Igniting his future at STC’s Fire Academy

At just 17 years old, Jorge Escobar III is already taking bold steps toward a future in public service as a graduate of STC’s Fire Academy.  

Escobar enrolled in the STC Dual Credit Programs Fire Academy after a classroom presentation at Mission High School from South Texas College faculty member Victor  Fonseca. The visit lit a spark in him that quickly turned into action. 

“I wanted to challenge myself,” Escobar said. “When I saw what the academy was about, I thought, ‘This is going to push me, and I want that.’” 

The STC Fire Academy, which recently began offering a high school-level program, demands more than just physical endurance. Students like Escobar are held to high standards academically and physically. But despite the pressure, Escobar says it’s the sense of teamwork that keeps him grounded. 

“Our group is small, just eight of us right now, but we’re tight,” he said. “We come from different places and didn’t know each other before, but now we’re pushing each other to be our best.” 

That support was especially important during their final exam. Escobar remembers how the group came together during late-night study sessions, encouraging each other through the process. 

“We all had each other’s backs,” he said. “Our lowest grade on the final was a 95. That shows how seriously we take this and how strong we are as a team.” 

Escobar credits the faculty and staff at STC’s Fire Academy for much of his motivation. He said one day he was struggling during a drill and a tutor stayed behind to guide him through it. That support meant the world to him. 

“I had gotten stuck, and he stayed with me until I got through it,” Escobar said. “That kind of support means everything.” 

While this is only the beginning of his journey, Escobar has big plans. His dream is to become a firefighter and eventually move up the ranks to become a fire marshal or inspector. 

“I want to use my youth while I have it,” he said. “But I also want to grow in this field and serve in other ways.” 

He hopes to be a role model for his younger sister and peers who might not see firefighting as an option. 

“I tell people the journey may be tough, but the reward is worth it,” Escobar said. 

For him, STC is more than just a place to earn a certificate, it’s a launchpad. 

“Everyone here wants you to be the best version of yourself,” he said. “And I’m just getting started.”  

For more information on STC’s  Fire Academy, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/fire-science/academy.html.