Toby Cole, a dedicated Human Development major at Irvine Valley College, has left a powerful imprint on the IVC community through their commitment to social impact, creative expression, and student support. A proud graduate of Northwood High School in Irvine, Toby chose to major in Family and Human Services with a focus on Disability Studies, driven by a deep desire to support and uplift others—particularly children navigating medical and emotional challenges.

This fall, Toby will transfer to the University of Oregon to continue their studies in Family and Human Services, with plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a child life specialist at a children’s hospital. Their long-term vision is rooted in empathy and a belief in the transformative power of care and advocacy.

Toby’s time at IVC has been defined by academic achievement, leadership, and creative engagement. They served as one of only five students selected to be PUENTE Student Ambassadors for 2024–25, worked as a tutor in the Writing Center, and actively participated in PRIDE Scholars, the Latinx Student Association, and IVC’s vibrant creative writing community. 

As a poet, Toby was chosen for a prestigious paid workshop with poet Sandra de Anda, sponsored by CHISPA OC—a community organization dedicated to Latinx voices and visibility. Toby also earned scholarships from both the IVC Foundation and the University of Oregon.

Their advice for future students is as heartfelt as it is empowering: “Don’t lose yourself in order to make yourself seem more palatable to other people. Allow yourself to feel. Allow yourself breaks. If something isn’t sustainable for you in the long term, think about what is. What change can you make to make things more manageable? My biggest advice is to rethink how you see education. How wonderful it is for you to even be here! You wanting to learn is your biggest strength. Don’t forget that curiosity and drive for learning. Sometimes you will feel discouraged or feel like the person you are is not compatible with higher education. I need every future student to know that they do belong! There are so many people just like you in higher education classrooms across the country and across the world. Maybe you haven’t seen people like you, or who share interests with you, but trust me, they are there. Stand out! Be rambunctious! Be visible and loud in what you’re passionate about. Because someone, somewhere, is looking for you. You’re exactly where you need to be.” 

For Ariana Moolchandani, the path to political science wasn’t just about studying systems—it was about understanding how to create change within them. As a first-generation college student and a natural leader, Ariana arrived at Irvine Valley College (IVC) with big questions about the world—and quickly found the community and resources she needed to begin answering them.

“IVC was the perfect place to explore my interests and grow my confidence,” says Ariana, who is majoring in Political Science and transferring to UCLA in Fall 2025. “I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the right questions, connect with others, and take that first step.”

Ariana made her mark at IVC through a deep commitment to campus leadership and academic excellence. She served as a Student Ambassador, consistently earned Dean’s List honors, and joined prestigious organizations like Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also part of the IVC Honors Program, where she deepened her critical thinking and research skills.

But it was Ariana’s extracurricular involvement that truly helped her discover her purpose. She co-founded and co-led the Global Perspectives Club, creating a space for students to discuss pressing international issues. As Marketing Director for the Business Leaders Society, she helped connect her peers to networking events and professional opportunities. “Getting involved was transformative,” she explains. “It pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.”

Ariana’s next step is UCLA, where she plans to dive deeper into global systems, legal studies, and policymaking. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in international relations or corporate law—fields where she can work across borders, solve complex problems, and advocate for meaningful change in both the public and private sectors.

Her advice to future students is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to take initiative and put yourself out there. Some of the best opportunities come from saying yes before you feel fully ready. Even one step outside your comfort zone can open doors you didn’t expect.” With her curiosity, drive, and commitment to global understanding, Ariana Moolchandani is already building a more connected and just world—and she’s only just getting started.

For Arsalan Zafarmand, studying biology at Irvine Valley College (IVC) was never just about mastering molecules and systems—it was about honoring a life-saving legacy. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Arsalan lost his mother in a tragic car accident before he was born. Miraculously, he survived thanks to the skill and compassion of the medical professionals who cared for him. Their dedication planted a powerful seed in Arsalan: the desire to help others through healing.

After graduating from the prestigious Allameh Tabatabei High School in Tehran with a diploma in Physics and Mathematics and a stellar GPA, Arsalan brought his academic drive to the United States in 2021. As a first-generation college student, he enrolled at IVC in 2022 with a laser focus on becoming a dentist, and eventually, an orthodontist. His course load has been intense—spanning Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Math, and Physics—and his GPA remains a perfect 4.0. Arsalan has also been the top student in nearly every class he’s taken, a result he attributes to sacrifice, discipline, and relentless self-belief.

His accomplishments at IVC are as impressive as they are inspiring. He’s earned multiple scholarships, including the Regini and Mohan Kulkarni Endowed Scholarship and the Assistance League of Irvine Endowed Scholarship, and he received the IVC Supportive Services Certificate of Recognition twice. Arsalan also served his peers as a tutor, assisting in general Chemistry courses and making a meaningful impact on student learning alongside Professor Thomas Cullen.

Beyond the classroom, Arsalan actively participated in the Persian Group, where he stepped into leadership roles, helping organize projects, and honing his communication and conflict-resolution skills. These experiences, he says, prepared him not just for a future career in dentistry, but for a life of service and empathy.

Arsalan has received acceptance letters from UC Irvine and UC Davis—two of the top public universities in the country for biology majors. He’s already preparing for life’s next chapter: volunteering in dental offices, shadowing professionals, and studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). He hopes to transition smoothly into university life this fall by continuing his academic momentum all the way to dental school and eventually a specialty in orthodontics.

He adds, his goal is to give people beautiful smiles by aligning and straightening their teeth. Arsalan further shares, "But more than that, I want to ease people’s pain and improve their quality of life—just as those doctors did for me before I ever opened my eyes." 

From a young age, books were more than just stories—they were lifelines. For Dalton Saban, reading offered comfort during tough times and ignited a lifelong passion for the written word. That love of literature grew into a calling: to uplift and inspire others through storytelling.

An English major with a minor in Creative Writing, Dalton describes writing as a window to serve others with new perspectives. “For me, writing is a way to connect with people—to help them feel seen, understood, and inspired,” he says. 

His ultimate goal? To become a New York Times Best-Selling author and, one day, a Creative Writing professor, mentoring the next generation of storytellers.

A graduate of Irvine High School, Dalton chose to stay local after learning about IVC’s exceptional academic reputation. 

“It was a no-brainer,” he says. “IVC is highly respected by UCs and other universities across the country.” His choice paid off: after excelling at IVC, he was accepted into UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, Cal State Fullerton, and Brigham Young University—where he will transfer this fall.

His time at IVC has been marked by leadership, service, and academic excellence. Dalton has been named to the Dean’s List, works as a Student Ambassador for the Outreach department, and has played a key role in Preview Night, IVC’s signature event welcoming thousands of local high school students. He also had his work published in The Ear, IVC’s literary journal—an early milestone on his path to literary success.

One of the most defining experiences of Dalton’s life came before he even began college: a two-year volunteer mission in Honduras, where he learned resilience, compassion, and the power of connection—values that now inform his writing and approach to life.

His advice for future students is thoughtful and grounded in experience: “Remember that your time is precious. Balancing academics and personal life is essential. For me, success came from building a schedule, sticking to it, and giving myself time to both study and recharge. Trust the process. Stay organized, stay focused, and success will follow.”

With a heart for helping others and a gift for storytelling, Dalton Saban is ready to write the next chapter—one filled with purpose, inspiration, and bold ambition.

When Haley Alana Barrios Gomez was a child, she loved to build things. “I still love tinkering and taking things apart,” she says with a smile. That natural curiosity, paired with her experience living with congenital limb loss, eventually inspired her to design her own prosthetic arm—and to pursue a future in mechanical engineering with a focus on biomechatronics.

Haley, a mechanical engineering major at Irvine Valley College (IVC), has always been drawn to innovation that makes a real-world impact. She grew up using a body-powered prosthesis but realized that it wasn’t the best fit for her body, especially with her scoliosis. At just 16, she began researching myoelectric prosthetics, which use electrical signals from the body to control movement. Her determination led her to collaborate with engineers at Hanger Clinic, immersing herself in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) design and engineering principles to create a custom prosthetic device she still uses today. “It was an intense but incredibly rewarding process,” she reflects.

That same drive led Haley to join IVC’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, which supports first-generation, low-income students in calculus-based STEM fields. 

“As a first-generation college student, I couldn’t afford to attend a four-year university right away,” she explains. “IVC was the ideal option. They have a great STEM program with incredible engineering professors and strong partnerships with UCs and CSUs.”

Throughout her time at IVC, Haley has stood out not just for her academic achievements, but also for her leadership and advocacy. She currently serves as a tutor at the MESA Center, helping her peers succeed in rigorous STEM coursework. She also spoke at the grand opening of the IVC MESA Center and was featured in both the Orange County Business Journal and the IVC newsletter. Most notably, Haley was the keynote speaker at IVC’s Pancakes and Partners Breakfast in December 2024, helping to launch the college’s 40th anniversary celebration with her powerful story of perseverance and purpose.

A graduate of Trabuco Hills High School, Haley is now preparing to transfer to a four-year university. She applied to Cal State Fullerton, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and MIT. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. and become a mechanical engineer specializing in CAD design, with a focus on creating affordable, accessible prosthetics—particularly for children. 

“My dream is to help kids just like me by designing devices that empower them,” she says.

For future students, Haley offers this advice: “Find what works for you. Develop your rhythm and your work ethic. Don’t be afraid to fail—be confident, be open to learning from your mistakes, and never stop wanting to learn.”

With her creativity, resilience, and heart for helping others, Haley Barrios is already transforming lives—and she’s just getting started.

As a first-generation college student and the son of working-class parents from Mexico and Peru, Daniel Sagrero faced the college admissions process with uncertainty—and a great deal of resilience. After experiencing rejection and financial barriers in high school, his parents worried that attending community college might derail his academic journey. But Daniel saw Irvine Valley College as a launchpad, not a fallback.

“I was determined to pursue higher education, knowing it could open doors that had been closed to my family,” he says. “IVC didn’t just support that dream—it transformed it into purpose and leadership.”

Majoring in Psychology, Daniel found his passion in educational equity and became a powerful advocate for underrepresented students. He is deciding between offers from UCLA—where he would double major in Chicana and Chicano Studies and Education and Social Transformation—and UC Berkeley, where he would double major in Educational Sciences and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. Both paths also include a possible minor in Public Policy or Public Affairs.

Daniel’s long-term vision is clear: to earn a Master’s and Ph.D. in Higher Education and become a higher ed leader focused on increasing access, retention, and degree completion for Latino and historically underrepresented students.

His list of honors and involvement is extensive. As a member of IVC’s Honors Program, Psi Beta, and Phi Theta Kappa, Daniel has engaged in research, leadership, and service. He served as Co-Coordinator of the Honors Peer Mentor Team, presented at the Honors Transfer Council of California Student Research Conference, and earned the Big Canyon Employee Scholarship three years in a row for academic excellence and perseverance.

On campus, Daniel is a proud member of the Puente Program, where he found a space to explore his heritage and grow as a student leader. He was selected for the Puente MaS Summer Academy, became an IVC Student Ambassador, and was one of six students featured in IVC’s Latinx Marketing Campaign. He also served as the ICC Representative for the Latinx Student Association and attended the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA) Student Leadership Conference.

Through the California College Corps, Daniel served as a K-12 Education Fellow at Guin Foss Elementary, mentoring students and supporting their academic and emotional growth.

His advice to future students:
“If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in academic spaces because of your background or identity, know that you do. IVC reminded me that being Latino and being a scholar aren’t separate identities—they strengthen each other. With the right support and mentorship, you can rise above any barrier and become a voice for change.”

With determination, academic strength, and an unwavering commitment to equity, Daniel Sagrero is not just navigating higher education—he’s reshaping it.

Creating art has always been a passion for Elsa Ly, but it was discovering the power of mixed media—blending photography with graphic design—that solidified her career path. “Seeing the reaction of others to my work has definitely motivated me to pursue a career in graphic design,” she said. Whether working on personal projects or running her side business as a photographer and videographer, Elsa finds purpose in the connections her art inspires.

A graduate of Fountain Valley High School, Elsa chose Irvine Valley College (IVC) to sharpen her creative and academic skills while exploring career options in design. She quickly became a campus leader—serving for two years as a Student Ambassador, earning a place on the Dean’s List since 2023, and contributing to both the Honors Program Student Council and the Global Perspectives Club as Public Relations Chair. Two of her photographs were featured in the IVC Art Gallery.

This fall, Elsa will transfer to California State University, Long Beach to join their highly regarded Graphic Design program. Her ultimate goal is to become a UX/UI designer, combining creativity and technical knowledge to design websites and applications that are beautiful, accessible, and user-friendly. “With everything moving toward online platforms,” she explained, “it’s important that websites and apps are easy to navigate for everyone.”

Her advice for future students? “Take advantage of every resource on campus. From the counseling center to the transfer center to the writing center—there are so many people ready to support you. You just have to take the first step and ask.”

Monique Cardona, a driven and compassionate student at Irvine Valley College, is a shining example of what it means to pursue higher education with both heart and purpose. A graduate of Tustin High School, Monique is preparing to transfer to Biola University, where she will double major in Sociology (with an emphasis in Criminology) and Christian Ministry. Her ultimate goal is to work in the field of psychology, combining her academic passions and personal experiences to one day open a faith-based drug rehabilitation program that supports individuals on their path to healing and recovery.

As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother, Monique’s educational journey has been deeply personal. She is committed to building a future that not only honors the sacrifices made by her family, but also reflects her own strength, resilience, and unwavering faith. Monique has distinguished herself at IVC through a powerful blend of academic success, community involvement, and leadership. She was featured in IVC’s Hispanic student promotion video and selected as a PUENTE Student Ambassador for Cohort 3. A two-time IVC Foundation Scholarship recipient and a scholarship awardee from Biola University, Monique has also completed over 600 hours of volunteer service with the YMCA—a testament to her dedication to giving back.

Monique’s presence at IVC has extended beyond the classroom. She worked closely with the IVC Police Department, participating in ride-alongs with the Chief of Police, served on the College Corps student team, and contributed to the campus creative community as part of the Ceramics program. Her academic journey has not only deepened her interest in the intersection of criminology, faith, and mental health, but also reinforced her desire to pursue a Ph.D. that will allow her to conduct meaningful interdisciplinary research in the field of addiction.

When asked what advice she would give to future students, Monique offers this powerful reflection:

“Do this for yourself. This is the phrase I repeated to myself countless times throughout my two years at IVC. As a first-generation college student, it is easy to feel like you are pursuing education solely for your family—especially for those who sacrificed so much to give you this opportunity. But in the process, it is just as easy to lose sight of the fact that you are also doing this for you. Pursue higher education as a way to honor your passion, your resilience, and your potential. Choose a path that resonates deeply with who you are, because when your purpose is authentic, your ability to impact others will naturally follow."

Kaylin Hahm’s journey was shaped from an early age by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit. Watching him build and manage his own business instilled in her an appreciation for hard work, strategy, and leadership. As she continued her education, Kaylin’s curiosity expanded into the realms of psychology and programming, illuminating the connection between human behavior and business strategy. That insight led her to pursue a dual major in Business Economics and Cognitive Science—a blend that perfectly bridges the inspiration of her childhood with her own evolving interests.

While at Irvine Valley College, Kaylin has excelled academically and proven herself as a dynamic leader. Her outstanding performance has earned her placement on the Dean’s List every semester, alongside numerous certifications including an Associate in Science for Transfer in Business Administration, an Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Liberal Studies, a full IGETC and Transfer Certification, and specialized certificates in research and entrepreneurial tools. 

Recognized for her aptitude and dedication, Kaylin has been accepted into the Career Exploration Experience 2025 at Ernst & Young through the CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County and is currently enhancing her digital marketing skills with a HubSpot AI Digital Marketing Micro-Internship. She’s also been honored with invitations to present research at several academic conferences, including the 2024 SCCUR Conference, the 2024 HTCC Honors Research Conference at UC Riverside, and the 13th Annual IVC/Saddleback Student Research Symposium.

Kaylin’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. As President of the Business Leaders Society, she leads a vibrant community of over 100 members—organizing guest speaker events, student-alumni panels, and practical workshops that have helped many peers secure internships. In her role as Economics Club Research Coordinator and Mentor, she has supported and guided student research projects to successful presentations. Moreover, as an IVC Student Ambassador, Kaylin passionately represents IVC at college fairs, high school outreach events, and community panels—striving to make every student feel seen, supported, and inspired, whether they come from immigrant backgrounds or are the first in their families to attend college.

Looking ahead, Kaylin is preparing to transfer to UCLA this fall, while also celebrating her acceptance into UC Irvine's Business Administration Honors Program. No matter where she goes, she intends to continue her active campus involvement—whether through mentorship, student leadership, or community building. Her career aspirations lie at the intersection of marketing, consulting, and corporate strategy, with a particular focus on consumer brands, lifestyle, and beauty industries—fields where creativity meets analytics to leave a meaningful impact. Her advice to future students is both empowering and heartfelt: “Your journey is not over if you receive a ‘no.’ Whether it’s from a college decision, a job application, or a board position—the rejections don’t define you. Your perseverance, hard work, and dedication are what truly matter. With the genuine community and support at IVC, you can overcome every challenge and thrive.”