SWC News Center

Speed, Accuracy, and Discipline: Inside the World of a USPSA Competitor While Being a Student

By Jiro Salvador - December 12, 2025

Southwestern College (SWC) found me, a United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) competitor, born and raised in San Diego. My decision to attend began with encouragement from family members who are proud SWC alumni. I chose SWC because it allowed me to save money, explore different career pathways, and learn in a supportive, community-driven environment with a strong reputation for helping students succeed.

Since before I was born, my dad, Rodolfo Salvador, was already a firearm hobbyist. Growing up, he would take me to the range twice a year—until his sudden decline in health. When I was 12, my dad decided to start a laser engraving business customizing tumblers, debit cards, and metal material. One day, Lou Paz—a USPSA competitive shooter—saw my dad’s work on Facebook and asked if he could laser engrave firearms. Although my dad had never engraved a firearm before, he accepted the challenge. After completing Lou’s design, their friendship grew, and Lou eventually asked if my dad was interested in joining the sport. Because of fatigue from his medications, he told Lou about me instead.

From that moment on, my life changed. Sponsors have helped me compete internationally, allowing me to pursue the sport at a high level. Recently, I competed in the 2025 South Africa World Shoot, placing in the top 8% of Competitors in Open Division, and at the 2025 Racegun Nationals, I earned an A-Class National Championship title.

While building my USPSA career, one of the biggest challenges at SWC was balancing academic responsibilities, such as obtaining my Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Criminal Justice, with international travel and competition. Starting college in a new environment was not easy, but joining the Sangam Learning Community was the best decision I have made. Sangam helped me gain confidence, feel supported, and connect with faculty, staff, and students who uplift me not only academically but mentally and personally. They have celebrated my achievements, guided my decisions, and strengthened my love for my sport—all while helping me grow as a student.

Looking ahead, I plan on joining the United States Navy, which was strongly recommended to me as a great pathway for gaining foundational experience in law enforcement and criminal justice. My coach, Joel Gonzales, who currently serves in the Navy, has guided both my athletic career and my professional goals, encouraging me to pursue a direction that aligns with my passion for criminal justice.

I also want students to know that careers such as Border Patrol, law enforcement, or detective work do not require a specialized degree—you do not need a Border Patrol degree, nor is a criminal justice major required to enter these fields. However, SWC’s criminal justice courses, faculty, and resources offer valuable preparation for anyone interested in these careers, including me.

After the Navy, I plan to transfer to San Diego State University (SDSU) to complete my bachelor’s degree. Staying local feels right—I grew up here, my support system is here, and SDSU offers a familiar environment where I know I can continue to thrive.

None of these opportunities—from exploring a criminal justice pathway to preparing for the Navy to transferring to SDSU—would have been possible without SWC. Through supportive counselors, knowledgeable professors, and learning communities like Sangam, SWC has helped me take confident steps toward the future I want to build.