After serving in the Army for seven years, Guria, originally from Norwalk, earned an associate’s degree in theater arts and humanities from Folsom Lake College. Now, the political science and theatre arts major will become the first member of his immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree when he graduates from Whittier later this month.
“Whittier is a great place, and I’m sad to be graduating. I’m going to miss the people I’ve met, and I’m a little upset about all the people I didn't,” he said.
Guria has immersed himself in campus life, serving as vice president of the Poet Warriors Club and as a member of the Black Student Assembly, Brotherhood Leadership Program, Sustainability Club, and Transfer Club. In his spare time, he enjoys running, working out at the gym, and trying new things — he recently attended his first Renaissance Faire.
We asked him a few questions about his experience as a Poet and his plans for the future.
What’s next for you after graduation? I’m looking to further my education with a master's in either political policy or operational leadership. Over the summer, I’ll be completing an internship with State Sen. Bob Archuleta, as I work toward my goal of running for California Congress within the next five to six years.
What’s a fun fact about you? One thing most people don’t know about me is that I am classically trained in ballet. My theater associate’s degree has an emphasis in musical theater. So I thought, what better way to make myself more well-rounded than by taking dance classes? I thought I signed up for a tap class, but it ended up being ballet, and I fell in love with the art. And the visual body can make a story. So I danced for four years at a school in Northern California.
What’s your favorite Whittier memory? It would have to be 2024 prom. Everyone was having fun. People were dancing, music was playing. It was so much fun. I haven’t seen everybody on campus that happy ever. I am so glad I attended. I got to hang out with my friends and really just forget about what was going on in the outside world. Prom takes the cake.
What was your favorite class at Whittier? I don’t think I could choose one, but I have a top three. In no particular order: Romantic poetry with Professor Manuel. I thought this was going to be sappy love poetry, but I got a crash course in Byronic heroes and storytelling devices that influence so many characters. Talking about you, Batman!
Political violence with Professor Norton. Now, this might just be because I’m a political science major, but this class was one of the most interesting I have taken. Understanding how political actions turned into political violence in real world cases that are happening in politics was absolutely captivating. And we got to have conversations and discussions about the past and the present with room to ask questions and learn in a class of only about seven people.
Senior seminar theater arts with Professor Holmes. I absolutely love the art and process of vastly different topics that were presented in this class. From showcasing a single actress to the scale, models, and even how to pitch a movie in full production. It felt like such a privilege to learn how passionate my fellow students were.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus has to be the Veterans Resource Center. It’s a place to call your own and have that camaraderie with people you share a common background with. We laugh and talk a lot of mess, but that’s a place where you know you’ll see someone who is happy to see you, even if they don’t express it very well. It’s a space of peace when you need it to be, and an escape from whatever issues might be happening, in a place where no one will judge you.
If you could give your first-year self some advice, what would it be? Jump in head first. Meet as many people outside of your discipline as possible. It’s a melting pot of backgrounds, stories, and successes. There’s so many great people that I wish I would’ve gotten a chance to know better.
As we count down toward Commencement, Whittier College is highlighting seniors with something to say. Check back every Friday for the latest installment in this series.
