degree
BS Biological Engineering, Pre-Med
Expected Graduation
December 2028
What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?
My favorite thing about being a student at UGA is the community that the school fosters specifically when it is a Saturday in Athens! I love connecting with the alumni at tailgates and having a good time with my friends! Nothing beats a Georgia win.
Why did you choose engineering?
I chose engineering because I believe that it is a great way to help people! There is a lot of unknowns and engineering finds a way to close that gap. With my Biological Engineering major, I want to help those who are underserved or underinsured be able to access life changing medical devices that can completely change their trajectory! The best healthcare is not always the most expensive and everyone should be able to have access!
Why is it important for the university to have an inclusive community?
I believe it is important to have a diverse community because you get to learn a lot from different people. Not everyone has similar perspectives or approaches, but it can still add to the person you are and help you grow.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I have had to face at UGA is my time management skills. I had difficulty managing my time and prioritizing what was urgent and could wait. I overcame it by going to meetings with my academic coach and trying different techniques! A calendar really helped me out.
What have you learned that has made a difference for you?
I have learned that everyone’s path is different and that you do not have to compare yourselves to others. The moment you start your joy, your motivation, and your values are compromised. It is important to focus on yourself in a positive way and be proud!
Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?
I would say the team that I work with in Milledge hall! My tutors and academic coaches have kept me on the right track and have that extra support through my time here as a student at UGA.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus has to be the quad! There is always something on the quad whether its the tailgates or the UGA events to foster community! When its a more chill day I love sitting on the bench, get some sun, and reconnect with nature!
What has been your favorite class at UGA?
My favorite class at UGA has been my Matlab class with Dr. Yoder! He is a great guy and his class was a lot of fun to be in! I loved the jokes he would throw in and I found the projects we would do to understand Matlab was just amazing! My personal favorite was when we used all the code we learned to create our own project! I made a pharmaceutical dose calculator!
What has been your best memory at UGA?
My best memory at UGA has been attending the Texas vs UGA game in Sanford Stadium! It was a wonderful night game and it was such a good game! I got to spend a great time with my friends as well to celebrate another Georgia win!
What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?
For younger students who want to pursue engineering, I would say really get to know yourself as best as you can! Understand your study habits, why you want to pursue engineering, the goals you want to reach, and what you need to do to be successful whether its tutoring or asking for that extra help!
How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?
I hope to be able to create medical devices that will help the underserved and underinsured be able to have access to them! Revolutionizing healthcare to be better not just in Georgia, but possibly in other places as well that are struggling.
