Drawn to Delta by its affordability and transfer opportunities, Gonzalez enrolled with an open mind, hoping to learn from experts, while figuring out where his interests might lead. Along the way, he found so much more than just a place to take classes.
Just a few weeks into his first semester, a simple classroom debate sparked something deeper. Encouraged by faculty who challenged his thinking and welcomed his curiosity, Gonzalez developed a passion for meaningful conversation and problem-solving. That experience eventually inspired him to launch Delta’s debate club and become deeply engrained in campus life.
“I actually had no idea what I was going to do before I came to Delta. I was aimless, and that's partially why I decided to come,” he said. “I bet I could meet a bunch of cool people who might inspire me to do something specific with my life, and that did end up happening.”
As his confidence grew, so did his commitment to helping other students. Through his work in Delta’s BEDI office, Gonzalez helped strengthen peer mentor training, connected students with campus resources and looked for ways to improve the systems that support student success.
Along the way, professors continued to invest in his success, meeting outside of class, sharing their expertise and encouraging him to think beyond the obvious answers.
As he prepares for a career in business consulting and, eventually, entrepreneurship, Gonzalez feels Delta gave him more than a direction; it gave him the confidence to pursue his goals.
“I'm leaving Delta College with a network of very highly educated, very interested people who are invested in my success,” he said. “I did not have before I came here.”
By Mikaila Bluew, writer & editor
