Maria Garcia

Maria Garcia - Texas
Nomination by Crystal Garcia
Photography by Hayly Hext Photography
Issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Maria Garcia known as Angelica is a beautiful smart young woman. She is a natural born leader who is very mature for her age. She is very comfortable and confident in her own skin. She makes her own path even if it is hard. She is a hard worker who has had a job since the age of 15 while going to school and doing well. She has a strong relationship with God and knows that all things are done through him. She will lend a helping hand without hesitation with nothing in return. She will be attending Houston Christian University this fall. Her major is Mathematics and a double minor in business and biochemistry. Her dream is to become a dentist in the hopes of owning her own practice. She will also be the first in her family on both mom and dad's side to attend college.
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​Photography by Hayly Hext Photography
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You are about to become the first person on both sides of your family to attend college. When that reality hits you — really hits you — what does it feel like?
It's honestly a mix of fear and excitement. It's scary stepping into something no one in my family has done, not really having anyone to relate to. At the same time, it's a new adventure and a chance to set an example for my future family. There is definitely pressure; I don't want to be the first to go to college and not finish. I want to be successful. But there's also pride in knowing I've already come farther than anyone before me, which makes it feel both overwhelming and motivating.

What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
One thing not mentioned in the nomination is my entrepreneurial drive. While balancing school and work, I also started my own home baking business, where I create and sell pastries and desserts. Running my business has taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, customer service, budgeting, and time management. It has also shown me the importance of discipline and perseverance when working toward a goal. I am someone who challenges myself to grow and pursue opportunities that will help me build a better future. Whether through education, work, or entrepreneurship, I strive to lead by example and show others that determination and hard work can create opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

What is the best part of running your own business? What is the most challenging?
The best part of running my own business is the freedom to innovate. I have full creative control and use social media as an inspiration, allowing my creativity to shine through my baking. The most challenging part is doing everything on my own and not knowing everything. I've made mistakes and had to redo a lot, sometimes realizing them too late. Learning and adjusting throughout the process has been the hardest part.

What has working since age 15 taught you about money, responsibility, or people that your peers who haven't worked yet might not understand?
Since I started working at 15, I've learned how important saving money really is. You hear about it, but you don't understand it until you experience how quickly money can be spent and how to manage it wisely. Working also helped me grow as a person and a leader by giving me responsibility at a young age. I've learned to adapt to different people even when it's challenging. Having a job teaches maturity, time management, and how to balance work, school, and life, something many people don't fully understand until they've experienced it themselves.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
Currently, I am working toward graduating from high school and preparing to attend Houston Christian University this fall. I plan to major in mathematics with minors in business and biochemistry as I work toward my long-term goal of becoming a dentist and eventually owning my own dental practice. I am also continuing to grow my small baking business, which has helped me develop skills in entrepreneurship, time management, and customer service. Balancing school, work, and my business has taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance. Overall, my main focus right now is preparing for college, continuing to grow personally and academically, and building the foundation for the career and life I hope to create in the future.

Mathematics, business, and biochemistry — that is an ambitious combination. How does someone who loves baking and wants to be a dentist end up falling in love with math?
I've loved math since I was young. It was always my favorite subject. I was always the kid who enjoyed math class and even did multiplication tables for fun. I've always liked how there's a clear right answer but also multiple ways to get there. That challenge and logic have always fascinated me.

Your baking business is already teaching you things most business school students learn years later. What is one lesson from running it that surprised you?
Marketing has been one of the most important and surprising parts of running my at-home bakery. Without a storefront, people only find me through word of mouth or social media. Learning to run a professional Instagram page, not just scroll, has been a big adjustment. I thought proof profits would be the hardest part, but marketing, promoting myself, and maintaining a consistent image take a lot of work. I've also had to learn budgeting, streamline orders, and find the best payment methods. It's not easy, but it's essential for growing a business.

What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
One thing I am truly passionate about is my faith and my Catholic religion. My relationship with God is a part of who I am, and it guides the way I live my life and make decisions. I could talk for hours about how faith provides strength, purpose, and direction, especially during challenging times. My faith matters so much to me because it reminds me to serve others with kindness, humility, and compassion. It encourages me to work hard, stay grounded, and trust that God has a plan for my life. I strive to carry these values with me in everything I do, whether it is helping others, pursuing my education, or working toward my future goals.

How did you find your photographer, Hayly Hext from Hayly Hext Photography, and what did you enjoy most about your experience working with them?
I found my photographer, Hayly Hext, because she has been my family’s photographer for many years. Over time, she has captured many important moments for us, so working with her always feels very natural.
What I enjoy most about working with her is how comfortable she makes everyone feel. Our sessions are always fun and relaxed. It honestly feels like you are just hanging out with her, and she just happens to be taking photos at the same time. That atmosphere makes it easy to be yourself, which I think really shows in the photos she captures.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
One of my favorite things about my mom is how she has always supported and believed in me. She has been there through every stage of my life, encouraging me to work hard, stay strong in my faith, and pursue my goals even when things feel challenging. Some of my favorite memories are the everyday moments we share, talking, laughing, and just spending time together. What means the most to me is knowing that no matter what I’m going through, she will always be there for me. Her love, guidance, and support have played a huge role in shaping the person I am today.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through my photographer, Hayly Hext. Being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matters to me because it highlights young people who are working hard to pursue their goals and make a difference. It is meaningful to be part of something that celebrates ambition, leadership, and personal growth, and it is inspiring to see other teens who are also striving to build a better future.

If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it, and what goals would it help support?
If I were to receive this scholarship, I would use it to help pay for my college education. Coming from a low-income family, the financial pressure of college has always been something my family and I have thought about. This scholarship would help ease that burden not only for me but also for my parents, who have always worked hard to support me. It would allow me to focus more on my education and continue working toward my goal of becoming a dentist and eventually owning my own practice.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
In the past year, I have learned the importance of trusting God’s timing and the path He has for me. I used to feel like I needed to control everything and figure every step out on my own. Over time, I realized that the more I tried to force things, the more lost I felt. I have learned that life is about trusting the process, letting go of what you cannot control, and continuing to work hard while having faith that everything will happen when it is meant to.

Letting go of control is something most adults spend decades learning. What finally made it click for you?
This past summer taught me a lot about letting go of control. Through my own experiences and those of my friends, I've realized that working hard and dreaming big don't guarantee outcomes. As someone who likes things done a certain way, it was a reality check to accept that I couldn't control everything. I've learned to trust the process and have faith, even though I still struggle with it 90% of the time. Often have to remind myself to relax, let go, and trust that I've done all I can.

When you imagine yourself as Dr. Garcia, standing in your own dental practice someday, what does that moment feel like — and who is the first person you picture telling?
It feels surreal just thinking about it. I get chills. There aren’t many Hispanic female dentists, so imagining myself there is incredible. The idea of having my name on the door and patients coming to me is both exciting and motivating. All the sacrifices studying instead of going out, the effort my family and I have made, will be worth it. That vision drives me to become Dr. Garcia. And without a doubt, the first person I’d tell is my mom, because she’s supported me through every step, decision, and doubt.

Houston Christian University is a faith-based institution, and that clearly aligns with who you are. What made it the right fit beyond just the academic programs?
The people and culture made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped on campus; it truly felt like a home away from home. Talking to friends who moved away, I realized that gut feeling matters, and this just felt right. It’s one of the first major decisions I’ve made on my own, stepping into adulthood and a new chapter of life. Even though my home is eight hours away, I know I’ve found another one. I’m proud and excited to say I’ll be attending Houston Christian University in Fall 2026.

If a young Latina girl who comes from a family where college was never part of the conversation reads this interview, what do you want her to walk away believing about herself?
I want you to take a moment and be proud of yourself. If you’re reading this or even exploring your options, you’re already one step ahead. Your past or your family’s path doesn’t define you; you control your future. To any young Latina thinking about what’s next, know that whatever you want, you can achieve. Remember that pressure is a privilege and striving for perfection leads to excellence. Be proud of your skin, your heritage, and your culture. When asked who you are, say it with confidence. I’m proud to be here, and I hope you are too.

What is a tradition with your mom that you hope never ends?
To be honest, we don’t have many traditions, mostly typical Hispanic ones like making tamales at Christmas and spending holidays together. But what I truly hope never changes is the relationship I have with my mom. She’s the person I share everything with, my accomplishments, struggles, and everyday life, and I’m that person for her too. We support and give each other advice, and I hope that bond stays strong no matter the distance or where life takes me. No matter what, she’ll always be my mom, and I know she’ll always be there for me.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
My dream job is to own three dental practices. Ideally, I’d love for them to be here in Lubbock, but honestly, as long as I’m happy, I don’t mind where I end up.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I’d like to thank God above all for giving me so many opportunities and allowing me to grow into who I am today. I truly believe He has placed me on the right path. I’m also incredibly grateful for my parents, who have sacrificed so much and made changes in their lives to give me the best opportunities possible.

Look for Maria in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

click here for more information on issue 101

click here to nominate an inspiring teen