Maria Garcia’s farewell

goodbye. this is my last abc-7 at four newscast and my last day at kvia. i will be leaving el paso to pursue my masters at columbia university in new york city. i want to thank everyone who supported me in these last 10-plus years at kvia. i started here when i was 19 and an intern. you’ve seen me grow up here through so many phases in my life. i found my voice here. not only as a journalist but as a woman and a mother. in most jobs, if you have a great day or make a mistake – only those around you see it. not in this job. in this job – you all saw me through big triumps and big mistakes. and you made me better for it. your support, your kind words have always humbled me and kept me grounded. i’ll always have el paso in my heart. it’ll aways be home – and you’ll in a way always be my family. i want to thank those here at kvia who took a chance on me – a young girl with a thick accent who had big dreams. my news director brenda de anda swann, my managing editor eric huseby and my general manager kevin lovell. thank you to my co-workers who hustled alongside of me all these years. they’re what make kvia great. and i want to thank my family. my ever supporting brother and sister in law. my loving fiance who makes me a better person. my son who inspires me every day and reminds me what matters in life. and my mother – especially my mother. my biggest cheerleader, the wisest person i know who worked so hard for me to have a better life. i love you. thank you. i owe it all to you. thank you for ten wonderful years el paso. goodbye.