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.