For most high school students, a typical Monday involves attending classes, catching up on homework, and maybe squeezing in some extracurricular activities. But for Pines Charter junior Austin Garcia, Monday, September 9th, 2024, took an unexpected turn.
Instead of showing up at school, Austin spent the day competing in YouTuber and Internet Sensation Jack Doherty’s “Last to Leave” Tesla Challenge. The high-stakes contest began on September 7th, where the last person standing could win a brand-new Tesla.
Though Austin didn’t walk away with the Tesla, his almost 2-day adventure was nothing short of a test of his resilience and determination. It also became a story about seizing the moment when life throws you a wild opportunity.
“I was bored and found out about it last minute on social media—it was a last-minute type of thing,” Austin says. “I pulled up, and there were like a thousand people there.” Despite the crowd, he was lucky enough to get in. The contest, which spanned three days, quickly gained momentum, drawing 107,000 views over those days on Kick. From the start, Austin knew this was no ordinary challenge, and once he was in, he wasn’t about to back down.
Over the next 42 hours, Austin faced mental and physical hurdles, pushing his limits far beyond anything he expected. “The hardest part? Definitely not sleeping,” Austin recalls. After two full days, exhaustion crept in, and by Monday, September 9th, he recalls “hallucinating from the lack of rest”. Despite the odds, he powered through, determined to outlast the other competitors until finally leaving the contest Monday afternoon, just shy of the coveted prize.
Though he didn’t win the Tesla, Austin left with a $5,000 dirt bike and a Chrome Hearts hoodie. “I sold the bike and used it as a down payment for my car,” Austin says, turning what could’ve been just a flashy prize into a practical step toward his future.
As the dust settles on the challenge, Austin shares the biggest lesson: “Never give up. When you’re determined to do something, just do it.” His participation turned out to be more meaningful than an act of boredom. It shows the unpredictability of life and the importance of taking risks when opportunities arise.
Austin’s story serves as a reminder to anyone reading about it—sometimes the greatest opportunities come when you least expect them. His journey shows that being bold and embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected rewards, whether it’s a challenge like this or simply navigating everyday school life. For Austin, it’s clear: he’s ready for whatever comes next.
