LTCC Promise Scholar Spotlight: Marissa "Mars" Orizaba

January 14, 2026

Mars Orizaba didn’t always see college in her future. After graduating from South Tahoe High School, she went straight to work full time. School had never felt like her strength, and making money seemed like the right choice.

Everything changed after the loss of her grandmother, who encouraged her to return to school and reminded her, “You’re worth more.” As her grandfather’s health declined, she discovered her true calling: helping others. For the first time, she had a clear reason to pursue an education and a dream of becoming a nurse.

In Fall 2024, she enrolled at LTCC through the Lake Tahoe College Promise Program, alongside her sister. Today, she’s in her second year of a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in math and science, preparing for a future in health care. This January, she’ll begin Barton Health’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program while continuing her studies at LTCC. She and her sister plan to graduate together in Spring 2026, with hopes of transferring to Chico State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Before starting college, she worried she wouldn’t fit in or belong. But with the support of LTCC’s Promise Navigators, she found encouragement, resources, and confidence. That experience inspired her to become a Promise Navigator herself. Now, she helps other students overcome their doubts and find their footing.

Mars hopes her story reaches other young Latinos in the community who may feel college isn’t possible for them.
“I was one of those students,” she says. “Coming here changed my mind.”

Learn more about the Lake Tahoe College Promise Program.