Gabriel Metzgar, or “Gabe” to his friends, has attended Mt. SAC Early College Academy since his freshman year in 2021. He has created many lasting memories, as well as friendships, here at school.
One of his close friends, fellow senior Jomar Guerrero, shares that his favorite memory with Metzgar was when they were separated from the rest of their friend group, and went to get ice cream. When reflecting on this moment, Guerrero said “I was going to pay, but he said he’ll buy it for me and that made me feel like he valued me in a way even though it wasn’t something that big.”
Metzgar feels sentimental when thinking about the last four years. He misses his freshman year, and how simple life once was. Now, he takes on the responsibility of not only being a dual enrollment student but having a job, as well. He has consistently “persevered” in order to keep his job.
In his junior year, Metzgar feared he might get his work permit taken away, so he focused only on school, to get his grades up so the Vice Principal would sign it. Reminiscing the situation, he states, “That was so scary because I thought I was going to lose my job, lose my car, and have a bunch of bad credit.” It is clear that Metzgar seeks the importance of his future, and works hard to ensure that he can grow into an independent adult, as he’s already practicing that independence.
The passion that Metzgar has for jumpstarting his future has given Guerrero insight into his own life as well. He now wants to start applying for jobs, as well as practicing to take his driving test. Something else he has learned from Metzgar is his “patience” that he displays regardless of the situation.
While he may have a lot on his plate, he knows that balance is the key to success. He notes that he relaxes by “laying in bed,” when he gets home after work, or watching his recent favorite film, White Chicks. He also spends time with his “adorable” cat, Cloud. He feels that owning a cat is “low maintenance,” as they “take care of themselves.” These simple distractions help him to take his mind off all of his day-to-day responsibilities.
When he gets a weekend off from his busy schedule, his ideal day would be spent with his family. One activity he enjoys is going to Azusa Canyon with his dad. This is exactly what he did on a recent day he had off from work. He shares, “He was on his motorcycle, and I was in my car, and we got to drive around the canyon, and it was fun.” Metzgar has a passion for cars, and can even drive a manual which he feels is a “unique” talent not many in his generation have.
With all his hard work, he does have a dream in mind that correlates to his love for cars. He wishes to own either a R34 or R33 Skyline, or a Porsche. With this being said, he remains humble. “I hope for success and wealth and years of living happily,” Metzgar stated. He notes that happiness is more of a priority for him than wealth and that wealth “makes life easier,” but is only a small aspect of life.
Speaking of Metzgar’s humility, Media Center clerk Robert Sanchez has noticed this trait in him. Sanchez happily shares, “He doesn’t brag, that’s why people don’t know a lot about him.”
The Media Center is where Metzgar spends all of his first periods, as a peer tutor for Sanchez. He is always willing to help, and Sanchez states, “When no one else wants to do something he will get up and volunteer.” This attitude is what sets Metzgar apart, and is what those who know him admire him for. Sanchez knows he has a good future ahead of him, sharing, “He’s a good kid, he’s a good influence on the people around him and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen later.”
Guerrero similarly explains, “He has a very good influence on his friends and has a positive energy … that is contagious to others.” He also mentions that “Gabe is a nice guy with good intentions.” It is obvious that those who are around him have benefited from his company.
Metzgar has yet to determine the specific career he wants to pursue, but learning about Physics through space videos on YouTube has piqued his interest. He elaborates, “Space videos are interesting, like physics. I’ve thought about it (for a career).” However, he feels, “There’s so much stuff that I want to do that there’s not one thing that I could pick out to do.” He plans to attend Mt. SAC after graduation to complete his general education credits and then hopefully transfer to UC San Diego. Metzgar is “determined” to graduate high school, and will continue to push himself to be the person he wants to be.
Metzgar is “hopeful” for the next chapter of his life, and will continue to make the most of it. He has many ideas, and the world will be lucky to see when he makes these come to fruition.
