Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
A trailblazer committed to serve, South Texas College (STC) Cadet Sarahi Benavides is breaking generational barriers as she graduates from STC’s 34th Police Academy cohort, becoming the first in her family to step into a law enforcement career while simultaneously earning college credit.
The 27-year-old and dedicated mother of two describes walking across the stage to receive her Peace Officer certificate as a dream that she envisioned over seven years ago and was made possible with the help of the college.
“I’ve always envisioned myself on the frontline, protecting the community that raised me,” Benavides said. “My goal was set on being a police officer and all this effort is about making my family proud and setting a positive example for my kids. Walking across that stage with my family present would not have been possible without STC’s support and I am deeply grateful for it.”
Although the Brownsville native always aspired to wear a badge, her path to the police academy was not without its challenges. Benavides explained that working as a dispatcher for the Brownsville Police Department in 2018 opened her eyes to the complexities and responsibilities of a career in law enforcement.
“When I was a dispatcher, there were a few times that I almost joined a police academy,” she explained. “The first time was when I was 21. I felt ready, but after hearing about officers getting hurt on the job, it made me pause and rethink my decision, especially as a mother. I had to ask myself if I was truly ready for that.”
With each passing year, Benavides recalled feeling like she couldn’t let go of her dream to serve and protect, despite her feelings of hesitation.
“I realized that years continued to pass, but my desire to be an officer was still in the forefront of my mind,” she said. “I knew then that it was time to take a leap of faith and I felt even more empowered knowing that, despite the challenges of motherhood and being a cadet, I would be getting quality training and support from the faculty of STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE).”
STC Law Enforcement faculty member Fernando Cano, recognized the unique opportunity he has in working with cadets, like Benavides, and seeing their growth throughout the 21-week program.
“Working closely with our cadets, I often catch glimpses of their lives through our shared experiences. I quickly learned that Benavides is a dedicated individual who balances her role as a wife and mother of two with her studies and professional work,” Cano expressed. “Despite facing challenges that could have derailed her, I have seen her use it as motivation to succeed. Her determination and commitment to serving her community will undoubtedly make her an asset to any law enforcement organization.”
Grateful for STC’s vital support, Benavides highlighted the guidance and instruction from faculty at the college’s RCPSE facility, is what helped cadets like her achieve their goals of becoming officers.
“STC stepped in at a crucial moment, especially for cadets like me who needed this opportunity to meet a goal I had set out for myself over seven years ago,” Benavides said. “They were quick to accommodate us at the Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco. From emergency driving drills to best practices for excelling on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) exam, STC has been instrumental for our development. The faculty at RCPSE are committed to our success and it was evident from day one.”
Gearing up for a new endeavor, Benavides is excited to take on her new role as a police officer in Brownsville, a city that has shaped her into the person she is today.
“Through a maternal lens, I’ve seen firsthand how the world can be a scary place, but the same way that I’m fiercely committed to keeping my children safe, is the way I intend to keep my community safe,” she said. “Empowered, I take on this role so that I can be a part of the positive changes in the world and this step is just the beginning of that beautiful chapter.”
For more information on STC’s Police Academy or other Public Safety programs and training opportunities offered, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4203.
