Where are they now? It's common to wonder about the paths students take after graduation — where they go and what they do. In our first alumni spotlight, we’re highlighting Cristian Baquiax, a proud graduate of Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), with many more to come.

Baquiax is currently a student at Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Data Science. While at CVCC, he dreamed of attending a four-year school. At Converse University, Baquiax continues to compete in Valorant, just as he did during his time at CVCC.

“I loved my time at CVCC and I miss my friends very much. I was a part of the NJCAAE for two years at CVCC and competed in Valorant. The competition there was fun, engaging, and ran very well for a junior college esports league,” said Baquiax.

What does esports mean to you?

“Esports have changed me for the better. I've learned, lost, and gained all from being in esports and honestly, sometimes I wish I had started this way sooner, but I wouldn't change all that for the friends and family I've made in my time here. Esports helped me maintain a healthy schedule, one that revolves around being a student first and then having time afterward to grow in a team environment for the game,” said Baquiax.

Baquiax’s passion for esports extends beyond competition. His gamertag is Eggroll, a name he chose because he and his family make eggrolls to help fund his tuition.

When asked about his goals for the next five years, Baquiax admitted that it’s a challenging question because he enjoys his current life so much. Nevertheless, he envisions working in his field of study, with a 15-car garage and two project cars to tinker with. He also hopes to continue gaming and advises young gamers to be thoughtful of others during online play. He recommends “defeating” opponents with kindness to make the experience more enjoyable.