Jose Arredondo: A Story of Hard Work, Persistence, and Community Impact

Jose Arredondo’s journey to becoming a respected multimedia journalist at Spectrum News is a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience. A San Antonio native, Arredondo grew up in the city’s West Side, one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in Texas. His upbringing, shaped by community and struggle, has profoundly influenced the way he approaches storytelling, especially in giving a voice to marginalized communities. 

Arredondo’s connection to San Antonio College began through the Urban Journalism Workshop (UJW), a program that sparked his interest in the field of journalism. “It challenged me in ways I never expected,” he shared. Although initially focused on sports journalism, the workshop pushed him to explore stories outside of his comfort zone. One story, about human trafficking, not only broadened his perspective but also motivated him to pursue higher education at SAC.

Despite facing challenges early in his college years, Arredondo persisted. "I didn’t take everything seriously at first,” he admitted. “But SAC taught me a valuable lesson: it doesn’t matter where you are in your academic journey, you need to take it seriously.” After struggling with early classes, including remedial courses and a rough first year, Arredondo honed his study habits and learned how to effectively manage his time. By his second year, he was deeply involved in The Ranger newspaper (now the Sundial), covering both sports and student government, and developing the writing skills that would serve him throughout his career. 

“The professors at SAC really pushed me to think critically and work hard,” Arredondo said, pointing to mentors like Tricia Buchhorn, Irene Abrego, and Dr. Edmund Lo, who helped shape his journalistic journey. His time at SAC allowed him to develop the skills necessary for the next step in his career: a role at the San Antonio Express-News. “I learned so much about journalism at SAC—it was like being in the trenches,” he recalled. His hard work led to multiple first-place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. 

At the San Antonio Express-News, he covered everything from high school sports to hyper-local community stories. His dedication to his craft paid off when he landed a full-time role at Spectrum News in 2019. As a multimedia journalist, his focus on public policy and equity brings attention to issues that matter to the communities he cares about most. 

Arredondo’s work has earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy in 2022 and an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2023, but it’s the impact of his stories that truly resonates with him. He is committed to telling the stories that often go untold, particularly those from underrepresented communities. “When I cover stories, I want people to see their own experiences reflected in the news,” Arredondo explained. “I want to make sure that people know that their stories matter.” 

Despite his success, Arredondo remains grounded and committed to giving back to his community. When he’s not reporting, you can find him volunteering at his childhood community center or teaching photography to low-income youth. “I want to show the next generation that it’s possible to succeed, no matter where you come from,” he said. His efforts to inspire and mentor youth are part of his ongoing commitment to improving his community. 

Arredondo’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and a deep sense of responsibility to his roots. His message to current SAC students is simple but powerful: “Run your own race. It doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as you finish. SAC gave me the tools I needed to succeed, and it made this dream job possible and affordable. Don’t be afraid to start here—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.” 

For Arredondo, his journey from the West Side of San Antonio to becoming an award-winning journalist is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. San Antonio College didn’t just provide him with an education—it gave him the platform to chase his dreams and, in turn, to inspire others to do the same. 

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