UIW Class of 2024: Haley Guerrero

For generations of Incarnate Word students, the sounds of UIW Bands have been a staple of many campus traditions and events. From holiday concerts, formal occasions and athletics events, the institution's student musicians have uplifted the community with their passionate performances. One of these musicians is Haley Guerrero.

"Band has been a part of me since 2014," said Guerrero. "I have always had a passion for serving my bandmates and creating a community we can all enjoy."

Though Guerrero is graduating with a Chemistry degree this weekend, music remained an important part of her life in college. During her three years at UIW, she was part of the University's band as a clarinet player. She also served the ensemble in various roles including student section leader, drum major, band manager and assistant to Director of Bands Nieves Villaseñor III.

Guerrero praises Villasenor as an exceptional educator, highlighting his dedication to providing individual support, while fostering a sense of belonging, connection and value within the entire UIW band.

"He believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself," shared Gurrero. "He also believed in the band when we couldn't see the vision he had for us. During his own transition as the new director, it was challenging, but he helped us adapt and showed us that our band didn't have to be big to be good or earn recognition. Ultimately, the UIW Band became a family that enjoyed making music and entertaining our audience together."

As Guerrero prepares to take the next step in her life and career, she carries with her the harmony between the scientific and musical worlds. Both chemistry and music have shaped her perspective and inspired her to remain involved in both fields with equal passion. For Guerrero, both disciplines are rooted in collaboration and creativity. She draws on these common elements as she moves forward, knowing that her experiences in one area often enhance her understanding of the other. The patience required to master a musical piece mirrors the persistence necessary to solve complex scientific problems. Whether working in the lab or playing in the band, Guerrero has learned the importance of attention to detail, preparation, and resilience - it's a lesson she will carry with her into the future.

A first-generation college grad, Guerrero aspires to become a high school Chemistry teacher and eventually return to school to become a college professor. She hopes to inspire a love for STEM fields in her students, just as her high school chemistry teacher and UIW professors did for her.

Reflecting on her time at UIW, Guerrero is grateful for the personal connections she formed with both her professors and her bandmates, all who made her journey possible.

"I have enjoyed the connections I built with my professors throughout my time here," she remarked. "The opportunity to get to know our professors on a personal level is unique and special. Through these connections, I was able to enjoy my two passions: chemistry and music. It wasn't always easy, but I made it!"

As Guerrero prepares to cross the stage, she does so having demonstrated that success doesn't mean choosing between your passions but finding ways to weave them together, and she's grateful that she was able to do so at the University she loves. Whether it's solving a chemistry problem or playing a concert, Guerrero has learned that both fields require commitment, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose.