Born in Japan, Chatfield Scholar Elecia Delgado traveled the world with her parents, both of whom are Navy Veterans, before settling in Milford, Ohio. Growing up, she remembers her dad always being in a rock band which led her to appreciate various types of music including rock, rap, country, and soul and developing her own secret musical talent: playing the ukelele!

After graduating from Western Brown County High School in 2015, she studied psychology at a community college for a year before taking a break. Like many students, dealing with life’s social and emotional challenges and obstacles caused Elecia to put her education on the back burner. She eventually found her way to  NAMI Brown County, where she found professional and peer support from people with lived experience of mental illness.

“One of my friends, a facilitator at NAMI, encouraged me to get out of my house and find a job I loved, and put me in touch with The Chatfield Edge,” Elecia recalled.

Overcoming Obstacles

While the field of psychology was something she enjoyed, Elecia had always wanted to be a nail technician but was afraid she wouldn’t be good enough. She also faced the financial hurdle of trying to afford the extra expense of tuition while paying her basic monthly bills on the salary she earned at Taco Bell.

“I didn’t know where to go but David from The Chatfield Edge was a great person to work with,” she said. As Elecia continued her program at NAMI, she began to meet with David Hesson, Chatfield’s Director of Programs, to chart a path forward to becoming a nail technician. With guidance and scholarship support from The Chatfield Edge, Elecia enrolled in Beauty Artistry Academy in Cincinnati and graduated in August 2024.

Finding Support to Pursue Dreams

“Connecting with The Chatfield Edge provided scholarship money so I could go to school, and I received support from people who work with me and check in on me,” she said, adding “David even attended my NAMI graduation and that was really important to me.”

As she moves closer to her own dreams, Elecia wants to encourage others to pursue theirs. “Take ahold of yourself and get a grip. I would absolutely recommend The Chatfield Edge to anyone because they can offer guidance, socialization, and money that will help you find the person that’s been in you the whole time.”

If you are or know a non-traditional student like Elecia, wanting to return to school to pursue a career, please talk to us. We are ready to meet you where you are to offer FREE support so you can gain success in life through education. Contact David Hesson at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3344 or visit our website at www.chatfieldedge.org today!