Alumnus finds peace in helping others

Juan Esteban Peña arrived at San Jacinto College ready to start a new chapter of his life.  

 The Colombian native came to Houston as an international student to finish high school. He earned a basketball scholarship from Grace Christian Academy. Following graduation, he gave up basketball to study business. His host parent encouraged him 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. At the end of his last term, Peña needed to pay off the balance or return to Colombia. With two weeks left, 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.