— Sometimes our destiny is planted deep inside our hearts at a very early age, and it gives one a sense of purpose throughout life. Such has been the case for Daniel Guerrero, born and raised in San Marcos, a city and people that he is very passionate about.

“I've been a cancer survivor for 28 years now. It's what drives me to live day to day and make the most of it,” said Guerrero, who is now the executive director of the San Marcos Education Foundation.

“Staying in San Marcos has always felt like a sense of purpose, as though I've developed numerous relationships through the years that provided opportunities to gain experiences in life. To learn and to lead. And I've enjoyed it, each step leads to a new one,” Guerrero added.

Guerrero was barely five years old when a kidney infection resulted in doctor's finding a Wilm's Tumor, one of the largest non-spreading tumors on record.

Four years later, at the age of nine, Guerrero was already helping others by becoming a youth spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. That in turn led to his pursuit of a public relations degree from Texas State University, and work as a camp counselor helping other youth deal with the trauma of cancer.

In the spring of 2004, Guerrero decided to seek public office and successfully ran for the San Marcos City Council, a seat he held until November, 2008. During that time he was also elected Mayor Pro Tem by his colleagues on the council.

“The greatest lesson I learned was the importance of relationships, having patience and working with diverse opinions but also staying focused on vision,” Guerrero said.

“There is a large amount of analysis, thought and decision making that goes into being on the council. And you must be willing to listen to others, to understand their life and that the decisions I make as a council member will impact lives in other areas,” he continued.

Guerrero said that the key is understanding that as a council member you are just a part of the governing body, and that while you can have heated discussions and debate, “in the end you can still talk and be friends.”

Now with the perspective of being a former council member, Guerrero sees certain needs for San Marcos' future.

“Our community needs to develop transferable skills, skills that can go anywhere in the world,” Guerrero said.  “We also need something you can't buy, and that is spirit. It shows from time to time.”

“Spirit goes beyond hope, it is having the sense of drive and passion  towards what we want to be,” Guerrero continued. “It is something that you need to pursue and helps you get from point A to point B.”

Guerrero said leaders today are challenged and to be effective they “need to listen, really listen and develop critical thinking. It takes a collective effort to move us forward.”

His own vision of San Marcos is one that encompasses holding onto the natural beauty of the area and developing our educational potential to the fullest.

“Our people are our greatest natural resource,” Guerrero said. “If we invest in the people, including quality of life as early as kindergarten then we will generate the spirit of faith which is believing in what you can't see yet.”

Guerrero's current mission revolves around just that.  As executive director of the San Marcos Education Foundation, a non-profit organization, Guerrero and volunteers find the means to help teachers in the classrooms.

“We want to enrich teaching and inspire learning,” said Guerrero, who in addition to his B.A. from Texas State has a Master's from St. Edward's University and is currently pursuing a certificate in non-profit administration from Austin Community College.

“The foundation funds help brighten the future for our school children by helping teachers find ways to bring creative curriculum into the classrooms.  From there the entire community benefits as these children have more skills and knowledge with which to become good wage earners as adults,” said Guerrero.

While the recent economy has made fundraising harder, Guerrero and the foundation have turned to new and innovative approaches including using social media to help.

“We recently came upon www.pinkdingo.com which focuses on small contributions from anywhere in the world,” said Guerrero.  Among other foundations which has successfully used the website is former San Antonio Spur David Robinson and his Carver Academy.

Guerrero's desire to help others, and to motivate others, was certainly formed at an early age.  And it's a passion that continues to drive him daily.