Previously published on October 26, 2022
If human kindness was measured in hours of service, Uziel Garcia would be off the charts. The East High School junior is known for giving back, having volunteered over 200 hours for local organizations.
“At first, I didn’t know what I was volunteering for. Then, I realized there is so much need for help and someone can do so much in just a couple of hours,” says Uziel. “Every organization I have volunteered at has given me a chance to grow. I have enjoyed every single moment.”
Organizations such as Sunnybrook Hope Center, Saturday in the Park, LaunchPAD Children’s Museum, Gospel Mission, and many others have benefited from Uziel’s commitment to helping others. The balance to give back isn’t always easy as a high school student, but Uziel has found a balance between volunteerism and other commitments.
When Uziel isn’t volunteering or working at Chick-fil-A, he helps care for his siblings and stays busy with multiple extra-curricular activities. The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program, East High School Student Council, Headliner’s show choir, Chamber choir, and band crew keep Uziel busy at school. He was also recently selected to represent Sioux City Community Schools at All-State Choir and Orchestra.
It’s no surprise that with so much on his calendar, Uziel adds that timing is sometimes a challenge.
“I would like to say that I am really organized, but I am just not good at letting my parents know what I will be doing day to day. I really appreciate my parents for supporting me through my crazy, short-notice schedule,” says Uziel.
After graduation next year, Uziel plans to go to a four-year college and become a paramedic. In the meantime, he can be found taking advantage of any opportunities that come his way.
“I would tell younger students to embrace any opportunity that is given to them, even if it’s hard. You never know how much one opportunity can impact your future.”