What made you decide to go to Smoky Hill?

“I like the diversity here, The teachers are great and it has a friendly atmosphere. I originally chose Smoky it had many programs and I was interested in getting involved,” said Garcia.

How are your grades?
“ I’m kind of struggling with my grades a little because I’m a freshman and it’s new to me and honestly I didn’t expect high school to be this hard. I kind of slacked at the beginning of the year because I’m used to a middle school grading system but Freshman year has been a struggle for me and grades were only one of my challenges,” said Garcia.

Are you getting used to school yet?
“Yes, I’m getting there but it’s kind of hard because of the people in it who talk stuff about me behind my back,” said Garcia.“It affects me because it gets to my head and it kind of prevents me from learning. It is a big distraction to me and makes me very self-conscious when I go to school. Im very careful about how I act and present myself to other people because I don’t want to be judged as a gay hispanic.”

What is your personal life like?
My brother still lives with my family even though he’s 21 already and everytime he comes home he’s high. I’ve never really had a good role model in my life, said Garcia. Also coming out wasn’t easy and it’s still not 100% done, because I haven’t came out to parents because they’re faithful Christians and they might either try and make me change or they might kick me out of the house. Fitting in has been tough for me and I can’t even fit in at home, smoky is however one of the few places I feel comfortable being at.”
What has Smoky Hill taught you?
“Smoky has taught me that no matter who you are that you shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself. Some people will be there for you and the fake friends will leave you behind so you have to make sure you choose the right friends, and I love being at school more than at my own house because I know that I can fully be myself at school and most people would accept me unlike at home where if I act like myself I’d basically be shunned,” said Garcia.
How did you expect high school to be and how was it?
“I expected it to be pretty difficult and grades wise it is for me but I did expect a lot of bullying and teasing and though I do often encounter people saying things to me, it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it would be,” said Garcia. “I think high school is pretty accepting these days with people who may be different.”

Do you ever get picked on by other classmen?
“ I do get picked on because of my sexuality by other boys because they don’t think it’s “natural” and they think it’s “disgusting.” it’s never really physical, more like verbal abuse like saying gay slurs. For example “faggot” or “fruitcake.”Although, it does get to sometimes I have an amazing group of friends and a great support system,” said Garcia.

How important is it to fit in for you?
“For me fitting in used to be a priority but honestly I don’t mind the fact that I don’t really fit in that much, said Garcia. “I think being different is what draws people to me and makes me who I am and lets me be close to amazing people.i am proud of the fact that i may not fit in with everyone and that i am unique.”