RAMPLIFI

✨ What does it take to turn a dream into reality?

For Victor Valley College student Trevor Dames, it started with a leap of faith, a TikTok Live, and the determination to keep going. 💪 In this episode of Ramplifi, host Andrew Caravella sits down with Trevor to discuss his incredible journey from the High Desert to the international fashion industry. Signed with agencies in Los Angeles, New York, Milan, and Barcelona, Trevor shares how social media helped launch his career and what life is really like behind the runway. 👔📸

Listen as Trevor discusses:
✨ Getting discovered through TikTok Live
🌎 Working toward opportunities in New York, Milan, Paris, and beyond
📚 Balancing college, work, and a growing modeling career
💭 Overcoming rejection and self-doubt in a highly competitive industry
🧠 Applying lessons learned at VVC to real-world challenges
❤️ Staying grounded through family, faith, and humility
🚀 Why students should never let their location limit their dreams Trevor offers honest insight into the realities of modeling, the sacrifices required for success, and the importance of perseverance when pursuing your goals. 

🎧 Subscribe to Ramplifi and hear more stories from the students, faculty, staff, and leaders making an impact at Victor Valley College.

She didn’t just graduate… she made history. In one of the most talked-about stories in Southern California—featured in the Los Angeles Times and People Magazine—a #HesperiaHighSchool student accomplished something almost unheard of: graduating from three institutions at the same time. 
🎓 Victor Valley College
🎓 Chaffey College
🎓 Hesperia High School

And she didn’t stop there. With four degrees earned in a single year—including a Business degree from Chaffey and three associate degrees from VVC—she’s redefining what’s possible. Oh… and one more thing. She became the first high school graduate ever to deliver a commencement speech at Chaffey College’s 109th graduation ceremony. Yeah… this is that story.

On this episode of RAMPLIFI, we sit down with the triple graduate who captured headlines across the region to talk about the grind, the pressure, the purpose—and what it really took to pull this off.

🎧 Listen. 💥 If you think you’ve heard it all… you haven’t heard this.

⚠️🚨 LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED: The following episode includes discussions of drugs, abuse, violence, death, and other mature subject matter. These topics are shared through a conversation with a VVC student who is part of the JIE or Justice Involved Education Program at the college.

What does it mean to rebuild your life when the world has already written you off? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Ramplifi, we sit down with a Victor Valley College student whose journey challenges everything you think you know about redemption, education, and second chances. From a childhood shaped by addiction and instability…

To years spent searching for acceptance in all the wrong places… To incarceration, sobriety, and ultimately—transformation… This is a story of truth, resilience, and rediscovery. Through an honest and intimate conversation, we explore:
🔹 The defining moments that shaped her life
🔹 The weight of addiction, trauma, and survival
🔹 What it really felt like when everything changed
🔹 How education became more than a goal—it became a lifeline
🔹 The impact of VVC faculty and the Justice-Involved Education Program
🔹 And how she’s learning, for the first time, what self-worth truly means

🎧 Listen. Reflect. And remember—your story is never finished.

⚠️🚨Listener discretion is advised. The following episode includes discussions of drugs, abuse, violence, death, and other mature subject matter. These topics are shared through a conversation between two Victor Valley College students reflecting on their experiences in foster care.

For Foster Care Awareness Month 💙, Ramplifi The Podcast delivers one of its most powerful and personal episodes yet—highlighting resilience, self-advocacy, and the transformative impact of education. In this episode, we sit down with Victor Valley College student Yvette Chavarin, who opens up about her journey through the foster care system—spanning more than a decade of challenges, transitions, and hard-earned growth. From entering the system at a young age to navigating multiple placements, Yvette reflects on the realities of foster care with honesty and courage, offering listeners a rare, unfiltered perspective on what it means to grow up within it. But this episode is also about empowerment and what comes next

💫 Yvette shares how she found her path at VVC, her involvement in the NextUp program, and the ways she’s become a strong advocate—not just for herself, but for others who share similar experiences. She breaks down key resources like Transitional Housing Programs (THP) 🏠, discusses her goals as she prepares to age out of the system, and speaks candidly about the fears, hopes, and determination that come with building independence. In a Ramplifi first 🎧, the mic is handed over to a student host—Joseph Lopez, a returning guest, fellow VVC student, and member of NextUp who also shares lived experience in foster care. Together, Joseph and Yvette create a deeply authentic and relatable conversation—one rooted in shared understanding, trust, and community 🤝

This special episode is more than an interview—it’s a platform for voices that deserve to be heard. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, your story isn’t over—and your future is still yours to shape 🌱

🎙️ Listen, learn, and be inspired.

We’re sitting down with VVC student and Thrive To Drive winner Kyle Waggoner. Kyle walked away with the truck keys after a year-long campus engagement campaign

🎉 From hundreds and hundreds of entries to one unforgettable moment on stage, Kyle shares what it really felt like when his key started the engine—and how his journey made the win even more meaningful.
🚘 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The moment Kyle realized he actually won the vehicle How a hit-and-run accident left him without a car—and how he kept pushing forward. Balancing 3 jobs while attending college full-time 💼

📚 Why mindset matters: “You’re scaring the opportunities away” How VVC programs, staff, and engagement centers helped change his path His next chapter at Cal State Fullerton 🎓 Advice for students who feel like success “won’t happen for them”
💡 About Thrive to Drive Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, VVC students earned points by attending events, games, and activities across campus—each point increasing their chances to win a brand-new vehicle. At the final Ram Rush event, five finalists took the stage… and only one key started the engine.
👀 This is the post-win story you didn’t see.

⚡ Why This Episode Matters Kyle’s story isn’t just about winning a car—it’s about resilience, perspective, and showing up even when things feel stacked against you. Whether you’re a student, future Ram, or part of the High Desert community, this episode is packed with real talk, motivation, and a reminder that opportunity often shows up when you stay in the game.

🎧 Listen now on the VVC Mobile App or your favorite streaming platform

Town of Apple Valley Mayor Scott Nassif stops by the RAMPLIFI podcast studio for an interview. 

In front of a room filled with student leaders, the mayor, who is also a VVC alum, sits down for an authentic conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Apple Valley. 

He speaks about his personal journey that led him into public service, and to the realities of making tough decisions for a growing town. This episode also explores what it truly means to lead at the local level and take on the noise that may come your way as a local leader.

VVC Media Relations Coordinator Andrew Caravella asks the mayor what makes Apple Valley unique, how the town is evolving, and the opportunities ahead for students and young professionals right here in the region. The Mayor also shares insights on how residents—especially VVC students—can get involved, make an impact, and help shape the future of their community. 

Whether you're interested in leadership, local growth, or just learning more about the place we call home, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and decisions shaping one High Desert community.

On this episode of RAMPLIFI, we switch gears 🚦 and shine a spotlight on something that goes way beyond the classroom—community ❤️.

We’re joined by Andrew Hartig, General Sales Manager at Victorville Cadillac, for a real conversation about what it means for a local business to truly show up 🤝, give back 🎒, and stay connected to the people it serves.

From supporting students and families across the High Desert to building relationships that go far beyond the showroom floor, Andrew shares why community engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s personal 💯.

🚘 In this episode, we talk about: Why giving back matters more than ever

🌍 How local businesses can positively impact students 🎓 Career paths that don’t always follow a straight line 🛤️ Advice for students still figuring out their next move 🔍 What the future of the High Desert looks like through a community-first lens

🔮 And of course… we wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire round ⚡😂 that keeps it light, honest, and very Ramplifi. Whether you’re a VVC student, an aspiring professional, or someone who loves seeing the High Desert thrive 🌄—this episode is a reminder that strong communities are built when people show up for each other ❤️‍🔥.

🎧 Listen now on the VVC Mobile App or your favorite streaming platform

🎓 In this powerful episode of Ramplifi, we sit down with Louie Aguilera, a VVC student, History major, future Library Science student 📚, and President of the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) 🏳️‍🌈.

Louie shares his deeply personal and inspiring journey—covering identity, leadership, sobriety, resilience, and what it truly means to find purpose through education ✨.

From navigating college as a non‑traditional Gen X student to mentoring younger peers on campus, this episode highlights the power of community, representation, and second chances.

Together, the conversation explores: 🎓 Student leadership and campus involvement 🏳️‍🌈 Building safe and inclusive spaces through GSA 💬 Generational perspectives and lived experience 💪 Sobriety, mental health, and personal growth 🌱 Turning adversity into strength and service

This episode also highlights important student support resources available at VVC, including mental health services and the Symba Center 🧠💙, emphasizing that no one has to navigate college—or life—alone. Whether you’re a current student, alumni, or community member, this episode offers an honest, heartfelt discussion about growth, accountability, and belonging.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with VVC student Joseph, a dynamic voice around the campus.  Joseph brings unique insights and authentic stories that resonate with listeners. Beyond professional accomplishments, Joseph is a passionate advocate for the She Ready Foundation, an organization founded by Tiffany Haddish that empowers and supports youth in foster care. Joseph is also an active student at Victor Valley College, where he participates in the NextUp program, which provides resources and support for current and former foster youth to help them succeed in higher education. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with purpose, humor, and heart.

In this powerful special presentation of Ramplifi, we begin with an intimate and courageous conversation with Leslie Murillo, a domestic violence survivor and dedicated faculty member at Victor Valley College. Leslie opens her heart to share her journey of resilience, hope, and healing—a story that reminds us why awareness and support matter more than ever.

From there, we turn to the front lines with Corporal Mike Schlegel of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He offers a candid look at what domestic violence calls are like when families are in crisis, providing insight into the challenges law enforcement faces and the critical role they play in protecting victims.

Finally, we sit down with Deputy District Attorney Jessica Bradley from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. Jessica walks us through what happens when a domestic violence case enters the courtroom, shedding light on the legal process and the pursuit of justice for survivors. This episode is a call to awareness, action, and compassion—because every story matters, and every voice can make a difference.



Local Resources for Domestic Violence Victims:

https://da.sbcounty.gov/domestic-violence/

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
TheHotline.org