Irvine native Aleyna Luick arrived at Irvine Valley College (IVC) lit by a spark of curiosity and the determination and resilience to stay focused on developing a clear vision for her future. A first-generation student herself, she had heard the college described as a “transformative experience” by high school counselors and former classmates alike.
Aleyna quickly immersed herself in programs and activities, and now, in her second year, she is thriving as a member of IVC’s Promise Program and its Honors program. She calls role as vice president in the Administration of Justice Club, Chi Tau Epsilon (XTE) a cornerstone of her college experience and “a welcome environment where criminology and criminal justice majors can come together.”
Guided by IVC Professor Luis Gutierrez, the club blends fun, teamwork, and real-world learning. At the upcoming American Criminal Justice Association competition, Aleyna will experience fitness tests, a competitive shooting range, poster presentations and navigating a simulated police course — all in an effort to build the critical skills and connections she needs for her future.
“I’ve not only improved my leadership abilities but also developed lasting friendships,” she shared. “These experiences challenge me to think critically and deepen my passion for criminal justice.”
Aleyna is considering a path in one of three areas: becoming a criminal psychologist, an FBI special agent, or a victim services advocate. Inspired by family friends in law enforcement, she said she’s drawn to the opportunity to help others while exploring the psychological complexities of criminal behavior.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind,” she explained. “I don’t just want to label. I want to understand why people act the way they do—not just label them as criminals.”
Aleyna’s commitment to criminology doesn’t stop in the classroom. She’s also pursuing an Associate’s degree in Psychology to complement her criminology studies. She credits professors like Gutierrez and Val Warner-Saadat for making her academic journey rewarding and engaging. She said Saadat’s Criminal Law I provided an exciting opportunity to conduct independent research and broadened her perspective, while Gutierrez’s thought-provoking approach to teaching sparked meaningful discussions.
Despite the challenges of juggling 6-7 courses per semester, Aleyna has risen to the occasion. She says strong time management and resilience, along with support from IVC’s tutoring services, study groups, and professors, have been crucial to her success.
Aleyna’s next chapter will take her to UC Irvine, where she plans to pursue a degree from one of the nation’s top criminology programs. While some students are deterred by UCI’s research-heavy curriculum, Aleyna sees it as an essential step toward her dream of blending fieldwork, data analysis, and advocacy to support crime victims and their families.
“My journey hasn’t been without challenges,” she reflected, “but every experience at IVC has been worth it. It’s been a journey of growth, leadership, and discovery. I’m excited to see where my path leads.”