Pathways to success: Celebrating ASU transfer graduates this fall

At Arizona State University, students from all corners of the country find their pathways to success through innovative partnerships and seamless transfer programs like MyPath2ASU. 

Many ASU graduates begin their academic journeys at community colleges and partner institutions nationwide, proving that determination and opportunity can lead to extraordinary achievements.

From aspiring educators to future engineers, these graduates bring diverse experiences and stories, enriching the ASU community and beyond.

Here, we highlight 12 inspiring transfer students who simplified their transfer process using MyPath2ASU and are graduating from ASU’s academic colleges this fall semester.

Student: Alexandra Mars
College of Health Solutions

Degree program: Medical studies, BS
Transferred from: Estrella Mountain Community College, Arizona

As a first-generation American, Alexandra Mars has always been inspired by her community. With friends and family turning to her for advice on everything from medicine to mental health and financial planning, Mars felt a deep responsibility to pursue higher education to better serve those around her.

“I wanted to help answer the questions people had and provide guidance on how to live a healthy life,” she said.

Mars' academic path to ASU has been anything but linear. Starting in psychology, she switched to business before ultimately finding her passion in medical studies — a journey that spanned 16 years.

“I didn’t know what I ultimately wanted to do,” she said, but ASU’s MyPath2ASU program offered the guidance and structure she needed to make a seamless transfer and dive headfirst into her chosen major.

The supportive community at ASU has been one of the highlights of Mars' experience. 

“The instructors and students make you feel right at home,” she said. “Being around others who share your path and joining clubs and organizations makes you feel like you belong.”

Mars was actively involved in several student organizations, including the Latino Medical Student Association and Health Occupations Students of America, and participated in the MED 494 internship alternative. 

Reflecting on her time at ASU, Mars feels especially inspired by her science professors, many of whom are women.

“As a nontraditional student, I saw them as mentors, and they made me feel very capable,” she said.

After graduating, Mars plans to apply to medical school. She hopes her story will inspire others like her to take advantage of all the opportunities available. Her advice to new transfer students is simple but impactful: “Research the clubs and organizations before you arrive, go on the tours, attend as many events as possible, and utilize all the services available to you.”

Student: Katti Fernandez
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts

Degree program: Counseling and applied psychological science, BS (online)
Transferred from: East Los Angeles College (ELAC), California

Katti Fernandez’s journey to higher education began with a push from her biggest supporter — her husband. Inspired by his decision to start taking classes during the pandemic, Fernandez revisited her own educational goals, beginning by finishing her studies at East Los Angeles College.

“He encouraged me to look into it and finish at ELAC,” Katti said. “Once I did that, I started looking into ASU since I could obtain a degree with online classes.”

When it came time to choose a major, Fernandez turned to ASU’s offerings for inspiration. 

“I always knew I wanted to do something with psychology, but when I saw ASU had a counseling and psychology degree, I knew that was what I wanted to pursue,” she said. 

The accessibility of ASU’s online programs sealed the deal, enabling her to earn a degree while balancing her other responsibilities.

Fernandez credits the MyPath2ASU program and her ASU advisors for simplifying the transfer process. 

“Working with an advisor every step of the way made something unknown so simple,” she said. 

The built-in support systems, including notifications and reminders, have been a highlight of her ASU experience, as have the engaging professors and well-designed courses.

Looking ahead, Fernandez is considering continuing her education with a master’s degree. As she nears graduation, she reflects on the significance of her journey. 

She said that by completing her degree at ASU, she’s not only achieving a personal milestone but also set an example of perseverance and dedication for her family and others.

Student: Abbi Levine
Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Degree program: Nursing, BSN (concurrent enrollment program)
Transferred from: Evergreen Valley College (EVC), California

Abbi Levine's transfer journey from Evergreen Valley College to ASU Online highlights the incredible opportunities provided by ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s concurrent enrollment program (CEP). By enrolling in both institutions simultaneously, Levine is on a fast track to achieving her educational and career goals. She is set to graduate in fall 2024 with her Bachelor of Science in nursing.

In 2018, after returning to the U.S. from living abroad in Greece, Levine chose to pursue nursing. Witnessing a midwife's impact on women's health on a small island with limited health care, she was inspired to become a labor and delivery nurse to provide positive birth experiences and outcomes.

Living in California, Levine chose to attend Evergreen Valley College for its affordable nursing program, which allowed her to avoid student loans. While enrolled at EVC, the BSN CEP program with Arizona State University offered her an opportunity to earn her BSN and complete her degree on an accelerated timeline without needing to attend a four-year university in the “traditional” sense.

Levine's ASU experience has been highlighted by engaging coursework and her professors in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. The MyPath2ASU program assisted Levine in her academic journey, helping her plan and budget for her courses each semester. 

At EVC, Levine was actively involved in the Evergreen Nursing Student Association, serving as the class representative for four semesters and coordinating the pinning ceremony in her final semester.

Post graduation, Levine plans to work as a labor and delivery nurse before pursuing a master's degree in nurse-midwifery. Her hobbies, beach volleyball and hiking, have helped her maintain balance throughout nursing school.

Levine’s advice for new transfer students: "Work on your time management skills. Balancing ASU classes with a rigorous nursing program requires excellent planning and discipline. Try to get as many assignments done before the nursing semester begins, as Evergreen and ASU have different start dates."

Student: Gianna Cabano
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Degree program: Photography, BS
Transferred from: Mesa Community College (MCC), Arizona

Gianna Cabano’s transfer journey from Mesa Community College to Arizona State University is a story of self-discovery, passion and family inspiration. With a love for photography sparked in high school, Cabano initially used her time at MCC to explore whether photography could truly become her career. Now, she’s on the brink of graduating with her Bachelor of Science in photography from ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Cabano credits her father as the driving force behind her decision to pursue higher education and, ultimately, photography.

“My dad inspired me to push myself further than just community college,” she said. “He encouraged me to dive completely into my passion, and I wouldn’t have transferred to ASU if it wasn’t for him.”

Starting at MCC gave Cabano the opportunity to ease into college life while exploring her career interests. 

“Those three years at MCC helped me figure out if photography was really something I wanted to do,” she said. 

Although MCC didn’t have a photo club, Cabano participated in student art shows, where her work was displayed in the campus gallery and earned her two awards. These experiences solidified her love for photography and gave her the confidence to pursue it as a major.

ASU was a natural choice for Cabano, given her childhood memories of visiting the ASU Art Museum with her family. 

“I thought it was the coolest thing that a school had a museum,” she recalled. “I imagined how amazing it would be to have my own art displayed there one day.” 

ASU’s MyPath2ASU program also made transferring from MCC seamless, with advisors helping ensure all her credits transferred and prepared her for success.

At ASU, Cabano has been inspired by both her peers and her professors. 

“I’ve loved meeting people who are just as passionate about photography and art as I am,” she said. “The teachers here are incredible artists themselves, which is really motivating.”

Looking ahead, Cabano plans to pursue a career as a wedding photographer. She is currently building connections with wedding companies, eager to gain experience and start her own business in the future.

For new transfer students, Gianna advises, “Completely dive into your major. Meet people who are going into what you are. Ask your teachers questions. Make connections. Take on everything and anything you can. Make the most of your university experience.”

Student: Ricardo Ontiveros
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Degree program: Electrical engineering, BS
Transferred from: Glendale Community College (GCC)

Ricardo Ontiveros’ path to a degree in electrical engineering reflects his passion for math and science and his desire to make a meaningful impact on society. 

He began his academic journey at Glendale Community College, for the affordability and convenience. 

“Starting at GCC allowed me to ease into college life while saving money,” he said. 

During his time there, he joined the engineering club, an experience that solidified his commitment to pursuing a degree in engineering.

Choosing electrical engineering as a major was a natural fit for Ontiveros, who has always enjoyed math and science. 

“I wanted to combine my interests in a way that could positively impact society, and engineering felt like the right choice,” he said.

ASU stood out to Ontiveros as a top choice for continuing his education. 

“It’s a great engineering school, and being in the Valley made it even more appealing,” he said. 

He said the MyPath2ASU program provided him with a clear roadmap for his transition, detailing the classes he needed and helping him stay on track academically. 

“It created a literal map I could follow, which made the whole process less overwhelming.”

At ASU, Ontiveros has taken full advantage of the opportunities available to engineering students. He was involved in the Sun Devil Satellite Laboratory, where he worked on a 1U CubeSat project scheduled to launch in spring 2025. Additionally, he served as the electrical lead engineer for Space Grant’s ASCEND program, designing and launching scientific payloads into the stratosphere via high-altitude balloons.

Ricardo says it is important to slowly adjust to university life as a transfer student. 

“Coming in as a junior presents challenges outside the classroom, like getting used to the commute, navigating campus and adapting to the new environment. Give yourself time to adjust and ease into it.”

Post graduation, Ontiveros plans to continue working on projects similar to those he’s been involved in at ASU, pursuing a career that combines his technical skills and passion for space exploration.

Student: Alexis Morris
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College

Degree program: Special Education
Transferred from: Central Arizona College (CAC), Arizona

Alexis Morris’ path to becoming a special education teacher is deeply personal and rooted in her family’s legacy of higher education. Inspired by her mother and grandfather — both ASU alumni — Morris proudly continues their tradition while forging her own journey in education.

Morris began her academic career at Central Arizona College, taking advantage of the Promise for the Future contract, which provided her with two free years of tuition.

“If I didn’t have that, I would have still gone to a community college to save money,” she said, recognizing the financial and academic benefits of starting her journey at CAC.

Her decision to major in special education was inspired by her cousin, who has autism. Witnessing the challenges he faced motivated Morris to make a difference. 

“I saw how he was treated, and I wanted to change how students with disabilities are supported and understood,” she said.

Choosing ASU was a natural next step for Morris, given her family’s connection to the university. Now, as she completes her advanced internship, Morris is preparing to step into her future career. 

“I’m excited to take over as the teacher of record in the classroom where I currently work as an instructional aide,” she said. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in school psychology to further her impact in the field.

For future transfer students, Alexis offers this advice: “Take as many classes as you can handle, but enough to finish sooner rather than later. It’s easy to take the easy way out, but stay focused!”

Student: Lauren Vasquez
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Degree program: Family and human development, BS
Transferred from: Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC), Arizona

Lauren Vasquez’s journey to earning her Bachelor of Science in family and human development reflects her dedication to discovering her passions and aligning them with her educational goals. 

Starting at Chandler Gilbert Community College, Vasquez used her time there to explore different interests, eventually finding her calling through her work experience and supportive mentors.

“My current job and the team I work with inspired me to pursue higher education,” Vasquez said. “Working there helped me discover my passion and what I wanted my educational goals to be.”

Community college was the perfect starting point for Lauren. It allowed her to take classes locally while figuring out her academic path. 

“I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to study,” she said. “Community college gave me the chance to explore my interests, and the short commute made it easy for me to attend classes while I worked things out.”

By the end of her second year at CGCC, Vasquez had found her passion in family and human development and chose to pursue it as her major.

Vasquez chose ASU for its transfer-friendly approach and the availability of her desired program. 

“ASU counselors have the best interest of every student,” she said. 

As a fully online student, Vasquez also appreciates the flexibility ASU offers. “

Every college student’s life is different, and it’s amazing that ASU provides so many undergraduate programs online.”

The MyPath2ASU program played a critical role in Lauren’s transition to ASU. 

“The program is so easy! It gave me a clear roadmap of all the tasks I needed to complete at community college to make a seamless transfer to ASU,” she said.

Student: Tiffany Parasca
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

Degree program: Public service and public policy (law and policy), BS
Minor: Romanian studies
Transferred from: Glendale Community College (GCC), Arizona

Tiffany Parasca’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the resilience and sacrifices of her parents, who grew up under the constraints of communist Romania. As a first-generation American, Parasca is inspired by their legacy and determined to honor their memory by seizing every opportunity higher education offers. 

“Their experiences under a system that stifled individual innovation fuel my determination to make the most of the blessings I’ve been given,” she said.

Parasca began her academic career at Glendale Community College, where she earned 45 credit hours through a program that allowed her to take college courses during her senior year of high school. This head start provided a cost-effective way to pursue her goals and underscored her commitment to thoughtful, pragmatic planning.

At GCC, Parasca discovered a passion for service while volunteering for Packages from Home, an organization that sends care packages to active-duty military personnel. This experience resonated deeply with her, as she now works on veteran appeals in her role at a law firm. 

“Witnessing the trauma faced by active-duty personnel made supporting this organization even more meaningful,” she said.

Choosing a major was a journey of exploration for Parasca, who initially considered psychology, global management and law before finding her calling in public service and public policy. 

“I’m driven by a genuine passion to serve my community through politics,” she said. 

Parasca said the MyPath2ASU program "provided a clear roadmap, eliminating confusion and making the transfer process smooth and stress-free.".

At ASU, she found unique ways to blend her academic pursuits with her personal interests. She pursued a minor in Romanian studies, guided by Assistant Professor Madalina Meirosu in an individualized instruction class where she explored Russian literature while honing her Romanian language skills. 

Looking ahead, Parasca plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration or gain experience working in state or local government. Her ultimate ambition is to become a lobbyist and establish her own firm, specializing in supporting nonprofits and fostering meaningful connections between faith and politics.

For new transfer students, Parasca emphasizes the importance of building connections: “Human connections are essential for personal and professional growth. The relationships you build with fellow students and professors can open doors to opportunities you never imagined.”

Student: Kristin Chung
W. P. Carey School of Business

Degree program: Business data analytics, BS
Transferred from: Mesa Community College (MCC), Arizona

Kristin Chung’s transfer journey to earning her Bachelor of Science in business data analytics reflects her resilience, creativity and commitment to higher education.

Growing up in a low-income household, Chung's family emphasized the importance of education as a pathway to opportunity. Her mother, a teacher, homeschooled Chung and her siblings, tailoring their learning experiences to suit their individual needs.

“I had a say in what and how I learned, which helped me understand myself, my interests and even pick up some hobbies along the way,” Chung said.

When the time came to pursue higher education, Chung opted for community college to avoid taking on massive debt. She attended Mesa Community College while working to gain career experience. This pragmatic approach set the stage for her success and paved the way for her to transfer to ASU through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, or SCAP.

Chung initially pursued accountancy but discovered it wasn’t the right fit. She researched other majors and her love of math and problem-solving eventually led her to business data analytics. 

“This major combines the technical problem-solving and logic I enjoy with the fundamentals of business,” she said.

At ASU, Chung has appreciated the support and engagement of her professors, even in an online learning environment.

“I’ve been amazed at how hands-on the professors are,” she said. 

She’s also built a sense of community with fellow business data analytics majors, a surprising and welcome part of her journey. 

“I didn’t think I’d have friends to sit with at graduation, but here we are!”

Chung's advice for new transfer students is simple but impactful: “Take it slow at first! It’s a lot to take in, but once you find your groove, you’ll be golden.”

Student: Nicollette Valenzuela
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Degree program: Journalism and mass communication, BA
Transferred from: Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), Arizona

Nicollette Valenzuela’s passion for writing has been a driving force throughout her life, but it was her high school English teacher who inspired her to turn that passion into a career. 

“Writing has always been something I love, but my teacher really pushed me to pursue it as more than a hobby,” she said.

Her journey to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication began at Estrella Mountain Community College, where she chose to start her higher education for financial reasons.

“It just didn’t make sense to pay out of pocket for my associate’s degree when I could attend community college and receive financial aid,” Valenzuela said. 

This pragmatic decision set the stage for her successful transfer to ASU.

Valenzuela selected her major, journalism and mass communication, immediately after graduating high school. 

“I wanted to write about things that matter,” she said.

The reputation of the Cronkite School made ASU her top choice, and the MyPath2ASU program ensured her credits would transfer seamlessly, keeping her focused on earning her degree.

At ASU, Valenzuela thrived in the Cronkite School’s immersive environment. 

“Being part of this program and learning from experienced, knowledgeable professors has been the best part of my ASU experience,” she said. 

She credits faculty James Teeple and Angeline Taylor as particularly impactful mentors. 

“Professor Taylor helped me gain confidence in my writing and reporting abilities, and I’ll always be grateful for her guidance.”

Valenzuela has also built an impressive resume through internships and hands-on experiences, including roles at Cronkite News, Hip Hop International, the Arizona School Board Association and iHeartMedia, as a news writer and reporter. These opportunities have prepared her for her ultimate goal: a career as a writer, reporter and journalist.

Her advice for new transfer students is to pace themselves and remain open to opportunities: “Take on a workload you know you can handle, and always be ready for new experiences."