Remi Garcia
My life began in Dubai, but my earliest memories are from the cities where I truly grew up: Hong Kong and London. Moving from one metropolis to another, I experienced a childhood filled with diverse cultures and languages, thanks to my multi-cultural family. This background gave me a unique outlook on life, allowing me to see things from various perspectives and appreciate different ways of life. It was less about the glamour of these cities and more about the everyday experiences that shaped my view of the world.
School was a mix of the French system's strict academics and the more balanced approach of the US education system. I spent my early school years in the disciplined environment of French schools, which was great for building a solid academic foundation, but left little room for much else. That's why, for college, I chose UCLA in Los Angeles. It was a change of pace – a place where I could not only continue my academic pursuits but also explore other interests.
At UCLA, life was a blend of hitting the books and diving into various campus activities. Joining clubs and a fraternity, I found myself in the midst of a vibrant social scene that was as much a part of my education as my economics classes. These experiences taught me about teamwork, networking, and balancing responsibilities, which have been invaluable in my personal and professional life.
Economics was a natural choice for my major. It always intrigued me – the way economies shape societies and politics influences markets. This interest led me straight into the world of investment banking in San Francisco, a city known for its dynamic business landscape. The industry was challenging, but it was exactly what I needed to put my academic knowledge into practice and learn the ropes of the financial world.
Looking ahead, I see business school as the next step in my journey. This isn’t just about academic growth; it’s about broadening my network and gaining new skills and insights in business and finance. I’m eager to take on this challenge, building on the experiences I've gained from my international upbringing, my time at UCLA, and my professional journey in San Francisco.