51����

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 51���� 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 51���� (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 51���� (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 51����, 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.

51����'s Accounting Department doesn't just teach students — it forges industry partnerships that shape destinies by assisting students in obtaining part-time and permanent employment with area employers.