From security guard to aspiring lawyer

Most recently promoted to South Texas College Surveillance System Specialist, Andres “Drew” Guerra vividly recalls a moment when he saved a student’s life, marking it as one of the most significant highlights during his 11 years as a security guard, alongside countless other rewarding experiences.

A California native who moved to the Rio Grande Valley during high school, Guerra was hired as a security guard for the STC Pecan campus at 25 years old, a pivotal moment that changed his life forever.

“I never thought I would end up in security or law. I was always lost when I was young, trying different jobs that I didn’t truly like,” he said. “But STC is where I found a community. I can walk into any building and find dozens of friends, a family. As a security guard, my goal every day wasn’t only to ensure a safe space, but a place where people are happy. I enjoyed making a difference day by day.”

He distinctly remembers an instance while guarding a crosswalk, that he noticed a car failing to stop, and reacting quickly, he grabbed a student, who was riding a bike, by his backpack, preventing a potential tragedy.

Similarly, he recalls comforting a nursing student struggling with a class, who years later would become his son’s nurse and remembered him with deep gratitude.

“I might not be assisting students directly like instructors do, but I take pride in what I do and in contributing to the success of the students,” he said. “Whether it’s giving them a word of advice or helping them with issues like paying tickets, or simply being present, many students tell me they appreciate the level of security at every campus.”

Growing close to the community, especially the STC Police Department, Guerra found his calling in seeking to help those who need it most through the justice system.

“By working closely with law enforcement, I decided to continue the path toward law and pursue becoming a lawyer. I hope to work pro bono and assist those who need it the most,” said Guerra. “STC changed my life in many ways. I even grew very close to the Art department, with a passion for ceramics that has become a hobby.”

Therefore, inspired by the hundreds of students he witnessed grow at STC, he also became a student at STC, recently earning an associate degree in Political Science as the first step toward becoming a lawyer.

“My decision to return to school was all because of the students. Through the years, I have enjoyed helping them in any way that I could, even just with words of encouragement. It’s what keeps me going,” the now 36-year-old said proudly. “I love watching people grow. I got to be on the sidelines, watching them work hard and put in their time studying. That’s what led me to where I am today.”

Now, a loving father of two boys and a dedicated husband, Guerra was recently promoted to Surveillance System Specialist, focusing on the installation and maintenance of the school’s highly sophisticated surveillance equipment, but he is still immensely proud of his important role as college security.

This new position will allow him to continue his education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley next fall, with plans to apply to law school after graduating.

“It’s still quite a few years away, and it means I would have to leave STC someday, which I don’t look forward to, but I find encouragement to pursue my dreams everywhere I go,” he said. “My STC family has been with me through everything – as my family grew, as I kept pursuing my education and as I continue to chase my dreams. Everybody at STC is amazing. They all go above and beyond for you, so how can I not do the same? I’m proud to be part of this community.”