Digital Media Production graduate reflects on diversity at STCC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When he leaves Springfield Technical Community College, Javier Garcia says he will remember the vibrant diversity he found on campus.

“I met so many people with so many different backgrounds,” Garcia said. “(Diversity) makes a better connection for everyone. That is something I will miss about my time at STCC.”

STCC, a diverse and inclusive technical community college, is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. This designation requires that 25 percent of its students identify as Hispanic.

Garcia, who majored in Digital Media Production, specializing in interactive media, is one of STCC’s Class of 2023 graduates. He will transfer to Western New England University to study communications with a focus on media and journalism.

He says the Digital Media Production Program at STCC as well as his involvement in activities have prepared him for his move to a four-year university.

“I’ve done a little bit of everything at STCC,” he said.

Garcia served as vice chair of the Student Ambassador Program, which provides STCC students interested in developing leadership and communication skills an opportunity to serve as role models, advocates and peer advisors to fellow students.

He has participated on boards and committees at STCC, which has provided him with experiences beyond classroom work.

I’ve seen nothing but growth and development from Javier during my time with him. Daniel Misco, STCC professor

Professor John Wakelin, department chair, Technical Arts & Design, praised Garcia for the work he did on a video for the senior media project class.

Wakelin noted that Garcia is receiving the department award in Interactive Media and Animation Design Technology and is one of the student representatives for the Digital Media Production Advisory Board.

Professor Daniel Misco said, “He exemplifies our college mission statement and is a great student and person who really internalizes the importance of learning and curiosity, and has forged a path ahead based on those tenets.

“I’ve seen nothing but growth and development from Javier during my time with him. I know he was interested in going to WNEU (Western New England University), and I hope he continues to shine there just as brightly. I can’t say enough great things about him as a student.”

After Western New England University, Garcia hopes to find a job in production. “One thing I’d like to do is work in production for wrestling shows, maybe something like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment),” he said.

Garcia said he enjoyed studying with the faculty in the Digital Media Production Program at STCC.

“Professor Misco let us go in depth immediately when it came to game design,” Garcia said. “Even though we used really simple tools and made simple games, it immediately got me thinking, How do we design a game? How do we go about it?”

Garcia felt inspired by the classes in the program. “I enjoyed the urge to want to do more than I needed to do,” he said.

Born and raised in Springfield, Garcia came to STCC because it was close to home and affordable and offered a high-quality experience.

“My time at STCC has been a joyride. I enjoyed working with some of my professors and my advisors, and the people in the student activities office,” Garcia said. “I recommend STCC to anyone. It is a great place.”

Watch a video of Javier Garcia discussing his time at STCC.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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