Josh Delgado’s journey at Norco College is one defined by resilience, reflection, and the belief that a single moment of encouragement can change the course of a life. A current Norco College student, Josh describes his educational path as one taken in pursuit of happiness, purpose, and opportunity.

His journey to Norco College was not a straight line. As a teenager, he faced significant challenges rooted in a troubled childhood, family instability, and the pressures of navigating life as an undocumented student. At 17, a series of poor decisions led to his arrest and the possibility of a life-altering prison sentence. For a time, Josh believed his future had already been decided.

Instead, he was given an opportunity for rehabilitation. Through years of accountability, perseverance, and hard work, Josh began rebuilding his life. He volunteered with programs serving at-risk youth, worked in community recreation and special education, and eventually supported unaccompanied immigrant children through government-contracted services. While these experiences gave him responsibility and leadership skills, he still felt something was missing. He was searching for purpose.

That search led him back to school and ultimately to Norco College. Returning as a student was intimidating, but Josh arrived determined to make this opportunity count. Early on, Norco College became a place where he felt accepted, supported, and valued. From his very first guidance class to demanding science coursework, he learned to view challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow.

A defining moment came when Ruben Aguilar took the Kinesiology Student Association to a conference at the University of Southern California and California State University, Long Beach. During conversations that day, Josh experienced a realization that would stay with him forever. For the first time, he truly believed he belonged in higher education. Aguilar’s encouragement helped Josh understand that no matter his past, his future was still his to shape.

Josh’s sense of belonging quickly translated into leadership. As a returning student, he became deeply involved in campus life, serving as senator for the Associated Students of Norco College (ASNC) and later being elected vice president of administration. In these roles, he helped facilitate collaboration among student clubs, allocate funding, uphold student government policies, and advocate for students whose voices were often unheard. The experience sharpened his leadership skills and reinforced the power of community.

Today, Josh is preparing to transfer to California State University, San Bernardino, where he has been accepted into kinesiology and biochemistry programs. He plans to pursue kinesiology as his major, complete a minor in chemistry, and continue to medical school. He hopes to return to Norco College one day as a faculty member, giving back to the institution that helped him find his direction.

To Josh, being a Mustang means strength, determination, and belonging. Norco College did more than provide him with an education. It gave him a second chance, a community that believed in him, and the confidence to imagine a future once thought impossible.

Share Your Mustang Story!

Every Mustang story adds meaning to our journey. This space is dedicated to the voices and experiences that have shaped our campus in personal and powerful ways. From first classes and early partnerships to career milestones and lasting connections, these stories reflect the many paths that intersect at Norco College.

We invite you to Share Your Mustang Story and be part of a growing collection that celebrates the people behind the progress.