Trying to make it as a comedian takes many years of hard work, patience and perseverance. And Dillon Garcia is no exception. He just started earlier than most.

At age 16, Garcia started doing stand-up for the first time. At 17, he became the youngest comedian to perform on Comedy Central, and was part of Gabriel Iglesias’ “Stand-Up Revolution” premiering on the channel.

The now 21-year-old has recently begun a college tour, which will bring him to Whitworth on Feb. 23. Garcia said he started the tour because, although his life is not like an average person his age, he still would like to connect with people in his age group.

Garcia had plenty to say about how he got to where he is today:

Q: When did you first realize you were funny?
A: “I’d say elementary school is when I knew I was funnier than everybody else. But I never really wanted to be a comedian; it just happened. I’m really fun, immature, and I’m… a driven person, but most of all just fun to be around, and confident.”

Q: Why would you say that you’re driven?
A: “As a young comedian, I just feel like I sacrificed a lot of the things people my age do so I could focus on my career. But it’s not a regular 21-year-old life.”

Q: Why did you decide to start a college tour?
A: “A college tour is the closest I can get to people relating to me. Because a lot of other times when I’m doing regular shows, it’s just performing for an older crowd, so I kind of have to cater to them. But with college age [audiences], I can just be myself and just talk about the things that I think are funny because they’re my age and they think it’s funny too. And it pays really well!”

Q: How do you come up with material for your shows?
A: “I kind of just let it happen. I never write any of my jokes on paper. I kind of just let life experiences hit me in the head and then I’ll put my twist on it. So it’s like a big…hit-or-miss onstage.”

Q: What would your advice be for someone who wants to get into this profession?
A: “Don’t! No, I’m just kidding. But it’s tough. It’s not just being funny. I mean if you want to become a comedian more power to you, but it’s a battle. You don’t make it right away. You’re going to bomb [on stage]. You’re going to not be very good for about a year. You start to learn the ropes. Just stay humble, and write your own material. Be original.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future, like 10 to 15 years from now?
A: “I think in 10 to 15 years I’ll be a household name — hopefully legendary. I see myself headlining arenas. I’m shooting for the sky.”

Garcia’s show will be at 7 p.m. in the HUB dining hall on Feb. 23.

Contact Meghan Dellinger at [email protected]