Becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) professor wasn’t part of Alma Delgado’s master plan. It was a journey shaped by faith, perseverance, and unexpected opportunity.
At first, Delgado thought about becoming a math teacher, but quickly realized it wasn’t her calling.
“I could do it,” Delgado said, “but it would take me an hour for one problem.”
That honesty led her to explore other paths. At Trinity University, she discovered education for the deaf, even though no one in her family was diagnosed with the condition at the time.
She didn’t grow up around any Deaf family members, so there was no one to practice with outside of class. Fluency came through dedication and real classroom experience.
Over time, she taught not only Deaf students, but also children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and visual impairments. Through it all, she learned one thing — that communication changes lives.
Her teaching style today is hands-on and interactive. She believes students learn better when they are actively engaged, such as signing, playing games, and practicing, rather than just watching.
Many students think ASL is too hard, but she reminds them that we already use gestures and visual signals every day — It’s more natural than they think.
Her father worked as a butcher who later became deaf, and her mother didn’t finish high school, so college was not guaranteed.
One principal saw her potential and encouraged her to pursue more. That support changed her life and eventually helped her entire family earn degrees.
She now tells her students, “If I can do it, you can do it.”
After nearly 50 years in education, her purpose is clear.
“It’s not just about teaching,” Delgado said. “It’s about making a difference in somebody’s life.”
