Inspired to Serve
Student of the Week: Jacqueline Moreno
I’ve always wanted to help my community and those who are in need.
Witnessing the courage by first responders during the harrowing events of Sept. 11 left a lasting impression on Jacqueline Moreno long before she ever stepped into a classroom at South Texas College.
As she watched documentaries detailing the sacrifices made by firefighters, emergency personnel and especially law enforcement, Moreno said she discovered a calling that has guided her ever since. She was determined to serve and protect her community through a career in Criminal Justice.
“I’ve always wanted to help my community and those who are in need,” Moreno said. When I learned about 9/11 and saw the courage of the rescuers, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to serving others. I want people to know that in my future career, I will be somebody they can trust to help when I am needed.”
Born and raised in Rio Grande City, Moreno said her desire to serve comes from witnessing both the strengths and struggles of her community. Starr County is defined by intensely close families, but also extreme poverty, which can be difficult to emerge from.
Moreno said while the past two years at STC have tested her perseverance, every challenge has strengthened her determination to succeed.
Now close to completing her associate degree in Criminal Justice from STC, Moreno plans to graduate in December 2026 and enter STC’s Police Academy with the goal to enter a career in law enforcement.
Moreno said she hopes to one day serve with the Texas Department of Public Safety before pursuing opportunities at the federal level.
“I’ve seen the good, but I have also seen people who need help and families who don’t always feel safe,” she said. “I want to be the kind of officer who makes people feel secure and lets them know someone is looking out for them.”
Moreno hopes her message reaches students who are beginning their own college journeys. Success comes to those students who have the courage to stay focused even when the path becomes difficult.
“Don’t give up,” she said. “There will always be challenges, but keep moving forward. Trust yourself, keep believing in your future and remember you were made to do great things. Even when everything seems cloudy, there is a light at the end of that long tunnel.”