Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
South Texas College Fire Science student John Ingle reflected on his journey in college, an experience he said has been marked by the dedication and support from South Texas College’s (STC) Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center.
Originally from Nicaragua, Ingle moved to the United States at the age of 3 where he faced numerous obstacles with his educational experience stemming from language barriers and troubles navigating K-12 public schooling.
“I struggled in school because of language barriers, and growing up I didn’t have an easy time learning, so I wasn’t built on a strong educational foundation,” Ingle shared. “Now, as a college student, most people may find themselves wanting to get their degree and get out as fast as possible, but that just hasn’t been the case for me since I started at STC.”
As a young adult, Ingle quickly found his passion for service, serving six years in the Army, including two deployments to Iraq, before transitioning to a 15-year career on the frontlines of fighting fires. With a growing ambition to serve his community, Ingle realized the value of furthering his education especially after meeting a mentor at the Alamo Fire Department.
“For my personal and professional development, I knew coming back to school would be crucial, especially after working with Alamo Fire Chief Rolando Espinoza,” Ingle stated. “He was key for me to continue my education. I had been with the fire department for over 15 years, it was all I ever knew. Attempting to go back to school came with its challenges considering I struggled in school and always pursued more hands-on endeavors.”
In 2021, Ingle returned to STC, enrolling in the Police Academy to build on his qualifications. It was during this time that Ingle found himself growing frustrated, then he learned about the resources at the college like the Child Development Center at STC’s Weslaco campus.
“I was a father and now a college freshman in my forties and coming back to school after more than a decade to learn something completely new was a challenge for me,” Ingle stated. “Taking care of my family is my main priority, so my first glimmer of hope to come back was when I learned that not only was there assistance for me at the college, but there was also quality care my children could take advantage of while I earned college credit.”
Through a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, Ingle and his family were able to access childcare at STC, which became a vital part of his academic journey. For Ingle and his wife, the child development center has been nothing short of transformative for their children’s development and his success as a student.
“The quality of care our children have received is amazing, intentional and impactful. The teachers and staff have supported my kids academically and addressed their social and cognitive development, they quickly became part of our family,” Ingle expressed. “Despite my own hesitations, the main reason I have stayed in school is because of the center and the way they’ve nurtured my children’s development. They have even offered advice for my own academic path when I needed help. They saw me and understood what it meant to be a student with family responsibilities. They weren’t just helping shape my kids; they were guiding me through my own journey.”
Attributing a large part of his success to the dedication of the center’s staff, Ingle highlighted how STC Child Care Service Developer and CCAMPIS Program Director Cecilia Villagran played a pivotal role in helping guide and provide resources for him, ultimately becoming his bridge to campus life and helping him feel a part of the college.
“For over three years, I have known Ingle and have had the pleasure of supporting him through the CCAMPIS grant. His academic journey hasn’t been easy, but he is on a clear path to completing his degree,” Villagran explained. “Balancing parenthood, academics, a farm business and his role as a firefighter is no easy feat, yet his commitment to each responsibility is truly inspiring. The CCAMPIS grant has provided vital child care assistance, enabling him to focus on his studies while supporting his family and community. His achievements illustrate the power of perseverance and the positive impact of resources that make education more accessible. Watching him thrive is a testament to his hard work and I have no doubt he will continue to make a meaningful impact both in his career and as a role model for his family.”
Following Ingle’s completion of the STC Police Academy, he began working with a local fire department, excelling in his position within the field. With the encouragement of his department’s leadership, he decided to continue his studies in Fire Science at STC to continue growing professionally.
“The path to obtaining my associate degree in Fire Science was something I wanted for my own reasons, I have been in school since 2021, its taking me longer than most students, but the support my family and I receive from the Child Development Center literally makes it worthwhile and in the end I am still one step closer to my personal goals,” Ingle shared. “I am willing, happy to take the long route if it means my child will continue to receive high caliber education, something I didn’t get growing up. That is literally the reason I am still here.”
Reflecting on his journey with immense gratitude, Ingle emphasized how STC not only ignited his potential as a non-traditional student but also provided his children with a strong foundation he wished he’d had, ultimately fueling their future success.
“When I first got started, I thought it would be hard to find a college that understands, sees and values the full picture of a student’s life, especially for someone like me who is a non-traditional student,” he said. “STC has given me a space to learn, grow and more importantly, it gave my children what I didn’t have, a nurturing and strong educational foundation.”
As he approaches graduation in spring 2025, Ingle is eager to continue working towards the legacy he’s building, not only for himself, but for his family.
“Although I have taken my time with each passing semester, my dream is soon becoming a reality. However, the real reward is seeing my kids thriving, excelling at every milestone and ready for their K-12 journeys with confidence. It has all been worth it since I know they will have a brighter future and STC made that possible,” he said.
For more information about South Texas College’s Child Development Center visit, https://www.southtexascollege.edu/child-development-center/
