Ms. Guillermina Lewis, a media technician at San Diego City College, has become an essential part of the campus community. Her journey from Mexico City to Tijuana and finally San Diego is one of perseverance, self-love, and hard work, which has propelled her into a fulfilling career where she helps others.
Growing up in Mexico City, Ms. Lewis experienced a childhood rich in family bonds and cultural depth. "My dad used to take me and my brothers and sisters to a park called Chapultepec and buy us balloons," she recalled, reflecting on their close relationship. Despite the challenges—being raised by grandparents due to family circumstances—she has fond memories of her upbringing. "My mom also had a significant influence on me," she added, highlighting the values she inherited from her parents. She also recalled her childhood experiences selling oranges in a mercado, always excelling as a student but feeling a drive to go beyond the horizons she knew.
Ms. Lewis moved to San Diego for a better future, a decision driven by the promise of new opportunities. "What brought me to San Diego was the pursuit of a better future," she explained. Though the transition was challenging, the support of her family helped make the journey easier. “I had to adapt quickly," Lewis said. This resilience and will to succeed would guide her through the many challenges she would later face.
Living in San Diego allowed Ms. Lewis to blend her Mexican heritage with new experiences. "I keep San Diego close to my heart," she said, noting the city's cultural diversity and welcoming community. Her upbringing in Mexico instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance, values that have shaped her approach to life and career.
Family has always been a cornerstone of Ms. Lewis’s identity. "My grandpa was very close to me," she said, recalling the profound bond they shared. The traditions and values passed down through generations continue to influence her. "We used to play in the streets with our friends," she added, reminiscing about her strong sense of community. The generosity she witnessed in Mexico also left a lasting impact on her. "People were so giving, regardless of their financial situation," she said, an ethos of generosity that she continues to live by.
Ms. Lewis's path to a career in media technology began after moving to San Diego. "When I came to San Diego, I needed to go to school and work," she recalled. Juggling both was challenging, but it opened the door to new opportunities. Being a single parent, she took on a job in a hotel before transitioning to a student-worker position at City’s Child Development Center for 2 semesters, then City College's library. "I was determined to succeed and took every opportunity to learn and grow," she said.
Her commitment to education and career is evident in her involvement with the Puente Program at City College. As a single working mom, she faced numerous obstacles, but with the support of mentors like "Dr. Roberta Alexander, Jean Lombardi, Barbara Riva, Professor Macrenato, and Teresa Savarese”, who were instrumental in her success— she achieved far more than she ever expected, Lewis explained. She credited their mentorship for helping her navigate the challenges of balancing work, education, and motherhood. A permanent role at the City College Library came next after she graduated in 1995 with an associate’s degree in information systems.
Ms. Lewis began her journey at City with a simple need: to study, learn English, and take care of her child. She made full use of the resources available, including the writing and tutoring centers and the student childcare program. Her story, marked by self-love, dedication and commitment, reminds us that asking questions and seeking help can lead to success both personally and professionally.
Starting as a student worker at the library, Ms. Lewis never believed she would move up through various roles— becoming the lead media technician at the Learning Resource Center (LRC), where she remains today, where she is now approaching 32 years of service, was not something she expected to be possible. Lewis recalls “I used to yearn for it, while taking the trolley, and passing by the transit station looking at City’s Library, on my way to my first hotel job”.
The challenges she faced in her career included adapting to new environments and mastering new skills. "I had to learn how to manage different tasks and responsibilities," she said. Despite these obstacles, she found the experience rewarding and fulfilling. One of the most gratifying aspects of her job is seeing the positive impact of her work on students and colleagues. "Seeing the difference I make is incredibly fulfilling," she shared. Her adaptability and commitment to learning have been keys to her success.
As Ms. Lewis approaches retirement, she remains dedicated to her heritage and excited for new opportunities. "I want to make a positive impact," she said, expressing her hopes for the future. Her story exemplifies the power of hard work and determination. Through her experiences, she has shown that with commitment and support it’s possible to create a lasting, positive influence, much like the impact she has had on former students, who are now working at City. One is a counselor at the student health center, and the other one is a professor teaching a business course.
Ms. Lewis has found her colleagues to be a second family and City College a second home. Her work has been more than a job, it has given her meaningful life experiences and an opportunity to continue helping others.