Leonell Garcia: Athlete, Scholar and Role Model

Although just 20 years old, Leonell Andrew A. Garcia has been at the Ateneo de Manila University for five years. The AB Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) student is currently down to his last semester at the school. Initially BFA Information Design (ID), the super senior shifted to AB IS not only because of the versatility, but also because of his social connections in his chosen tracks: Communication and Education. Admittedly, he took the latter because his teammate was also in the subject: “Mas okay na mag-take ng subject ng may kasama.”

Noy, as he is fondly called by his parents and peers, is part of the Ateneo Taekwondo Varsity, and is subsequently a scholar of the university. The second of three children, he’s glad that he is able to help out his parents by sending himself to school, especially with his youngest sibling still in her second year at UST. This sense of responsibility also manifests in being a senior in his Varsity, as he feels the pressure of having a win every competition, especially within a team that is so much like his second family. “It keeps you on your feet” he says, playing on the idiom “keeps you on your toes.”

But when he’s not being a role model and supporting his team, he is playing video games or hanging out with his teammates and family. Occasionally, he is also out snacking, eating and enjoying his moments of free time.

When asked about his plans after college, he admits that he hasn’t put too much thought into it. He’s considering taking his Taekwondo career further as a coach or a teacher, preferably within the university still.