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Steve Salinas

For third-year Irvine Valley College (IVC) biology and chemistry student Steve Salinas, success is not just about grades — it’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and giving back to the community. With plans to graduate this spring with an associate degree in biology (Steve already holds an associate degree from IVC in chemistry), this first-generation college student is well on his way to a career in medicine.

"I knew from the start that I wanted to pursue pre-med," Steve shares. "With the resources available at IVC and the connections I made with faculty, I was able to take the time to stay for a third year. This extra year allowed me to take on a leadership role on campus while also balancing my academics and extracurricular activities."

Growing up in Irvine and attending Woodbridge High, Steve found that IVC was a natural choice. “IVC was familiar, and I’d heard great things about it,” he says. With strong ties to the local community, staying close to home has allowed him to pursue his goals while working part-time as a medical assistant in Mission Viejo.

As a tutor in IVC’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program, Steve has made a significant impact on his peers in STEM fields, who rely on the center as a hub for academic resources, from tutoring to academic workshops. 

"Previously, I was someone who benefited from MESA, especially with tutoring for organic chemistry, where I eventually ended up doing really well," Steve explains. "My organic chemistry professor, Dr. Steven Nguyen, later recommended me for a position with MESA. It was an amazing opportunity to be on campus tutoring the same subjects that I once struggled with just a year before, allowing me to guide the next generation of IVC students."

Outside the classroom, Steve’s work as a medical assistant blends administrative tasks with patient interaction. “I love working in the back office,” Steve says. “Talking to patients, getting their medical histories — it’s meaningful work that prepares me for my future.”

As a student ambassador for the College Corps program, which grants students funds for educational expenses in exchange for volunteer hours, Steve has tackled food insecurity and supported K-12 education. At South Orange County Outreach, a local food distribution center, Steve helps ensure donations are organized and distributed efficiently and hygienically to families in need. At Southwest Community Center, a shelter for unhoused individuals, he volunteers to ensure participants receive a hot meal in a clean and welcoming environment, aiming to provide not just nourishment but also dignity and care to those experiencing hardship.  

"What I enjoy most is connecting with participants and treating everyone with dignity and respect," Steve shares. "I can’t always solve their struggles, but I focus on treating them with kindness and always offering a smile. The most heartwarming part is seeing them leave with a smile, too." Steve’s fluency in Spanish allows him to build strong rapport with many participants, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Last summer, Steve applied for and was offered the opportunity to participate for eight weeks in Project Raise, conducting graduate-level biochemistry research at CSU Fullerton, and being paid for his efforts. “I worked on synthesizing organic compounds for chronic pain therapies,” he says. The experience culminated in his participation at two academic conferences, including the IVC-Saddleback College Symposium for Honors Students (where he won an “Outstanding Poster” award) and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He applied and was accepted for a full travel award by ABRCMS, covering all transportation and accommodation costs. 

“The connections I made there were incredible,” he adds. “It’s opened doors I didn’t know existed.”

To his fellow students, Steve advises: “Build your network and use the resources available. IVC has amazing programs, events, and counseling — you just need to reach out.”   

Looking ahead, Steve has set his sights on transferring to UCI, UCLA, or UC Berkeley to continue his academic journey. Following his application to medical school in May of 2026. Wherever he lands, his foundation at IVC has prepared him to not only excel, but to build a compassionate community while doing so.