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Jorge Lagunas Delgado
At just 19 years old, Jorge Lagunas Delgado, of Aurora, is preparing to cross the stage this spring at Waubonsee Community College with an Associate in Science degree and a clear path toward his dream career in pharmacy.
After graduating West Aurora High School, Lagunas Delgado wanted to go straight to a four-year university. But when he looked at his financial aid offers, Waubonsee made the most sense. “Choosing Waubonsee turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made,” he said.
While navigating the unfamiliar world of higher education, Lagunas Delgado found more than just affordability at Waubonsee; he found belonging and a network of support. He first set foot on the Aurora Downtown Campus in the summer of 2023, when he joined a summer bridge program, hosted by Waubonsee’s Latinx Resource Center (LRC). Through academic preparation, mentorship, and community engagement, the LRC fosters an inclusive environment that nurtures both personal and academic growth. “The program helped me feel ready to begin college,” Lagunas Delgado said. “And I’ve learned how to be more confident asking for help.”
To his surprise, the support did not end with the summer bridge program. It continued throughout his time at Waubonsee.
A first-generation college student, Lagunas Delgado continued to receive support from Waubonsee’s TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded initiative that supports first-generation, income-eligible students and students with disabilities.
"TRIO was a game-changer,” said Lagunas Delgado. “They helped me understand what each pharmacy school required, made sure I stayed on track for graduation, and encouraged me to visit campuses.” A Waubonsee-sponsored field trip to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) sealed the deal for Lagunas Delgado.
Through one-on-one academic advising and transfer planning, TRIO helped Lagunas Delgado outline his path to pharmacy school, map out transferable courses, and meet important application deadlines.
Lagunas Delgado says since attending Waubonsee his college readiness has skyrocketed, which will be essential as he transitions to a large research university like UIC. “I know the classes will be bigger and the pace will be different, but I feel ready,” he said. “Waubonsee helped me prepare.”
Working as a certified pharmacy technician at Walgreens, Lagunas Delgado sees the role as a stepping stone that is already allowing him to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Watching pharmacists consult patients and provide trusted guidance really inspired me,” he said. “Especially in my Hispanic community, I see how valuable culturally competent health care is, and I want to be part of that, so I’ve been working to make myself stand out in the pharmacy field any way.”
Lagunas Delgado was proud to receive an acceptance letter from UIC where he will transfer to continue his education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies.
