Caroline County student earns Chesapeake’s top honor

WYE MILLS – Zulema Delacruz Martinez, 21, of Greensboro developed an ambitious plan at Chesapeake College based on a new-found confidence and her lifelong desire to help others.

Her journey culminated with graduation on May 22, when she received Chesapeake’s top student honor, the John T. Harrison Award.

When Zulema graduated from North Caroline High School in 2021, she was on track to become a K-12 teacher once she completed a bachelor’s degree.

“My whole life I’ve enjoyed helping people. Everyone told me I would be a good teacher. I was in the education pathway in high school and had already passed my Praxis exams when I came to Chesapeake,” she said. “Once I was in college, though, I saw some other opportunities that suited me. I could help people outside of the classroom. With a business degree, I could work or even lead organizations that help people.”

As a first-generation college student, Zulema said she arrived at Chesapeake feeling a bit lost. Not sure of her career plan, she had some doubts about her future. With the support of programs like TRiO, Zulema found her way and helped guide fellow students on their own college journeys.

Zulema’s mom is from Mexico and her dad is from Guatemala, and she first spoke Spanish at home. When she entered school in Caroline County, she quickly learned English and now easily flips between the two languages.  Even as a child, Zulema informally translated for family friends and neighbors. Later, she earned community interpreter certification at Chesapeake, where she used her language skills to help students and their families.

The interpreter skills helped Zulema land a full-time job last year with Ashley insurance in Caroline County. With her employer’s support, she is able to work full-time while finishing her degree.

Those who watched Zulema at Chesapeake say she made the most of every minute of her time at the community college. With a drive for success that goes beyond her own pursuits, Zulema used her skills and talents to help the entire campus community.

Zulema led student organizations – even founding a new one – while working, volunteering, and maintaining a 3.78 GPA.  She is a dean’s list student and member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

“Yes, I’m very busy and try to focus a lot of time on studying. You have to work for what you want, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices. But I’ve only been able to do this with a lot of support from my family, friends and mentors,” she said. “At Chesapeake, my perspective changed. I learned that I’m capable and can achieve more in life than I imagined.”

In recommending Zulema for the Harrison award, Dr. LaSella Hall said, “She is compassionate, kind, intelligent, and committed to being her best self. Most importantly, she is a servant-leader driven by her faith and personal convictions.”

She was a leader in UHURU, a founding leader of the Hispanic Student Union, a student worker on campus, and chair of the annual Unity Fest organizing committee. She also worked in TRiO’s Upward Bound summer program as a mentor for area high school students.

TRiO, she said, was critical to her own college success. The activities, support and guidance make a difference to first-generation students who come to college feeling lost, according to Zulema.

“TRiO really changed my whole college experience. The encouragement and experiences in TRiO gave me the confidence to step out and be active on campus,” she said.

She also credits Dr. Hall with providing professional development opportunities through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and encouragement to take on student leadership roles.

Zulema will transfer to Towson University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her eventual goal is to earn a master’s degree and have a career in higher education or to lead a non-profit.

“I want to empower, support and advocate for students from disadvantaged or low income backgrounds,” Zulema said of her future goals. “Guiding students to realize their own potential and meet their goals through education would be rewarding work for me.”