MyPath2ASU Helps Students Turn Community College Beginnings Into Powerful Graduation Journeys
As Arizona State University celebrates its Fall 2025 graduates, three transfer students—each with unique backgrounds, challenges and dreams—are crossing the finish line thanks to a tool designed to simplify the path between community college and a university degree.
MyPath2ASU®, ASU’s nationally recognized transfer pathway program, provides students with personalized degree maps, course-by-course alignment and real-time support, ensuring they can plan confidently from day one at their community college. For thousands of learners every year, it has become a lifeline of clarity, connection and opportunity—especially for students juggling work, family, or long journeys back into higher education.
This fall, graduates Matthew Vail, Julia Cassella and Andrea Rubalcava represent the spirit of MyPath2ASU: persistence, purpose and the belief that a seamless transfer should be accessible to everyone.
“A second chance at life”: From struggle to business leadership
Before beginning his dual degrees at the W. P. Carey School of Business, Matthew Vail was facing the most difficult period of his life. After losing his identity when football ended, he struggled with depression and years of addiction that left him on the brink of homelessness.
“I grew up wanting to play football at ASU,” he said. “But when football ended, I lost my identity and fell into depression. Years of struggling with addiction left me nearly homeless, until I decided enough was enough.”
Determined to rebuild, Matthew enrolled at Estrella Mountain Community College, where supportive advisors, financial aid staff and instructors helped him regain his footing. He thrived—earning a 4.0 GPA, joining the Honors Program and becoming president of Phi Theta Kappa, which earned him the All-Arizona Academic Scholarship.
A major part of that success, he says, was the stability of knowing exactly how to reach ASU.
“MyPath2ASU helped me stay on track, plan my courses and feel confident that I wouldn’t lose credits,” Matthew said. “It made transferring such an easy process.”
Today, he is graduating with degrees in Marketing and Management, is part of Barrett, The Honors College, and serves as Head of Marketing for a financial consulting firm. He also volunteers with the Human Services Campus and Project Connect, supporting individuals facing homelessness and addiction—communities he deeply understands.
“ASU was always my dream,” he said. “I take great pride in knowing I’ll graduate from ASU. I will forever be a Sun Devil.”
“Among the greats”: An online anthropology student finds her academic future
For Julia Cassella, who transferred credits from Monroe Community College in New York, MyPath2ASU opened the door to a fully online experience at a university she once thought was out of reach.
“I chose ASU because of its reputation in anthropology circles,” she said. “Taking a special topics class with Jane Buikstra was the moment I realized I was really among the greats!”
Through ASU Online, Julia immersed herself in undergraduate research and academic leadership roles, including serving as head newsletter editor for the IDEAS Student Society, co-founding the Forensic Science Society, and interning with the Culture, Health and Environment Lab. Her independent research exploring burnout in forensic science helped solidify her future goals.
“MyPath2ASU gave me clarity on my degree path,” she said. “It ensured my credits applied correctly and helped me feel prepared before I ever logged into my first ASU class.”
This December, she will also complete a master’s degree in forensic science/forensic medicine and plans to become a medicolegal death investigator. Long term, she hopes to teach anatomy and inspire future students.
“Make a connection with an advisor,” she said. “You’ll have the biggest cheerleader on your side.”
“Never too late”: A mother of four finds her voice and her purpose
Andrea Rubalcava, a first-generation student and mother of four, is graduating with a degree in Educational Studies (Instructional Design) from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Her path began at Rio Salado College, where flexibility and affordability allowed her to pursue higher education without sacrificing her responsibilities at home.
“My children were my biggest inspiration,” she said. “I wanted to show them that it's never too late to chase your dreams. I also wanted to break generational cycles.”
At Rio Salado, the guidance of one professor helped her see her own potential.
“Her belief in me lit a spark that hasn’t faded since,” Andrea said.
When it was time to transfer, MyPath2ASU provided the structure she needed.
“MyPath2ASU helped me stay on track, plan my courses and feel confident that I wouldn’t lose credits,” she said. “It gave me a clear roadmap and a support system.”
At ASU, Andrea has joined the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and volunteers with the DALE Autism Awareness Project. She hopes to pursue curriculum development, accessibility work and eventually a master’s degree, focusing on advocacy within Latino communities.
“Believe that your journey, no matter how nontraditional, is valid and powerful,” she said.
A pathway for every learner
From business to anthropology to education, these graduates—and thousands more—show how MyPath2ASU removes barriers, expands access and empowers students to reach their goals.
Whether in Arizona or across the country, whether online or in person, the message is the same:
A clear pathway can change a life.
Learn more about MyPath2ASU: www.asu.edu/mypath2asu