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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.