Madiha Pashtoon is a driven and accomplished student at Irvine Valley College (IVC), majoring in Political Science with a profound motivation rooted in her father's career as a diplomat. A graduate of University High School in Irvine, Madiha aspires to attend either the University of California, Irvine, or the University of California, Los Angeles, to further her education in pursuit of a career in international relations and law, with a focus on advocating for global minorities.

Despite the rigorous demands of her academic journey, Madiha has excelled, earning a coveted place on the Dean's List at both Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. Her dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through various scholarships, including the Brendan Jundanian Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the City of Irvine Educational Partnership Fund Scholarship, and the Osher Endowed Scholarship. Madiha's commitment to both her studies and personal growth is evident in her maintenance of a flawless 4.0 GPA, even while undertaking up to 19 units in a semester.

Throughout her time at IVC, Madiha encountered the challenge of balancing her packed schedule, juggling demanding coursework, extracurricular engagements, and personal responsibilities. Through perseverance and strategic time management, she successfully navigated this hurdle, honing her ability to prioritize tasks and allocate her energy efficiently.

Madiha's involvement in extracurricular activities has enriched her student experience and contributed to her personal and academic development. As the Newsletter Coordinator for the Honors Program and an active participant in various student organizations and initiatives, including the Guided Pathways Oversight Workgroup and IVC LeGal, she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering positive change within the IVC community.

The IVC Honors Program and research opportunities have played a pivotal role in Madiha's preparation for future endeavors. Engaging in rigorous honors courses and participating in research conferences have equipped her with invaluable skills and experiences, further fueling her passion for advocacy and research.

To incoming students, Madiha offers sage advice: “Get involved in everything that catches your eye. College is like a buffet of opportunities, and the more you sample, the richer your experience becomes. Don't limit yourself to just academics but rather join clubs, attend workshops, volunteer for causes you care about, and participate in events. It's through these experiences that you'll truly discover your passions, work on your skills, and create valuable connections that could last a lifetime.”

Kian Goshtasbi is a dedicated student at Irvine Valley College (IVC), pursuing a major in Computer Science (CS) with a profound passion ignited during his childhood explorations in video game design. Despite facing initial setbacks and doubts about the field, Kian's resilience and determination led him back to CS during his senior year of high school, where he discovered a renewed enthusiasm and commitment. 

A graduate of University High School, Kian aspires to further his education at UC Berkeley, with aspirations of either entering the industry or pursuing graduate studies in computer science. Throughout his academic journey, Kian has balanced his studies with part-time work and extracurricular commitments, demonstrating his ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. 

During a particularly challenging period of taking major preparation courses while working part-time, Kian learned the importance of time management and perseverance, ultimately achieving perfect marks in his classes through sheer dedication and focus. 

Kian adds about college life, “IVC is much less hands-on with how students handle their educational plans, so as a result I've had the opportunity to practice making important educational decisions on my own. Being given the freedom and responsibility of deciding my college plan has allowed me to become someone who is much more in control of both their academic and non-academic life.” 

As a math tutor at IVC's tutoring center, Vice President of the CS club, and mentor in the peer mentor program, Kian actively contributed to creating a supportive community and helping fellow students achieve their academic goals. 

Engaging in the IVC Honors Program provided Kian with the opportunity to tackle more rigorous coursework, better preparing him for the challenges of upper-division classes and future endeavors in computer science.

Sarah Smeltzer's journey at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. As a self-supporting, first-generation college student, Sarah's path to higher education was far from straightforward. Despite facing uncertainties and doubts in her senior year of high school, Sarah decided to give college one last shot, choosing IVC as her proving ground.

Over the course of three years at IVC, Sarah not only persisted but thrived. Balancing her studies with various extracurricular activities and work commitments, Sarah's dedication shone through. She majored in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in education, driven by her passion for teaching and the arts. Sarah's dream of becoming a Drama and English teacher for middle and high school students stems from her deep-rooted love for the arts and her desire to empower future generations. Sarah attended Woodbridge and Creekside High School in Irvine and is planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a BA in education. She is currently deciding between UCI and UCLA.

Sarah's achievements at IVC are as remarkable as they are diverse. She received scholarships such as the Point Foundation and the Osher scholarship, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to her education. Additionally, Sarah's involvement with Legacy Youth Leadership and her role as a Board Officer highlights her leadership skills and dedication to community service.

Beyond academics, Sarah immersed herself in the vibrant campus life at IVC. From participating in PRIDE Scholars to the Chorale and representing IVC at conferences to serving as a co-president of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance and PR Chair for the Latinx Student Association, Sarah embraced every opportunity for growth and impact. 

Through IVC’s Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) Sarah served and supported EOPS programs designed to provide community college students with a comprehensive array of services that promote retention and degree attainment. 

Her advice to future students would be to never give up on themselves. She states, “Your journey may not be linear or what you expected, but every day is a new opportunity to prove yourself and make your dreams come true. Also, remember to take advantage of all the resources at IVC that you can. Receiving as much support as possible can never be a bad thing and will help you thrive.”