Vance Garcia lives to tell his his graduation story
OXNARD, Calif. – Every graduate has a story and Vance Garcia said his starts with a near-fatal rollover crash on his way home from DJing a summertime party a decade ago.
"I was pronounced dead on the scene they had to resuscitate me and bring me back to life and then they rushed me to the hospital where they had to put Humpty Dumpty back together again," said Garcia.
His sense of humor was left intact, but Garcia still had to deal with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured spine and a stroke.
Before the accident, he had flunked out of community college.
After coming out of a medically induced coma the Oxnard High School graduate and marching band trumpet player, under the direction of Fundi Legohn, decided to return to school.
He made a name for himself as a DJ and as dance music industry producer known as "Monstr Drop."
Garcia said music has always been a motivating force and it became an important emotional and mental health outlet in his recovery.
"I was just partying for years and not taking life seriously and my car accident sort of knocked some sense into me and inspired me to go back to school."
But while going to Oxnard College and adjusting to life in and out of his wheelchair he fell.
"I had to get my hip replaced and I spent a couple of months at a rehab hospital in Santa Barbara."
His Oxnard College professor Amy Edwards would not let him quit and sent him assignments with a promise of Toppers Pizza. Garcia often gives her a shout out.
"Amy Edwards, woop woop."
Garcia soon transferred to Cal State University Channel Islands in Camarillo and on graduation day he surprised some of his classmates and the audience by walking across the stage with the help of a cane.
"I used the idea of walking across the stage as a motivation to keep going even when times got really hard."
With the support of his loved ones, including his dog Luka, Garcia graduated Cum Laude.
He was also honored by the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society known as DAPi.
His degree is in Organization Communication Studies even though, sometimes he can't find the right words.
The coffee lover said talking with his good hand helps.
"When you have a brain injury, they have something they call it aphasia, you know what you want to say, but it is hard for you to find the words to get it out, so, sometimes I will speak a lot more I'll describe what I am trying to say without actually using the word I can't find."
While Garcia looks for a job he hopes to book inspirational speaking engagements.
Before graduation he gave an Oxnard College Live WE Speak similar to a Ted Talk.
"I like to share my story and the way I have overcome these obstacles and then they can say if he can do it, I can do it, too. I love sharing my story."
He is still producing music and has had success releasing music on record labels.
Even so, Garcia said he may go back to school for a Master's degree.
Until then, he has a message for fellow grads.
"Congratulations Class of 2024, you climbed your first mountain, but there are many more mountains to go! "
