Small College, Big Impact: Xavier Garcia's Outdoor Leadership Experience

When Xavier Garcia moved from Nampa, Idaho, to a small coastal town in Alaska, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was so worried,” he admits. “I thought, ‘I’m not going to have any friends. I don’t know what I’m doing.’” But after a few weeks at Prince William Sound College, those worries faded. “It’s really been a transformative experience,” he says. “The people here, the place, the community, it’s all so unique. Learning by doing, learning from the land and the people around me, it’s unlike anything I could have imagined.”

Now two months into PWSC’s Outdoor Leadership program, Xavier says the college’s small, hands-on approach has given him exactly what he was looking for—a chance to grow through experience and connection. “Our class is like a puzzle,” he says. “Each of us is a piece that makes up our cohort. The community here is small and strong, and that’s what makes it so special.”

One of the most challenging and rewarding moments for Xavier came during the six-day backpacking trip. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” he says. “I’d never been backpacking like that before, and it pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. But I came out a better person. I learned I can live without the usual comforts and still be okay—and I built lifelong friendships along the way.”

Xavier credits the supportive staff and faculty for helping him find his place at the college. “Bernie was great, and Natalie at the front desk was amazing,” he says. “I called so many times with questions, and they were always there to help. When my flight got canceled the day before I was supposed to leave, Bernie immediately started looking for ways to get me here.”

He also appreciates the dedication of his instructor, Dr. Benjamin Rush. “He keeps us busy,” Xavier says with a laugh. “Sometimes it feels tough, but he’s preparing us for the real world. I’m really grateful for how much he cares about our growth.”

Outside of class, Xavier has found joy in the college’s weekend courses and outdoor experiences. “Swift Water Rescue and sea kayaking were so much fun,” he says. “We were getting certified, building skills, and making connections—it’s learning and adventure at the same time.”

Dorm life has been another pleasant surprise. “They’re not really dorms—they’re apartments,” Xavier says. “We have our own kitchen and living space. It feels comfortable and independent, which I really like.”

As a photographer and videographer, Xavier finds endless inspiration in Valdez. “Everywhere I look, it’s beautiful,” he says. “Even walking to Safeway, the mountains just surround you. Valdez Glacier Lake and Shoup Bay Trail are some of my favorite spots. The scenery here is unlike anything back home.”

Xavier’s journey to PWSC wasn’t a straight path. He once planned to attend UCLA on a full-ride scholarship, but family circumstances changed his plans. “It turned out to be a blessing,” he reflects. “A big university with hundreds of students in one class wouldn’t have been right for me. Here, I get a personal, hands-on education in a place that truly fits who I am.”

When asked what he would tell someone thinking about coming to Prince William Sound College, Xavier’s advice is simple: “Explore what you want—and know that there’s probably a place for you here. The community is strong, and the opportunities are real. You learn by doing, and you become part of something meaningful.”