
Destiny Garcia
Destiny Garcia
Class Year
’28
Hometown
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Biology
Minor(s)
Chemistry
Destiny Garcia ’28 is a first-generation college student pursing a major in biology with a pre-med focus and a minor in chemistry. Through the College’s career development initiative, The Aspire Program, she is gaining the confidence and guidance needed to prepare for her career. Her career advisor, Carolyn Serdar, has helped her refine her resume, clarify her ambitions, and secure an internship. Through Aspire’s Mentorship Program, she was also matched with a Carthage graduate in her field of study, who supported her during her research application process. “Having someone who had been in my shoes helped me target the right labs for me and articulate my research passions with confidence,” she says.
A Kenosha native, Destiny is thankful to receive the Kenosha Oaks Scholarship, WAICU Wisconsin Grant, and other local scholarships that support her studies in her hometown. She continues to give back to her community through tutoring elementary students, helping students with FAFSA forms, and managing local events. When she’s not studying or volunteering, she enjoys exploring some of her favorite local spots. “I like to go to thrift stores like Wild Goose Exchange and Revival Room because they offer student discounts. The Harbor Market and CDWarehouse are great places to catch live, local music!”
learn more about The Aspire Program
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because it allowed me to deepen and build community ties in my hometown. The close-knit environment and accessible faculty provided the foundation for a truly personalized education to prepare me for my next steps. When it is time for graduate school, I will be ready to bring that same sense of purpose to a larger institution.”
Faculty mentors
“My path as a first-generation, pre-med student has been shaped by Carthage faculty who saw my potential and showed me the way. My Genetics course instructor, Professor Emily Wollmuth, stands out for helping me discover my love for wet-lab science. She welcomed my questions about lab techniques and lecture concepts. She also helped me navigate my research opportunities, introducing me to her own on-campus research and off-campus Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs).”
Favorite class
“My favorite class has been Printmaking: Relief with Professor Lisa Bigalke. As a science student, it was refreshing to dive back into art, a passion I hadn’t explored since middle school. I loved the challenge of translating creative prompts into concepts and then into different printmaking techniques, like linoleum, wood, and sponge.”
Unique opportunities
“I spent January 2026 on a transformative J-Term trip to Honduras, where our class impacted over 1,000 lives through medical, pharmaceutical, dental, optical, and children’s lice care. Beyond clinical services, we installed 24 fundraised water filtration units, providing a decade of clean water. My global health J-Term experience taught me that healing begins with compassionate listening — a form of care that transcends any prescription.”
Internships or campus employment
“In summer 2025, I interned at Pillar Health Kenosha Community Health Center, where I used Epic to conduct patient outreach for the underinsured to connect them with a primary care provider (PCP). My role empowered patients with education on how the healthcare system works. Our calls ended with patients knowing the importance of continuous care, a new-patient appointment, and, most importantly, feeling that their struggles had been heard. One patient shared that my call was an answer to her prayer as she was overwhelmed searching for answers. This internship taught me that being a healthcare professional starts with being a translator and advocate, turning confusion into confidence.”
Career goal
“I am working toward becoming a physician. Whether I specialize, practice primary care, or pursue a physician-scientist path, my goal is to translate complex science and healthcare systems into clear, accessible information. As a biologist and soon-to-be doctor, it is my responsibility to educate and equip others. When we have tools, we make more informed decisions and participate actively in caring for our bodies. An informed patient is an empowered patient.”
Best study tip
“Don’t just reread — reteach. After rewriting your notes and asking about the gaps in your understanding during professors’ office hours, pair up with someone from your class. Then, take turns explaining the material aloud. As you ask each other questions, you test your ability to recall information and your grasp of concepts. If you can teach it to a peer, you are ready!”
Best tip for making friends
“Start in your classes! Being friendly to others in your class is the easiest way to meet new people. To broaden your circle, I highly recommend attending events in the Engagement and Inclusion Center (EIC). You’ll meet campus leaders who are involved in clubs and the wider Kenosha-Racine community, and they are always eager to welcome new members to their next meeting or outing.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“My younger self was no natural scientist, but she was a quiet, curious, and creative girl. I loved to draw and design, so I thought I would become an interior designer. The architecture of biology called my attention more. I am so proud of taking a leap of faith into something so foreign to her and her family.”