Physical geography currently stands as an under-enrolled course at College of the Sequoias. However, Professor Delgado makes it a class worth considering as he takes students on a journey of the world. By drawing upon stories, humorous anecdotes, and a flexible teaching style, Delgado is able to humanize his often difficult coursework.

Emanuel Delgado, a full-time physical geography professor at COS, graduated with his master’s degree at the University of San Diego. Before his education at USD, he went to Victorville Community College, Cyprus Community College, and even graduated as the standing student of the year at Cal Poly Humboldt University. Delgado made sure to highlight the importance of his beginnings at a community college, “I grew up with a very community-kind of family… and I think community college is a great place for that.”

Physical geography was not always on Delgado’s mind; his passion truly arose when Professor Armando Mendoza, who taught at Cypress Community College, helped him find his calling. As Delgado recalls, “I always had questions about geography… I didn’t know there was specific coursework for it until Armando.” Through this personal guidance, Delgado’s passion for teaching progressed.

When it comes to creating an engaging and enticing course, Delgado strives to learn from his students and develop a curriculum with ever-evolving examples of student life and global awareness. Delgado says, “…I value my students, and acknowledge them as sources that can contextualize into coursework,” furthering his idea of COS standing as a community, and perceiving his students to be supplementary to his work. As a once undecided student, Delgado recommends to “always search”, encouraging books for his students as a form of self expression. He also gives a personal recommendation of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

For students struggling in their multitudes of pathways, Delgado stands as a sentiment to persevere, believe in yourself, and not let doubt in. He encourages students to explore their resources and community, pursue connections, and completely immerse themselves into academia.