Balancing school and work life is an act many students can relate to. Nicole Leon Guerrero is a UOG communication major who juggles her courses with performing music at the lobby of the Lotte Hotel and the Venue.

Leon Guerrero, 23,  is a junior at UOG and is minoring in writing. Growing up in a vibrant household of musicians and listening to 60s music, Leon Guerrero began singing and playing the guitar at the age of 10.

Her mother, Patricia Leon Guerrero, was a singer, and her father, Peter Leon Guerrero, played the guitar.

“As a toddler, my mom would take me to her gigs and her family is very musical,” Leon Guerrero said. “I was inspired by that and I enjoy it so much. It is my passion.”

When she reached 18, she began singing at the Venue for three hours on Fridays. Leon Guerrero enjoys playing relaxing and upbeat oldies music.

“People say I sound like Norah Jones or Colbie Caillat,” she said. Some of her favorite songs to perform include “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night or “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray.

Leon Guerrero’s musical performances helped her to overcome shyness and made her less judgemental.

“I just open myself up to new personalities and new ways of thinking through meeting other people,” she said.

Leon Guerrero mentioned she enjoys how music helps to expand her social network, which is why she gravitated toward majoring in communications. Like her musical career, a communications career will continue to allow her to interact with people and grow her social network.

“I love it here at UOG. My dad graduated from UOG and a lot of my family members graduated from here,” Leon Guerrero said.

Leon Guerrero’s positive philosophy involves visualizing doing something enjoyable and working hard to get there. “You can’t wait until you’re ready,” she said. “Throw yourself into the deep end and learn how to swim. Just go for it.”