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.” 

Isaac Gutierrez found his passion for finance through a deeply personal lens—witnessing the impact of financial illiteracy within his own community. Determined to change that, he chose to study Business Administration with a concentration in Finance to help democratize access to financial knowledge and empower others. 

“I want to learn as much as I can about the world of finance so I can help bridge the gap in financial literacy, especially for underserved communities,” he shared.

During his time at Irvine Valley College (IVC), Isaac stood out as a driven and mission-focused student leader. He served as Co-President of the Economics Club, a board member of the Financial Finesse Club, and an active participant in the Honors Program and Student Ambassador team. He co-founded the Research Opportunity Program of Economics (ROPE), which gives students the chance to conduct and present economic research—often in collaboration with professors from four-year universities.

While working multiple jobs to support himself, Isaac interned at SmartSuite, a startup with $38 million in funding, and also earned a Big 4 accounting internship offer from Ernst & Young (EY). This fall, he will transfer to the University of California, Berkeley, where he’ll study at the prestigious Haas School of Business.

Isaac’s ultimate goal is to work in venture capital—helping to fund bold ideas, guide startups, and drive innovation. If not venture capital, he envisions a career in financial strategy and operations.

His advice for future students? “Take initiative and put yourself out there in every way possible—no matter how big or small the opportunity may seem. Don’t let rejection discourage you. Rejection teaches you more than never trying at all.”

Jeslyn Do has always been fascinated by the way people interact with technology. At Irvine Valley College (IVC), she found the perfect space to explore that intersection through her studies in Cognitive Science and Informatics. 

“In a world of constant innovation,” she said, “digital services are only truly successful when they’re intuitive, user-centered, and solve real human problems.” Jeslyn’s passion lies in designing technology that’s both personalized and accessible—bridging human behavior with smart, ethical design.

Jeslyn made the most of her time at IVC through leadership, innovation, and academic excellence. She served as a Student Ambassador, representing the college at major events like the Irvine Global Village Festival and IVC’s Celebrating Excellence Gala. As Marketing Director of the IVC Business Leaders Society, she created promotional content, organized speaker panels, and led skill-building workshops for her peers. Jeslyn also competed in IVC’s LaserHacks hackathon, where she contributed front-end development and interface design to her team’s project.

Academically, Jeslyn excelled. She’s been named to the Dean’s List every semester since Fall 2023, was a nominee and finalist for the Orange County Register’s Artist of the Year in Media Arts and received multiple IVC Foundation Scholarships. As a TAP-Certified Honors Student, she earned admission into UCI’s School of Information and Computer Sciences and Honors Collegium through the Honors to Honors Program—and is currently deciding between transferring to UCLA or UCSD to continue her studies in Cognitive Science with a minor in Data Science and Engineering. A master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction is also part of her long-term plan.

Jeslyn’s career interests span front-end development, UX/UI design, AI and machine learning, product design, and project management. She has already taken steps toward that future through internships in UI/UX Design (Road2) and Marketing AI (HubSpot x CCC), and even completed a summer program at USC focused on AI and semiconductor chip technology.

Her advice to future students? “Your own doubts should never limit what you’re capable of achieving.” Jeslyn shared that she often felt underqualified when applying for roles and programs—but IVC taught her to try anyway. “Every experience outside your comfort zone contributes to growth—in confidence, in academics, and in life.”

Driven by a passion for international affairs and a deep curiosity about global political systems, Saif Siddiqui found his academic home at Irvine Valley College (IVC), where he majored in Political Science with a focus on International Relations. 

“Understanding the structures that shape our world is the first step toward creating meaningful change,” Saif said. His long-term goal is to influence global strategy and policy through a career that bridges business, law, and international relations.

At IVC, Saif embraced every opportunity to grow as a leader, scholar, and global thinker. He founded the Global Perspectives Club, creating a platform for students to engage in thoughtful dialogue about world events and cultural exchange. As a Student Ambassador, Saif represented IVC at key panels and conferences that promoted higher education across Orange County. He also played an active role in student government and contributed to the campus newsletter, helping to keep the student body informed and connected.

Saif’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He earned three associate degrees, was nominated for the Transfer Alliance Program (TAP), Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG), and Honors to Honors Program, and completed the IVC Leadership Academy—each milestone reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. As an Honors Program student, he undertook advanced research projects that sharpened his critical thinking and analytical skills.

Looking ahead, Saif plans to transfer to a top four-year university where he’ll continue to explore campus leadership roles, join student organizations, and gain hands-on experience through on-campus employment. A master’s degree is part of his vision, with the goal of working in strategy consulting and shaping global business decisions through an informed, interdisciplinary lens.

His advice for future students? “Take full advantage of the resources around you—academic support, campus events, networking opportunities. And don’t be afraid to change course if your goals evolve. Success often comes from being adaptable, open-minded, and willing to grow through unexpected experiences.”

With a deep commitment to social justice and a passion for understanding legality through the lens of cultural development, Varsha Torpunuri found her calling in the study of Anthropology. At Irvine Valley College (IVC), she combined her major with a Paralegal Certificate and a Pre-Law track to build a powerful foundation for a future in human rights and Indigenous law. 

“Studying people and systems together gave me the clarity I needed,” Varsha said. “It helped me understand that real change comes from legal advocacy grounded in cultural understanding.” 

Varsha’s journey at IVC is defined by leadership, scholarship, and impact. As Vice President of External Affairs in student government, she led initiatives such as IVC’s first-ever Local Candidate Town Hall and the launch of the Anti-Discrimination Pledge—earning both the Justice of the Year and Executive of the Year awards for her efforts. She also co-founded and served as Vice President of IVC’s Mock Trial Team, representing the college at the nationwide American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Community College Clash.

A strong academic achiever, Varsha has made the Dean’s List every semester and was awarded the Honors Transfer Council of California’s Exemplary Achievement Award. As part of the Honors Program Student Council, she served as a peer mentor and presented original research on intellectual property law at the Bay Honors Symposium at UC Berkeley.

Beyond the classroom, Varsha interned at Community Legal Aid SoCal, providing legal support for underserved populations, and completed a political organizing internship. She also represented IVC as a Student Ambassador, helping build community and inspire future students. 

This fall, Varsha will transfer to UC Berkeley, having also been accepted to UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and the UCI Honors College. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend law school and continue pursuing her mission to protect and advocate for vulnerable communities.

She leaves future students with this advice: “Trust yourself and stay open to growth. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. IVC gave me the space and support to explore, reflect, and grow—and it will for you too. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Your time here will go by quickly, so take every opportunity to make it your own.”