Planting seeds of purpose

“I realized that Redlands wasn’t just a place with a strong academic reputation; it was a university with a legacy of developing outstanding educators and people of character.”

When Sara Guerra ’04, ’06 steps into her fourth-grade classroom at Bryn Mawr Elementary, she isn’t just beginning that day’s lesson—she is coming full circle. Years earlier, she walked the same ground as a teenager, helping her mother set up her second-grade classroom. Two decades later, Guerra stands at the front of her own, continuing a family legacy of education and purpose.

But getting there wasn’t always straightforward.

After graduating from high school, Guerra began her higher-education journey at Crafton Hills College. Although she had long admired the University of Redlands, she questioned whether she truly belonged there. “I didn’t think I was smart enough or could make the grade,” she said.

With guidance and encouragement from her mother and influence from close friends, everything changed when she decided to pursue a career in education. Guerra began looking more intentionally at where she could receive the best academic and personal preparation and immediately thought of Redlands.

“I realized that Redlands wasn’t just a place with a strong academic reputation; it was a university with a legacy of developing outstanding educators and people of character,” Guerra said.

Upon transferring to Redlands, her dream of becoming an educator was now within reach. Guerra earned a degree in liberal studies with a minor in Spanish in 2004, completed her teaching credential in 2005, and finished her master’s in curriculum and instruction by 2006.

“Choosing U of R was one of the most transformative decisions of my life,” Guerra said. “It gave me more than a degree. It gave me a sense of purpose, a professional identity, and a lifelong connection to a place that believed in my potential even before I fully believed in it myself.”

Throughout her time at Redlands, Guerra experienced opportunities that shaped her personally and professionally. From “faculty mentorships, collaboration with peers, and the University’s deep commitment to diversity and equity,” she prepared for the realities of the classroom. Guerra credits her education at Redlands for teaching her that creating a welcoming, inclusive environment is not a one-time lesson, but an ongoing commitment to every student’s growth.

“Through coursework, discussions, and field experiences, I came to understand that true equity in education requires more than awareness. It requires action, intentionality, and humility,” Guerra said. “As a future educator, I left the program feeling empowered to create a classroom where all students feel seen, valued, and supported. Redlands instilled in me the belief that diversity strengthens our communities and that it is our responsibility as educators to cultivate spaces where every learner can thrive.”

As Guerra enters the 2025-2026 school year this fall, she still draws from the lessons she learned at Redlands: leading with compassion, embracing diversity, and understanding that impact often comes long after students leave her classroom.

“U of R taught me that while I can’t control every outcome, I can control the consistency of my care and the relationships I build over time,” Guerra said. “More importantly, Redlands helped me understand the importance of showing up day after day with compassion, patience, and an open mind. Sometimes, the impact we have is not immediate—it’s in planting seeds that won’t grow until much later. That perspective has helped me find peace in the challenges and continue to advocate fiercely for every child who walks through my classroom door.”

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