Alumnus finds peace in helping others
Juan Esteban Peña arrived at San Jacinto College ready to start a new chapter of his life.
Peña earned a basketball scholarship from Grace Christian Academy, but following graduation, he gave up basketball to study business. He was encouraged to attend San Jacinto College.
Peña soon found himself jobless and overwhelmed with both college coursework and debt. A relative offered him money and an easy way out. He considered it but decided it was best to put his trust in God alone. He believes this decision was divine intervention.
I want to be a person others can trust and look up to. You have to do the right thing, even when life is hard. I wrote down a plan and said, ‘God, I’m going to prove to people that trusting You is worth it.'
Peña was hired as a part-time administrative assistant at the College’s district office, an opportunity he claims as his defining moment. His front desk duties improved his people skills and helped him feel comfortable being himself.
The job covered living expenses but not school debt. One day, he checked his bank account and discovered a hefty balance. His saving grace? A San Jacinto College Foundation scholarship.
“I paid off the debt and even had money left,” he said. “That really changed my life, I think. I’ve been in situations where I felt helpless, then God shows up.”
Peña graduated in fall 2023 with an associate degree in business. Like clockwork, another opportunity presented itself.
“My friend Jake owns a gym in Clear Lake, and he hired me on the spot,” he said. “It’s become more than just a job.”
Peña works as a fitness coach for aging adults. Whether patrons come in to work out or find companionship, he finds the role uplifting because he believes what they do changes lives. He is devoted to his passion for helping others and spreading the word of God to youth here and in Colombia. He enjoys speaking to youth groups, offering encouragement and emotional support in person and online.
“We all have a story to tell,” he said. “God created us, so we should believe in the dreams He put in our hearts. That’s what I live by.”
Peña plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree someday. For now, he is taking his time to figure things out.
Read more stories from the Chancellor's Report to the Community
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
