This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2026 semester.
Driven by a passion for animal care, incoming biological sciences major student Esperanza Garcia is already well on her way toward a future in veterinary medicine.
A Merced High School graduate with a 4.0 GPA, Garia gained hands-on veterinary experience through the Animal Science Career Technical Education pathway mastering skills such as administering injections, suturing and animal handling.
Her involvement in the Future Farmers of America, California Scholarship Federation and Peer-Assisted Learning System reflects a commitment to service, leadership and helping others, including volunteering to assist special needs students. Now she’s bringing that dedication to UC Merced as a steppingstone to veterinary school.
Why are you excited about coming to UC Merced? I am excited to attend UC Merced because I can earn a UC degree close to home. I am also looking forward to meeting new people, joining clubs, and learning from my professors.
Academic and personal goals: My goals are to do well in my classes and gain experiences that will help me get into veterinary school. I also want to become more confident, make new friends and grow as a person.
What's your superpower ability or something you are really good at? I am good at staying patient and helping others, especially when working with animals.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? It would be tacos! There are so many different ways to make them, so I never get tired of them.
What do you do to relax or have fun? I like spending time with my friends, baking, listening to music and being with my pets.
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