It had long been a dream of Melanie Clover Delgado, age 63 of Mesa, to find her path to higher education. Now, she’s on her way to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable populations as a social worker/counselor.

Beginning with a difficult childhood, Delgado overcame multiple obstacles, including anxiety, depression, drug abuse and low self-worth, by seeking counseling.

“Something had to break,” she said. “I had low self-esteem and never believed in myself.

College has been an amazing journey. Mesa Community College (MCC) has been a great stepping stone to my higher level of esteem and now I have a sense of purpose. I now know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.”

Delgado said she has always been a woman of great compassion for humanity and wants to make a difference in the lives of others who still face their own challenges and hardships.

Her goal became clearer after helping a girl who had been struggling with drug addiction since age 13.

“After she told me her parents had disowned her, I provided her with resources and told her she could call me anytime, day or night,” Delgado said.

As the young girl went through a treatment program and worked through her problems, she said she owed it all to Delgado.

“She told me, ‘If you hadn’t shown up, I don’t know where I'd be. I’m calling you my angel,’” Delgado said. “I knew right then God opened a door and I wanted to be a substance abuse counselor.”

But the story doesn’t end there. During her time at MCC, Delgado struggled to overcome her own obstacles. With federal funding and her husband's help earning wages from his work at the ballparks in the Valley, she was able to attend college. Yet Delgado’s partner of 15 years, Raymond Delgado, contracted COVID first in 2020 and again in July 2021, which caused a major heart attack. Several weeks later he was diagnosed with cancer. She switched her classes to online and stayed home to take care of him while he was actively enduring cancer treatment for the next two years.

In February 2023, they were told that all treatment options were off the table. They needed to prepare for the end.

The Delgados wanted to get married prior to his illness but felt his care came first. They were married on March 6, 2023 in the MCC Rose Garden. Raymond passed away on April 23, 2023.

“He was a wonderful man,” she said. “He encouraged me to never give up. He told me, ‘When you receive your degree, I’ll be there standing by your side.’”

She will be thinking of Raymond as she receives her associate’s degree from MCC. And she is not stopping there: Delgado is on track with a Pathway MAPP Program at Arizona State University to finish her bachelor’s degree.

She said she could not have done it without assistance from several MCC resources including: TRIO Services, Student Support Services and Positive Paths Women Building New Bridges, an organization that empowers women and their families in Phoenix’s East Valley by providing a life-bridge to economic stability, personal growth and professional achievement. Additionally, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a prestigious honor society.

Delgado said during her time at MCC, many professors were extremely supportive, and she owes a ‘special thanks’ to Professors Jose Gaspar, Jaime Herrera, Bert Ouderkirk, Shakira Pipher, Diane Seaward and Ann McWhirter.

In addition, she said that Herrera, an English professor who retired in June 2022, was amazing.

“He nominated me for an Academic Achievement Award. He taught a lot more than the academics of writing. He gave me the extra boost to believe in myself.”

Delgado added, “I am hopeful that Mr. Herrera will attend my graduation.”

In addition, she would like to thank her brothers Brad and Kim Jenkins for all their love and support.

Delgado said she thanks MCC, its staff, its faculty and PTK for having confidence in her abilities and making such a positive impact in her life.

Delgado shares, “The key to understanding is listening with the eyes of the heart.”