A first-generation college student, Rolando Guerrero ’09 came to TCU as a Community Scholar intent on becoming a doctor, but he found his true passion in graphic design. While he still faced numerous challenges and one major detour, he found plenty of Horned Frog support along the way. Now Guerrero, the senior digital art director at Agency Habitat in Fort Worth, uses his journey to inspire other first-gens.
He answered some questions about his Horned Frog first-gen experience:
What brought you to TCU?
RG: The fact that it was close to my family was a major plus. I was never exposed to
other colleges or universities growing up as a kid. Being a part of the Big Brothers
Big Sisters program, my big brother, Tony, took me to my first college football game.
It was an unreal scene. Thousands of people, wearing purple, cheering for the hometown
team made me want to be a part of it. My family didn’t come from money, and we weren’t
sure how I’d be able to get there, or anywhere for that matter. But thankfully because
of the Community Scholars scholarship, my dreams became a reality.
What are some of the strengths you believe you possess as a first-generation college
student?
RG: I think my biggest strength is being adaptive. This was my first time being on my
own and at a school with many students with different backgrounds. Instead of isolating
myself from the TCU community, I embraced it. I joined organizations, attended campus
events and made friends with people different from me. I made the best of my college
experience because of my positive mindset and adaptability.
What was your biggest challenge as a first-generation student and how did you overcome
it?
RG: My biggest challenge was not understanding how to prepare for college-level courses
and what was expected of me. I was the first in my family to go to college and had
no idea what to expect or how to handle the day-to-day of campus life. I failed my
Intro to Biology class because I had no idea there were two components to it — a lecture
and a lab. I never went to the lab portion. I had no idea that’s how some classes
were. I was lost. Thankfully, because of the support system from the Community Scholars
and the TRiO/Student Support Services staff, I was able to get free tutoring and other
resources to help me bounce back from that first disappointing semester. My willingness
to ask for help and wanting to do well got me back on track.
What did graduating from college mean to you and your support system?
RG: It meant the world to me—more so because I wanted to set a good example for my younger
sisters and future family. Education is everything. It can open doors to so many opportunities,
and I didn’t want them to not have a shot at a better life. Now my younger sisters
always talk of furthering their education after high school, and I couldn’t be more
proud of them.
What advice would you give to other first-generation college students?
RG: I would say to not be afraid of college and the experience you are about to embark
on. No one is perfect, and at times college can seem overwhelming. Just know there
are others like you who are probably feeling the same way. And there are tons of resources
provided by the university to help you succeed. Your time at college will be some
of the best years of your life. Your positive mindset and dedication to getting that
diploma will be more than enough motivation to get you to the finish line.
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
RG: Because I still live and work in Fort Worth, I love that I am able to go back to
the campus and immerse myself back into the TCU community. I can have breakfast at
the TCU bookstore or find a nice spot at the Campus Commons to do some work. It’s
nice to be able to reflect and remind myself of how I got to where I am today. And
to add to that, I’ll be able to take my daughter to the campus and show her the things
she could be capable of — show her the importance of education and how great a college
experience and degree can be.
How did you go from aspiring doctor to your role now as a senior digital art director?
RG: All my life I thought I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. I had a knack for art, but I always thought that being a doctor was the way to go. After my first semester at TCU, I quickly realized that it wasn’t my true passion.
In high school, I was involved with creating the yearbook, designing class shirts and participating in art competitions. I never thought that graphic design existed or could even be a career. Fast forward to TCU, when I realized that this could be an actual field of study — that was one of the best days of my life. I finally figured out my purpose. So I changed my major and I was on my way to achieving my dreams. So I thought.
The graphic design department is very competitive and only allows a certain number of students to continue studying with a graphic design major designation. I went for it and worked hard for a semester to learn my fate. The day came when the students were notified that they were selected to proceed. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them. Only 15 students were allowed to continue courses in graphic design. I barely missed out, being ranked No. 16. I was crushed. It was one of the worst days of my life.
I had a choice: either retry the graphic design entry process, which could prolong my time at TCU, or change my major. I couldn’t afford the risk of staying at TCU past four years, so I opted to change my major to advertising/public relations (now strategic communication). I didn’t want to give up on my dream of being a graphic designer, so I wanted to stay close to the graphic design field of study. So along with taking courses like Media Writing and Research/Evaluation, I used my free time continuing to learn graphic design basics and the computer software that professionals utilize in the industry. I was determined to — had to — make it as a graphic designer.
Changing my major and not giving up was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was able to participate in a nationwide student advertising competition, where I represented TCU along with 20-plus students and staff. We competed and were ranked No. 9 in the nation. I networked with many talented individuals and thankfully was able to land my first internship/job because of the extracurricular opportunities provided to me by TCU.
My message to any students coming into college is don’t give up on your goals. When times get tough, keep your head high and make it happen. Know that you aren’t alone — TCU has so many staff members, facilities and on-campus help to get you to where you want to be. All you have to do is ask. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s a great way to connect with others and make your college experience an enjoyable one.