Childhood Dreams and Divine Direction
Ashley Guerra grew up brimming with aspirations—chef, doctor, marine biologist. But as she puts it with a smile, a “dislike of the ocean” quickly washed away her marine biology dreams. Like many college students, she still faced the nagging question: What am I supposed to do with my life?
The answer came not from a career aptitude test, but from a quiet reflection on her natural gifts.
“I always felt the most useful when I help others,” Guerra says. “Sometimes it’s not about what you want but about doing what God’s already made you good at.”
From Classmate Tutor to Future Teacher
Now a sophomore majoring in English at Fresno Pacific University, Guerra plans to become a high school English teacher, with an eye toward eventually teaching at the junior college level. Her teaching spirit took root early—she fondly recalls helping classmates understand tough topics since kindergarten.
But outside the classroom, Guerra has been developing her teaching muscles in an entirely different setting: the dance floor.
Leading with Passion: President of the Folklorico Club
Ashley first encountered folklorico dance as a high school elective at Woodlake High School. Her only option was the advanced class, but she saw that as a challenge rather than a setback.
“I like to compete with myself,” she says. “It motivated me to work really hard and show up for myself—and it became one of my passions.”
Thanks to the encouragement of her high school dance teacher, Hector Corvera, Ashley found her footing—not just as a dancer but as a leader. That same spark carried into her time at FPU.
Stepping into Leadership at FPU
Guerra's decision to attend Fresno Pacific came down to the wire. Encouraged by her father and uncle—both FPU alumni—she chose to invest in herself despite financial concerns.
“Even though FPU was more expensive, I decided to make investing in myself a priority,” she says.
Determined to make the most of her college experience, she attended the Club Fair as a freshman and joined the FPU Folklorico Club. A year later, she was elected club president and took on the role of student instructor.
Leading Through Challenges and Community
Teaching others to dance turned out to be more demanding than anticipated.
“I thought, how hard could it be to teach? I quickly learned it’s harder to teach than it is to learn,” Guerra admits.
But she found creative ways to make it fun—like having students pretend they’re “stepping on a cockroach and dragging it” during footwork drills. Beyond teaching, Guerra organizes events, leads fundraisers, manages meetings, and plans each semester’s calendar.
When the demands began to pile up, Guerra leaned into her faith.
“A true leader empowers others to step up and lead,” she reflects, describing how she invited her teammates to share the load.
Growing Confidence and Redefining Leadership
Despite her active role, Guerra initially hesitated to call herself a leader.
“I question what makes me special enough to be labeled that,” she says.
But over time, she recognized that leadership isn’t about being loud or perfect—it’s about showing up with excellence and encouraging others to do the same.
“I always deliver in whatever setting I’m in and motivate others to perform their best,” she says. “I know God’s never going to put anything in my path I can’t overcome.”
Her time at FPU has nurtured that confidence. Once unsure of her academic readiness, she now thrives in upper-level courses, thanks to the support of professors who saw her potential.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Growth
Each semester, Guerra sets goals for herself and the folklorico club. This semester includes organizing a Cinco de Mayo celebration and increasing fundraising efforts. Long-term, she hopes to grow the club to 20 members—including, she hopes, some male dancers.
As a self-described introvert, recruiting others has pushed her outside her comfort zone.
“If others can do it, why can’t I?” she says. “God gives us all gifts and attributes, and starting a conversation—even if it’s hard—can be so rewarding.”
Leading Beyond the Stage
In addition to her club involvement, Guerra works in undergraduate admissions and serves as a writing tutor, roles that continue to refine her ability to mentor and lead.
Whether she’s dancing, writing, tutoring, or leading, Ashley Guerra is living into her purpose with boldness, humility, and faith.
“FPU is such a neat place to grow and be part of a community,” she says. “I’ve found my place, and I’m excited for what’s still ahead.”
Adapted from an article written by Amy D. Fienen
