Student Highlight: Delmy Guzman

On any given day, New Century College student Delmy Guzman might be preparing for a class presentation, helping her first-grade son with his homework, or encouraging her toddler to learn colors and numbers. Guzman is pursuing her lifelong dream of teaching in the public schools, and finds daily opportunities to bring her learning to life.

Guzman spent her first 11 years in El Salvador before moving to Virginia. She said, “When I was a little girl in El Salvador, the teacher told us to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I always drew a teacher.”

Guzman transferred to NCC after earning her associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College, where she balanced a full-time job and family responsibilities. Guzman has embraced NCC’s different approach to learning and makes the most of class discussions, field work and one-on-one contact with professors.

Guzman said, “The professors have been great. They are not just giving a lecture, but become your friend and they show real care and concern that we are learning.”

Guzman finds great variety and interest in her courses. In spring, Guzman took NCLC 404: Ethics and Leadership with Dr. Nicholas Lennon. Part of the course emphasized that all people are capable of making bad decisions and that ethical decision-making requires practice. She noted that Lennon encouraged students to make full use of their class time and experiences. She said, “He [Lennon] made sure everyone contributed their own thoughts. He created a respectful environment where we could all participate.”

As part of Lennon’s class, Guzman visited the United States Holocaust Museum, and encouraged her husband to join her, as neither had been to the museum previously. Guzman said, “It was kind of a date for us, because we are always doing things with the kids. It was fascinating, and we continued to talk about the exhibits the whole way home.”

Guzman wants to share that love of learning with her future students. She has volunteered at the pre-school and first grade levels, working with a variety of children.

She said, “I just passionately love it. The kids are coming to school interested and excited to learn. I want to share my experiences and sense of acceptance with my students. I can’t wait to have a classroom full of curious minds eager to know everything.”