Being a top scholar is no easy job, especially when working a part-time job. Cibola has a number of academics who shine bright, one of whom was recently named a 2022 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. The Cibola Citizen’s own Kylie Garcia was the awardee of this prestigious title and scholarship. Garcia is a student actively attending New Mexico State University’s Grants Campus.
Out of 2,000 essays, Garcia’s essay scored higher than all other New Mexican students and won her the award of $2,250 to aide in her higher-education. The award was possible for Kylie because she had joined Phi Theta Kappa, an honors society at NMSU-Grants. “PTK helped out a lot.”
The scholarship called on Garcia to write a “Significant Endeavor” essay, in the focus of her essay, Kylie discussed the City of Grants, Village of Milan, and Greater Cibola County with much admiration. She talked about understanding the role of local media to make positive impacts on the community, and she discussed the community’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In high school I had this idea that I had to go to main campus [in Las Cruces], that the education wouldn’t be high quality here” Garcia said, “I put all of that away and it’s the best decision I could have made. Here, with smaller class sizes, I can focus on doing well.”
Phi Theta Kappa was an organization Garcia’s mom pushed her to join, thanks to the suggestion of a family friend. Because of COVID-19, a lot of Phi Theta Kappa’s in-person opportunities were put on hold; despite this, the society still managed to help Garcia find some scholarships and helped to further her academic career.
Garcia wanted to extend a great big thanks to her parents. “My mom is the epitome of strength,” she said, “My dad is the hardest worker, and I just thank them so much for being there for me and pushing me.”
Garcia thanked Dr. Marlene Toivanen, Dr. Joan Erben, and English Professor Beth Humphreys for assisting in her education and helping her to achieve this honor.
“When I first found out about this, I started crying. I felt really blessed to be recognized. In a small town, it doesn’t always seem like you can get selected for something like this, but the education at NMSU is really good.I just feel really blessed; I thank God for this opportunity.”